countyscore
44.3
County Score
Income & Jobs 92.6Health 68.4Water Quality 66.6

County Report Card

About Fulton County, Georgia

Urban Pressures Impact National Standings

Fulton County scores 44.3, falling below the national median of 50.0. While it is an economic powerhouse, high costs and risks drag down its overall composite ranking.

Trailing the Georgia State Average

The county's score of 44.3 sits just below the Georgia average of 46.7. Despite hosting the state capital, it faces unique urban challenges that affect the total quality of life.

Strong Incomes and Superior Healthcare

High-paying jobs drive an income score of 92.6, with a median household income of $91,490. Access to world-class medical facilities also results in a strong health score of 68.4.

High Costs and Environmental Risks

Living here is expensive, reflected in a cost score of 4.2 and home values of $431,200. Environmental risks also score a low 4.2, highlighting vulnerability to various hazards.

Best for Ambitious Urban Professionals

Fulton County suits those who want to be at the center of Georgia's economy and culture. It is ideal for high-earners who value proximity to top-tier jobs and medical care.

Score breakdown

Tax45.6Cost4.2Safety55.3Health68.4Schools45.1Income92.6Risk4.2Water66.6Weather57.3
🏛45.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠4.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼92.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤68.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡4.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧66.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤57.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨18.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.6
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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45.4
DeKalb County
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Douglas County
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Clayton County
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Paulding County
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Fayette County
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Gwinnett County
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Deep Dives

Fulton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Fulton County

via TaxByCounty

Fulton's rate aligns with state average

Fulton County's effective tax rate of 0.892% sits just below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it roughly representative of the typical Georgia tax burden. The median property tax of $3,847 exceeds the national median of $2,690, primarily because Fulton homes are valued significantly higher at $431,200.

Near the state average rate

Fulton County's 0.892% effective rate places it just below Georgia's 0.898% average, ranking it in the middle of the state's tax competitiveness. As Georgia's most populous county and home to Atlanta, Fulton's tax structure reflects its urban character and substantial property values.

Higher tax burden than surrounding counties

Fulton County's 0.892% rate exceeds most neighboring counties including Forsyth (0.759%), Floyd (0.804%), and Franklin (0.766%), reflecting Atlanta's urban tax base. Only Glascock County (0.989%) carries a materially higher effective rate in the immediate region.

Atlanta homes bring Atlanta taxes

A typical Fulton County home valued at $431,200 carries an annual property tax of $3,847. With a mortgage, that figure rises to approximately $3,948; without one, homeowners owe around $3,537.

High-value homes warrant reassessment review

Given Fulton County's market volatility and urban property values, overassessment occurs regularly—and appeals can save thousands annually on high-value homes. If your property was last assessed more than a year ago, filing a challenge is often worth the effort.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Fulton County

via CostByCounty

Atlanta's affordability crisis is real

Fulton County renters spend 21.4% of income on housing—the highest ratio in this analysis and 3 percentage points above the national average. At $1,635 monthly rent on a $91,490 median income, Fulton's housing costs squeeze residents harder than most American counties.

Fulton struggles worst among Georgia peers

Fulton County's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio is 2.8 percentage points above Georgia's state average, ranking it as one of the least affordable counties surveyed. Atlanta's booming economy hasn't translated into housing affordability for typical renters.

Fulton's costs dwarf surrounding counties

At $1,635 monthly, Fulton rents are $664 higher than neighboring Forsyth County and $857 more than rural Franklin County. Only Forsyth approaches Fulton's price point, but with nearly double Fulton's median income.

Housing dominates Fulton household budgets

Fulton renters pay $1,635 monthly and homeowners $1,839, consuming 38% of the $91,490 median income when combined. This leaves proportionally less for transportation, childcare, and savings compared to more affordable counties.

Fulton demands high income to thrive

Atlanta's job market and amenities attract migrants, but moving here requires household income exceeding $100,000 to avoid housing-cost strain. Compare Fulton's expenses against Forsyth or Franklin before committing to the region.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Fulton County

via IncomeByCounty

Fulton County exceeds national income bar

At $91,490, Fulton County's median household income surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $16,735—a 22% advantage. This strong regional performance reflects Atlanta's status as a major economic hub attracting corporate headquarters and high-skill employment.

Second-richest county in Georgia

Fulton County's $91,490 income towers 51% above Georgia's state average of $60,488, ranking second only to Forsyth County among all 159 Georgia counties. This top-tier position reflects the concentration of wealth and professional jobs in downtown Atlanta and surrounding business districts.

Clear leader among peers

Fulton County's $91,490 significantly outpaces all measured neighboring counties, with only Forsyth ($138,000) surpassing it—and Forsyth's advantage narrows relative to its peer group. This income strength reflects Atlanta's magnetic pull for corporate and creative talent.

Housing costs rise with opportunity

Fulton County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.4% exceeds most peers, and the median home value of $431,200 reflects Atlanta's competitive real estate market. While incomes support these costs, households here allocate notably more wealth to housing than in lower-cost regions.

Leverage urban advantages for wealth

Fulton County's $91,490 median income and access to Atlanta's financial services ecosystem position households perfectly for diversified wealth building. Maximize employer benefits, invest in index funds and ETFs, and explore real estate appreciation in one of the nation's fastest-growing metro areas.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Fulton County

via CrimeByCounty

Fulton County Outperforms National Safety

Despite its urban density, Fulton's crime rate of 1,016.5 is far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a strong safety score of 98.4.

Fulton Surpasses State Safety Average

The county's 98.4 safety score beats the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate remains approximately 400 points lower than the state average of 1,412.9.

Safest Major Urban Center Nearby

Fulton's crime rate of 1,016.5 is remarkably lower than Floyd County's 2,694.3. It balances high population with effective safety measures across 30 reporting agencies.

Low Violent Crime for Big City

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 186.8 per 100,000, which is nearly half the national average. Property crimes comprise the bulk of incidents at 829.7 per 100,000 residents.

Security Awareness in Fulton County

Using alarm systems and package lockboxes helps residents combat the property crimes most common in the area. Vigilance in high-traffic neighborhoods keeps these numbers trending downward.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Fulton County

via HealthByCounty

Fulton County's life expectancy near national average

At 77.5 years, Fulton County residents live 1.4 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 14.0% poor or fair health rate is significantly better than the national average of 18%, suggesting above-average health outcomes.

Georgia's health leader among large counties

Fulton County's 77.5-year life expectancy exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year average by 4.2 years, marking it as the state's strongest-performing large county. The 14.0% poor or fair health rate stands well below the state baseline.

Clear advantage over peer counties

Fulton County's 77.5-year life expectancy outpaces Floyd County (72.6 years) by 4.9 years and Gordon County (73.1 years) by 4.4 years. The county's 112 primary care providers per 100K significantly exceed Franklin County's 34 per 100K.

Strong coverage, abundant mental health support

Fulton County's uninsured rate of 10.8% beats Georgia's 15.0% average, reflecting better access to employer and marketplace coverage. The county boasts 352 mental health providers per 100K—more than double most peer counties—supporting robust behavioral health care.

Keep Fulton's momentum going

At 10.8% uninsured, Fulton is ahead of the curve—but the remaining uninsured can do better. Explore healthcare.gov to see if you qualify for zero-premium or low-cost plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Fulton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Georgia's Massive and Diverse School Network

Fulton County features a staggering 200 public schools, serving nearly 140,000 students across 14 different districts. The landscape is rich with 120 elementary schools and a significant number of specialized education facilities.

High Investment Amidst Urban Challenges

The county spends $8,516 per pupil, which is more than $1,100 above the Georgia state average. While the 83.4% graduation rate trails the national average, the high level of funding supports a wide array of specialized programs.

Leading Districts and Charter Innovation

Fulton County (89,935 students) and Atlanta Public Schools (50,325 students) are the dominant forces here. Charter schools play a major role, with 37 campuses making up 18.5% of the total school inventory.

Urban Centers and Suburban High Schools

With 108 schools in city locales and 85 in suburbs, the environment is distinctly metropolitan. Westlake High School is the largest campus with 2,461 students, representing the high-energy feel of the county's secondary schools.

Endless Educational Options for Your Family

Fulton County offers unparalleled choice, from traditional suburban schools to innovative city charters. Explore the diverse neighborhoods of this county to find the perfect educational fit for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Fulton County

via RiskByCounty

Fulton County faces the highest risks

Fulton County's composite risk score of 95.80 ranks among the nation's most hazard-exposed counties, earning a "Relatively High" risk rating. This substantial vulnerability across nearly all disaster types makes comprehensive preparedness and insurance coverage non-negotiable for residents.

Georgia's single most at-risk county

Fulton County's score of 95.80 dwarfs Georgia's state average of 39.49, making it the state's clear leader in composite disaster risk. More than double the state average, this extraordinary exposure reflects Fulton's size, infrastructure density, and geographic vulnerabilities.

Dramatically riskier than surrounding counties

Fulton County's 95.80 score towers above every nearby county, including Forsyth (86.13) and Fulton's other neighbors, indicating uniquely severe hazard convergence. This isolation at the top of Georgia's risk rankings demands special attention from residents and policymakers alike.

Floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes threaten

Flood risk reaches a critical 97.68 in Fulton County, while tornado risk peaks at 97.01 and earthquake risk scores 95.99, representing triple threats to safety. These three hazards collectively drive Fulton's status as Georgia's riskiest county.

Enhanced coverage is essential here

Fulton County residents must obtain flood insurance regardless of flood zone status, as claims data shows damages outside traditional flood zones. Simultaneously, ensure earthquake and tornado/windstorm riders supplement your homeowners policy, and consider foundation reinforcement or safe-room installation for maximum protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Fulton County

via WeatherByCounty

Urban Warmth Above National Medians

Fulton County averages 62.3°F annually, keeping it consistently warmer than the national median. This climate is a major driver of the active, year-round lifestyle in the Atlanta metro area.

Matching the Typical Georgia Climate

The county's average temperature of 62.3°F sits just below the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It represents the standard climate profile for the northern half of the state.

Drier Than the State Average

Fulton receives 48.1 inches of rain per year, which is lower than the state average of 51.4 inches. This drier profile can lead to higher water demand during the hot summer months.

Hot Summers and Very Mild Winters

The county endures 54 extreme heat days above 90°F, with July averages reaching 80.1°F. Winters are gentle with an average temperature of 45.7°F and very little recorded snow.

Budget for Summer Cooling

With nearly 60 days of extreme heat, efficient HVAC systems are non-negotiable for Fulton residents. The relatively dry 48.1-inch rain profile makes outdoor event planning more predictable than in neighboring counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Fulton County

via SoilByCounty

Urban soils with acidic roots

Fulton County soils show an average pH of 5.51, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Despite its urban density, the soil maintains a score of 18.8, slightly outperforming the state average soil score of 17.6.

Sandy textures dominate the landscape

The soil composition is 65.8% sand, 19.3% silt, and 14.9% clay. This high sand percentage provides excellent drainage and prevents the heavy compaction often found in higher-clay regions.

Moderate water storage for plants

Organic matter is recorded at 1.32%, trailing the state average of 1.83%. However, an available water capacity of 0.120 in/in is better than the state average, helping plants stay hydrated in metro Atlanta's heat.

Planning for urban water runoff

While specific drainage classes are missing from the data, the high sand content generally suggests rapid water movement. Gardeners should watch for quick drying in raised beds during the peak of summer.

Thriving in the Zone 8a heat

In Hardiness Zone 8a, Fulton County is ideal for growing everything from camellias to summer squash. Utilize the high sand content by planting drought-tolerant varieties or using drip irrigation.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Fulton County

via LawnByCounty

The Metro Atlanta Lawn Struggle

Fulton County’s lawn score of 39.6 reflects a moderately challenging environment that is still better than the state average. In Hardiness Zone 8a, the urban heat island effect can further stress turf that is already facing a 10-point deficit compared to the national median.

Ideal Rainfall Meets Intense Heat

The county averages 48.1 inches of rain annually, which falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch lawn care range. However, 54 extreme heat days and 5,219 growing degree days mean cool-season grasses like fescue will struggle without significant summer shade.

Managing Sandy, Acidic Ground

Fulton's soil is notably sandy at 65.8%, which provides good drainage but requires more frequent watering. With an acidic pH of 5.51, you should apply lime to bring the soil closer to the 6.0-7.0 range required for healthy turf.

Severe Drought Hits the City

Roughly 89% of the county is currently in severe drought, following 26 weeks of dry conditions over the past year. To save your lawn, raise your mower blade height to three inches or more to shade the soil and reduce water loss.

Timing Your Planting in Fulton

Hybrid Bermuda is the local favorite for its durability and high heat tolerance. The spring window opens after March 24th, giving you a long runway to establish roots before the first frost arrives on November 8th.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fulton County's county score?
Fulton County, Georgia has a composite county score of 44.3 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Fulton County rank among counties in Georgia?
Fulton County ranks #102 among all counties in Georgia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Fulton County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Fulton County is $3,847, with an effective tax rate of 0.89%. This earns Fulton County a tax score of 45.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Fulton County?
The median household income in Fulton County, Georgia is $91,490 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Fulton County earns an income score of 92.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Fulton County, Georgia a good place to live?
Fulton County scores 44.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #102 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Fulton County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Fulton County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.