countyscore
51.3
County Score
Property Tax 94.8Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 84.1

County Report Card

About Gilmer County, Georgia

Slightly Better Than the National Median

Gilmer County achieves a composite score of 51.3, edging out the national median of 50.0. It offers a competitive quality of life that aligns well with national standards.

Outperforming Most Georgia Counties

The county's 51.3 score is notably higher than the Georgia average of 46.7. This makes it one of the more desirable northern counties for overall livability.

Minimal Taxes and Healthy Incomes

Taxpayers enjoy a stellar tax score of 94.8, with a low effective rate of 0.384%. Household incomes are also strong, earning a score of 72.7 and a median of $72,542.

Safety and Risk Show Weakness

Public safety lags with a score of 30.9, and the risk score of 31.9 suggests vulnerability to environmental factors. Health scores also remain modest at 41.6.

A Haven for Tax-Savvy Residents

Gilmer County is perfect for those who want to keep more of their earnings while enjoying a mountain lifestyle. It suits retirees and remote workers who prioritize low taxes over urban safety metrics.

Score breakdown

Tax94.8Cost38.5Safety30.9Health41.6Schools46.3Income72.7Risk31.9Water86Weather84.1
🏛94.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠38.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼72.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡30.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤41.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡31.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤84.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱31.5
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Gilmer County

Whether buying or refinancing in Gilmer County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
Compare Gilmer County with Cass County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Cass County
Indiana
Median income: $56,525
51.3
Morris County
Kansas
Median income: $56,716
51.3
Bourbon County
Kentucky
Median income: $56,322
51.3
St. Lawrence County
New York
Median income: $61,900
51.3
Steuben County
New York
Median income: $64,740
51.3
Yates County
New York
Median income: $67,521
51.3
Dare County
North Carolina
Median income: $81,214
51.3
Meigs County
Ohio
Median income: $46,701
51.3

Nearby counties

Fannin County
Georgia
60.1
Pickens County
Georgia
57.5
Murray County
Georgia
61.1
Dawson County
Georgia
56.1
Gordon County
Georgia
43.2
Lumpkin County
Georgia
55.3
Cherokee County
Georgia
52.2
Whitfield County
Georgia
40.2

Deep Dives

Gilmer County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gilmer County

via TaxByCounty

Gilmer offers Georgia's lowest rates

Gilmer County's effective tax rate of 0.384% is among the lowest in the entire nation, running less than half Georgia's state average of 0.898%. Even with median homes valued near the national median at $278,900, Gilmer residents pay only $1,070 in annual property taxes versus the national median of $2,690.

Lowest rate in Georgia by far

Gilmer County's 0.384% effective rate is dramatically below Georgia's 0.898% state average, making it one of the most tax-advantaged counties in the entire state. No other Georgia county comes close to offering this level of property tax relief.

Dramatically lower than all neighbors

Gilmer County's 0.384% rate vastly undercuts every surrounding county—Floyd (0.804%), Gordon (0.705%), and Forsyth (0.759%)—making it an exceptional value. Homeowners in Gilmer pay roughly half what their neighbors pay, despite comparable home values in some cases.

Mountain homes, minimal taxes

A typical Gilmer County home valued at $278,900 generates only $1,070 in annual property taxes—an extraordinary benefit of the county's unique rate structure. With a mortgage, the tax rises to approximately $1,153; without one, homeowners pay roughly $955.

Double-check your assessment advantage

Even with Gilmer's famously low rate, occasional overassessments occur and can be challenged to ensure you're paying the absolute minimum. Since Gilmer's base taxes are already minimal, an appeal might save $100–300 annually—meaningful money in any budget.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gilmer County

via CostByCounty

Gilmer offers below-average housing burden

Gilmer County residents spend just 15.8% of income on rent—the lowest ratio in this analysis and well below the national average. On a $72,542 median income roughly matching national levels, Gilmer delivers genuine affordability.

Gilmer ranks among Georgia's best values

At 15.8%, Gilmer County's rent-to-income ratio beats the state average by 2.8 percentage points, placing it among Georgia's most affordable rental markets. Mountain-county living translates to measurable savings.

Gilmer balances cost and income well

Gilmer's $955 monthly rent sits just $28 above state average and $184 more than Franklin County, while its $72,542 median income exceeds most rural peers. This balance yields the second-best rent-to-income ratio in the group.

Gilmer keeps housing costs manageable

Gilmer renters pay $955 monthly and homeowners $879, totaling roughly 30% of the $72,542 median income toward housing. This leaves substantial income for other priorities.

Gilmer suits balanced-lifestyle relocators

If you want mountain living with reasonable housing costs and don't require major-city amenities, Gilmer County delivers strong value for households earning $60,000–$85,000. You'll save on housing while gaining natural beauty.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gilmer County

via IncomeByCounty

Gilmer County matches national income

At $72,542, Gilmer County's median household income sits just $2,213 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This near-parity positions Gilmer as an economically healthy county relative to national standards, reflecting solid local employment and earning power.

Above Georgia average by 20%

Gilmer County's $72,542 income exceeds Georgia's state median of $60,488 by roughly $12,054, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier of all 159 Georgia counties. This outperformance suggests a prosperous local economy relative to the state baseline.

Regional income leader

Gilmer County's $72,542 leads surrounding counties including Franklin ($52,264), Gordon ($61,997), and Floyd ($62,540). Its per capita income of $34,175 also tops the state average of $31,115, indicating broad-based earning strength across the population.

Affordable housing, manageable rents

Gilmer County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8%—the lowest among all eight counties measured—signals exceptional housing affordability. The median home value of $278,900 remains reasonable for households earning $72,542, creating favorable conditions for homeownership and savings.

Invest surplus income aggressively

Gilmer County's combination of strong incomes and low housing costs creates surplus household cash flow ideal for wealth building. Households here should maximize retirement savings, establish diversified investment portfolios, and consider real estate investment opportunities in this appreciating market.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gilmer County

via CrimeByCounty

Gilmer Stays Below National Average

Gilmer County reports 1,634.0 crimes per 100,000 residents, remaining well under the national rate of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 97.4.

Safety Score Near State Average

The county's safety score of 97.4 is just slightly below the Georgia state average of 97.8. This indicates a typical safety profile for the region.

Comparable Safety to Gordon County

Gilmer's crime rate of 1,634.0 is nearly identical to neighbor Gordon County, which sits at 1,630.2. Both counties offer similar public safety environments for residents.

Property Theft Drives Local Stats

Property crime accounts for 1,361.1 incidents per 100,000, significantly outnumbering violent crimes. The violent crime rate of 272.9 is higher than the Georgia average of 248.1.

Keep Your Mountain Home Secure

Motion-activated lights and secure locks on vacation rentals help prevent local property offenses. Three agencies coordinate to protect the residents and seasonal visitors of Gilmer.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Gilmer County

via HealthByCounty

Gilmer County underperforms on life expectancy

At 75.4 years, Gilmer County residents live 3.5 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. The county's 17.2% poor or fair health rate nearly matches the national average, reflecting moderate health challenges.

Slightly below Georgia's health average

Gilmer County's 75.4-year life expectancy falls 1.9 years short of Georgia's 73.3-year state average. The county faces health disparities that warrant targeted prevention and care access strategies.

Mid-range performance regionally

Gilmer County's 75.4-year life expectancy ranks between Floyd County (72.6 years) and Fulton County (77.5 years). With 44 primary care providers per 100K, the county offers modest access compared to Floyd's 135 per 100K.

High uninsured rates, limited specialists

Gilmer County's uninsured rate of 17.4% ranks among the highest in this group and exceeds Georgia's 15.0% average. With 44 primary care providers and 85 mental health providers per 100K, access to care remains constrained for vulnerable populations.

Affordable coverage options await

With 17.4% uninsured, Gilmer County residents should explore healthcare.gov or local community health centers. Marketplace plans often cost less than expected, and many residents qualify for tax credits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Gilmer County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient Rural Education for 4,000 Students

Gilmer County provides public education through 5 schools, including 3 elementary schools and one central high school. This single-district system serves a total enrollment of 4,113 students.

Beating State Averages in the North

Gilmer County's 90.0% graduation rate sits above both the state average of 88.1% and the national benchmark of 87%. The county operates with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,124, showing strong efficiency compared to the state average.

Unified Under Gilmer County Schools

The Gilmer County district manages all students with an average school size of 823. There are no charter schools in the county, meaning the district is the primary provider of all local academic programming.

A Small-Town and Rural Atmosphere

Most schools are set in rural areas, though the system maintains a central hub in Ellijay. Gilmer High School is the largest campus with 1,174 students, while Clear Creek Elementary provides a smaller environment for 596 students.

Join a Community That Values Graduation

Gilmer County offers a reliable educational path with graduation rates that consistently beat the state average. Look for homes in this beautiful mountain county to give your family a stable, high-performing school environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gilmer County

via RiskByCounty

Gilmer County faces moderate hazard exposure

Gilmer County's composite risk score of 68.10 exceeds the national average and carries a "Relatively Low" rating within its state context. While not in the highest-risk category, the county still faces meaningful exposure to multiple disaster types requiring awareness and preparation.

Below-average risk for Georgia

Gilmer County's score of 68.10 sits notably above Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it in the upper-middle tier of the state's at-risk counties. This above-average exposure distinguishes Gilmer from safer Georgia counties but positions it better than the state's most hazard-prone regions.

Riskier than neighboring Gordon County

Gilmer County (68.10) faces measurably higher disaster risk than adjacent Gordon County (67.21), though the two counties share similar vulnerability patterns across northern Georgia. Both warrant elevation-appropriate preparedness strategies reflecting their foothill and mountain exposure.

Floods and wildfires pose key threats

Gilmer County's flood risk of 75.32 and wildfire risk of 71.28 represent the two most serious natural hazard exposures. Tornado risk also scores notably at 75.25, rounding out a three-hazard vulnerability profile common to Georgia's mountain counties.

Flood and fire coverage matters most

Gilmer County residents in flood-prone valleys and near streams should secure flood insurance, while those in wildland-interface areas need homeowners policies covering wildfire damage and defensible-space maintenance. Review evacuation routes annually and maintain 100-foot defensible space around structures in fire-prone zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gilmer County

via WeatherByCounty

Abundant Rainfall in the Mountains

Gilmer County is one of the wettest spots in the nation, recording 59.4 inches of annual precipitation. This moisture fuels the dense forests and waterfalls typical of the North Georgia mountains.

Far Wetter Than the Average Georgia County

The 59.4 inches of rain in Gilmer far exceeds the Georgia state average of 51.4 inches. This extra rainfall distinguishes it from the drier Piedmont and coastal regions.

A Snowy Exception for Georgia

Gilmer records a notable 2.9 inches of snowfall annually, significantly more than most other counties in the state. This cold-weather influence is a direct result of its higher mountain elevations.

Cold Winters and Heavy Precipitation

Specific heat data is limited, but the 2.9 inches of snow confirms a much harsher winter than the state average. Precipitation remains high year-round, totaling nearly 60 inches.

Gear Up for Rain and Snow

Residents must maintain robust drainage systems to handle the nearly five feet of annual rain. Winter preparations should include snow removal tools and home insulation to manage the 2.9-inch snow average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gilmer County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain soils of Gilmer County

Specific taxonomic data and pH levels for Gilmer County are currently missing from the digital record. Being in the Blue Ridge foothills, these soils typically differ from the coastal plain, often leaning toward higher acidity.

Texture data for the foothills

Specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are not yet available for this area. Given the local terrain, the soil likely contains significant rock fragments and varied mineral content compared to Georgia's flatlands.

Nurturing mountain soil health

Data for organic matter and water capacity are not available, making local soil tests vital for farmers. Enhancing the soil with organic amendments can bridge the gap where natural fertility might be low.

Managing slopes and water flow

No specific drainage or hydrologic group is listed for Gilmer County in the current data. Because of the hilly landscape, managing erosion and monitoring water runoff is critical for any building or farming project.

Cooler harvests in Zone 7b

Gilmer County is in Zone 7b, making it slightly cooler than much of Georgia and famous for its apple production. The unique climate allows for crops that prefer a slightly shorter growing season and cooler nights.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gilmer County

via LawnByCounty

A High-Difficulty Mountain Landscape

Gilmer County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 31.5, the lowest among its neighbors. As one of the few Georgia counties in Hardiness Zone 7b, the cooler climate and rugged terrain require a different approach than the rest of the state.

High Rainfall in the Highlands

The county receives a massive 59.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the state average of 51.3 inches. This excessive moisture can lead to soil erosion and nutrient leaching on the sloped properties common in the area.

Foundational Soil Care in Gilmer

We currently have limited data on Gilmer's specific soil pH and texture, making local testing vital. Given the high rainfall, your soil likely needs amendments to replace minerals washed away by heavy mountain storms.

Resisting Severe Local Drought

Despite high annual rainfall, 100% of the county is currently suffering from severe drought after 25 weeks of dry spells. Installing a rain barrel system can help you capture that heavy mountain rain for use during these increasingly frequent dry periods.

Choosing Grass for Zone 7b

The cooler climate of Zone 7b allows for Tall Fescue, which stays green longer than southern grasses. Since specific frost dates are unavailable for this high-elevation area, monitor local soil thermometers to time your seeding for early autumn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gilmer County's county score?
Gilmer County, Georgia has a composite county score of 51.3 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 Gilmer County rank among counties in Georgia?
Gilmer County ranks #54 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 Gilmer County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Gilmer County is $1,070, with an effective tax rate of 0.38%. This earns Gilmer County a tax score of 94.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gilmer County?
The median household income in Gilmer County, Georgia is $72,542 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gilmer County earns an income score of 72.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gilmer County, Georgia a good place to live?
Gilmer County scores 51.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #54 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Gilmer 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 Gilmer 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.