countyscore
43.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 69.7Property Tax 62.5

County Report Card

About Gordon County, Georgia

Gordon County Below National Median

Gordon County earns a 43.2 composite score, placing it below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a mix of strong natural resources and social challenges.

Trailing the Georgia State Average

The county's 43.2 score is lower than the Georgia state average of 46.7. It ranks in the middle to lower tier of counties across the state for overall livability.

Excellent Water and Manageable Taxes

The county's water score of 86.0 is its highest mark, ensuring quality infrastructure. Residents also benefit from a tax score of 62.5, keeping more income in their pockets.

Health and Safety Need Improvement

Healthcare access is the county's lowest score at 16.6, followed by safety at 31.0. These areas represent significant opportunities for community development.

Suits Practical, Resource-Minded Families

Gordon County is a solid option for those who prioritize water quality and moderate tax rates. It is best for residents who are comfortable with a standard cost of living and median incomes of $61,997.

2040608010062.540.53116.658.845.332.88669.7Tax62.5Cost40.5Safety31Health16.6Schools58.8Income45.3Risk32.8Water86Weather69.743.2/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Gordon County DNA

Foverall

How Gordon County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gordon County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Health (16.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
62.5+10.5
Cost
40.5
Safety
31-24
Health
16.6-33.4
Schools
58.8
Income
45.3
Risk
32.8-14.200000000000003
Water
86+28
Weather
69.7+13.700000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Gordon County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$205,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$872/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$205,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$34,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $61,997/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.7

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

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
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Nearby counties

Whitfield County
Georgia
40.2
Murray County
Georgia
61.1
Bartow County
Georgia
44.5
Pickens County
Georgia
57.5
Gilmer County
Georgia
51.3
Floyd County
Georgia
38.1
Walker County
Georgia
55
Catoosa County
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47.3

Deep Dives

Gordon County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Gordon County

via TaxByCounty

Gordon County offers solid tax value

Gordon County's effective tax rate of 0.705% is below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, positioning it favorably among U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,450 sits well below the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a moderate rate and reasonable home values.

Below state average, competitive overall

Gordon County's 0.705% effective rate runs comfortably below Georgia's 0.898% state average, placing it among the state's more affordable counties for property owners. With a median tax of $1,450 versus Georgia's median of $1,529, Gordon delivers slightly better value than the typical Georgia county.

Middle ground for Northwest Georgia

Gordon County's 0.705% rate sits between Gilmer's exceptional 0.384% and Floyd's 0.804%, offering solid middle-ground value in Northwest Georgia. It undercuts Fulton County (0.892%) and most other urban areas while remaining slightly higher than the region's tax leaders.

Modest homes, moderate taxes

A typical Gordon County home valued at $205,600 generates $1,450 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that cost rises to approximately $1,667; without one, homeowners pay roughly $1,057.

Simple appeal process could save money

Gordon County homeowners should verify that their assessments match recent comparable sales in the area; overvaluations do occur and appeals are straightforward. Even modest homes can be overassessed, and challenging your valuation annually takes only minutes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Gordon County

via CostByCounty

Gordon delivers sub-national affordability

Gordon County renters spend 16.9% of income on housing—0.4 percentage points below the national average—making it one of the most affordable counties in this analysis. On a $61,997 median income, Gordon achieves strong housing affordability.

Gordon ranks among Georgia's best buys

Gordon County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average by 1.7 percentage points, placing it in the upper tier of Georgia's affordable housing markets. Mountain-region living delivers measurable savings.

Gordon balances modest rent with modest income

At $872 monthly, Gordon rents are $55 below the state average and just $95 more than the cheapest option (Franklin County). Gordon's $61,997 median income is the lowest in this comparison, yet its 16.9% ratio proves affordability persists.

Gordon keeps housing manageable despite modest earnings

Gordon renters pay $872 monthly and homeowners $961, totaling 34% of the $61,997 median income toward housing. This keeps costs proportionally controlled even on the survey's lower income levels.

Gordon suits budget-conscious rural seekers

If your household earns $55,000–$70,000 and values affordable housing over urban amenities, Gordon County delivers real affordability without requiring major income. You'll stretch dollars in Appalachia's foothills.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Gordon County

via IncomeByCounty

Gordon County trails national income standard

At $61,997, Gordon County's median household income falls $12,758 below the U.S. median of $74,755—a 17% shortfall. This below-average performance reflects a county economy with fewer high-wage opportunities than the national mainstream.

Just above Georgia's state average

Gordon County's $61,997 income marginally exceeds Georgia's state median of $60,488 by $1,509, placing it slightly above the 50th percentile among all 159 Georgia counties. This positions Gordon as an average performer regionally.

Middling among regional peers

At $61,997, Gordon County ranks between Gilmer ($72,542) and Franklin ($52,264), earning slightly more than Floyd ($62,540) but less than Glascock ($55,250). Its per capita income of $31,642 closely mirrors the state average of $31,115.

Rent costs remain reasonable

Gordon County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, and the median home value of $205,600 aligns appropriately with household earnings. Housing remains accessible for working families throughout the county.

Establish consistent saving habits

Gordon County households earning $61,997 have modest surplus available for savings and investment after expenses. Start with automatic payroll deductions for retirement accounts and build gradually into diversified investments—compound growth rewards patience and consistency.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Gordon County

via CrimeByCounty

Gordon County Stays Relatively Safe

Gordon County's crime rate of 1,630.2 is well below the national average of 2,385.5. It earns a solid safety score of 97.4.

Slightly Below the State Safety Average

The county's 97.4 safety score is just below the Georgia average of 97.8. However, its total crime rate is slightly higher than the state's average of 1,412.9.

Safer Alternative to Floyd County

Gordon County is significantly safer than neighboring Floyd County, which has a much higher rate of 2,694.3. It maintains a very similar safety profile to Gilmer County.

Property Crimes Outnumber Violent Events

Property crime sits at 1,420.8 per 100,000 residents, making it the primary safety issue. The violent crime rate of 209.4 is comfortably below the state average of 248.1.

Simple Steps for a Safer Home

Locking windows and keeping valuables out of sight in vehicles helps prevent local thefts. Four reporting agencies actively patrol to keep Gordon County property secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Gordon County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse Districts Serving 10,000 Students

Gordon County supports 15 public schools, including 8 elementary and 3 high schools. Two separate districts manage the county's total enrollment of 10,556 students.

Outstanding Graduation at a Great Value

The county features a remarkable 95.8% graduation rate, nearly 9 points above the national average. Remarkably, they achieve this with a per-pupil expenditure of only $6,501, showing incredible efficiency compared to the state average of $7,405.

Gordon County and Calhoun City Schools

The Gordon County district is the larger of the two with 6,421 students, while the Calhoun City district serves 4,135. There are currently no charter schools in operation within the county's borders.

A Mix of Town and Country Schools

Locales are split between town and rural settings, with an average school size of 704 students. Calhoun High School is the largest in the area, serving 1,274 students in a central town location.

High-Performance Living in North Georgia

If you are looking for top-tier graduation rates and efficient school districts, Gordon County is an excellent choice. Discover your next home in a community that prides itself on getting students to the finish line.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Gordon County

via RiskByCounty

Gordon County faces moderate hazard risks

Gordon County's composite risk score of 67.21 exceeds the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating within Georgia's broader context. The county faces meaningful exposure across several disaster types, though not at the severity levels seen in state leaders like Fulton County.

Above average risk for Georgia

Gordon County's score of 67.21 surpasses Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it in the upper-middle range of the state's at-risk counties. This above-average exposure reflects the county's location in north Georgia's hazard-prone foothills and mountains.

Comparable to nearby Gilmer County

Gordon County (67.21) and adjacent Gilmer County (68.10) face nearly identical composite disaster risks, suggesting shared vulnerability patterns across this region. Both counties warrant similar preparedness approaches tailored to foothills and mountain hazard profiles.

Tornadoes and earthquakes top the list

Gordon County's tornado risk scores 76.97, making severe thunderstorm preparedness essential, while earthquake risk reaches 79.39 reflecting regional seismic potential. Flood risk at 62.05 rounds out the three primary hazards affecting the county.

Tornado and earthquake coverage vital

Gordon County residents should add tornado/windstorm and earthquake riders to standard homeowners policies, as these hazards drive the county's above-average risk profile. Families living in mobile homes or older structures should prioritize safe-room installation or relocation to safer housing in this tornado-prone zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Gordon County

via WaterByCounty

Gordon County Achieves Top Water Grade

Gordon County earns an A grade for drinking water, reporting zero health violations over the past five years. This performance is excellent compared to the state average violation rate of 152.5 per 100,000 residents.

Two-Thirds of Water Bodies Impaired

About 65.3% of the 49 assessed water bodies in Gordon County are classified as impaired in the 2022 cycle. Fecal coliform and PCBs in fish tissue are the leading causes for these environmental failures, exceeding the state average of 48.4%.

Active Monitoring Across Fifteen Sites

Fifteen monitoring sites have recorded 5,315 measurements over the last five years in Gordon County. The most-measured characteristic groups include physical data, nutrients, and organic substances.

Oostanaula River Flowing Near Record Lows

The Oostanaula River at Resaca is currently flowing at 670 cfs, which is just 24% of its typical long-term mean. This significantly low discharge indicates a substantial deficit in the 1,602 square mile drainage area.

Conservation Vital During Low Flows

With 65.3% of watersheds impaired by bacteria and PCBs, residents should follow all local fish consumption warnings. The current river flow at only 24% of normal also suggests that water conservation is critical to maintain adequate source water.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Gordon County

via WeatherByCounty

High Rainfall in the Northern Interior

Gordon County records 52.4 inches of annual precipitation, exceeding the national median for rainfall. This creates a humid environment that supports the region's diverse agricultural production.

Aligned with State Rainfall Averages

The 52.4 inches of rain in Gordon is nearly identical to the Georgia state average of 51.4 inches. It represents the typical moisture levels expected in the northern part of the state.

Significant Snowfall Compared to Peers

Gordon averages 1.8 inches of snowfall annually, which is much higher than many neighboring counties to the south. This suggests more frequent exposure to cold winter air masses.

Wet Seasons and Winter Chills

While heat data is limited, the 1.8 inches of snow indicates a definitive winter season not found in southern Georgia. The 52.4 inches of rain are consistent across the seasons, preventing dry spells.

Plan for Mixed Winter Weather

Homeowners should be ready for the 1.8 inches of snow, which can cause occasional travel delays. Managing the 52.4 inches of annual rain requires well-maintained gutters and basement moisture controls.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Gordon County

via SoilByCounty

Superior soil quality in Gordon

Gordon County features an impressive soil score of 32.1, which is nearly double the state average of 17.6. The dominant soils are Ultisols with a pH of 5.36, typical for the region but slightly higher than the state average.

The strength of silty loam

The soil is a gravelly fine sandy loam made of 37.6% sand, 44.3% silt, and 17.9% clay. This balanced composition offers excellent workability and enough silt to maintain a high-quality structure for roots.

High water capacity for farming

The organic matter content is 1.70%, very close to the state average of 1.83%. More impressively, the available water capacity is 0.161 in/in, which is 41% higher than the Georgia average, making it excellent for crop resilience.

Ideal drainage for building and planting

These soils are well-drained and belong to Hydrologic Group B, indicating a moderate rate of water transmission. This makes Gordon County's land highly versatile for both intensive agriculture and residential development.

Abundant growth in Zone 8a

In Zone 8a, Gordon County’s superior water capacity and soil score provide a fantastic foundation for gardening. Start your vegetable patch with confidence, knowing your soil is some of the best in the state.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Gordon County

via LawnByCounty

Gordon County's Balanced Growing Conditions

Gordon County features a lawn score of 46.6, which is significantly better than the Georgia average and approaches the national median. Homeowners in this Zone 8a region find it easier to maintain green space than many of their southern neighbors.

Generous Rain for Georgia Turf

The county receives 52.4 inches of rain annually, which provides a strong baseline for growth without the extreme excess seen in the mountains. This rainfall supports a healthy growing season, though irrigation is still needed during the peak of summer.

Working with Gravelly Sandy Loam

The soil is a gravelly fine sandy loam with a pH of 5.36, indicating a need for lime to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal. While it is well-drained, the 17.9% clay content helps hold onto some nutrients that would otherwise wash through the sand.

Navigating 100% Severe Drought

Despite only 15 weeks of drought in the past year, the entire county is currently facing severe drought levels. Deep-soaking your lawn once a week is more effective than daily light sprinkling for building drought-hardy root systems.

Reliable Grass Choices for Gordon

Bermuda grass is highly recommended for the well-drained sandy loam found throughout the county. Wait for consistent warm weather following the spring frost season to ensure your new sod or seed takes hold successfully.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gordon County's county score?
Gordon County, Georgia has a composite county score of 43.2 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 Gordon County rank among counties in Georgia?
Gordon County ranks #113 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 Gordon County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Gordon County is $1,450, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Gordon County a tax score of 62.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gordon County?
The median household income in Gordon County, Georgia is $61,997 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gordon County earns an income score of 45.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gordon County, Georgia a good place to live?
Gordon County scores 43.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #113 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Gordon 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 Gordon County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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