CountyScore

Grady County

Georgia · GA

#111 in Georgia
65.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Grady County, Georgia

Grady County outpaces national median

Grady County's composite score of 71.4 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top 43rd percentile nationwide. This rural southwest Georgia county demonstrates stronger overall livability than most American counties, despite limited income levels.

Slightly above Georgia's average

With a score of 71.4, Grady County ranks just above Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it in the middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties. The county holds its own compared to peers in the region.

Affordability and low taxes shine

Grady County's greatest strength is housing affordability, with a cost score of 82.0 and median home values at just $136,500. The county also boasts a low effective tax rate of 0.98%, freeing up household budgets for other priorities.

Income growth remains the hurdle

The county's income score of 18.8 reflects a median household income of $54,312—significantly below the state average. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality is not yet available, limiting a complete livability assessment.

Best for budget-conscious families

Grady County suits families and retirees seeking an affordable, low-tax lifestyle in rural Georgia. The modest income levels suggest it works best for those whose earnings come from sources outside the county or those with fixed incomes.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax74.7Cost82SafetyComing SoonHealth55.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome18.8Risk47WaterComing Soon
🏛74.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡47
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Grady County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Barrow County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $77,477
Tattnall County
Georgia
65.4
Median income: $52,351
Vanderburgh County
Indiana
65.4
Median income: $60,938
Barber County
Kansas
65.4
Median income: $57,615
Mitchell County
Kansas
65.4
Median income: $58,233

Deep Dives

Grady County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Grady County

via TaxByCounty

Grady's tax rate sits above national average

At 0.980%, Grady County's effective property tax rate exceeds the national median of 0.720%, placing it in the higher tier nationally. The median property tax here is $1,337 annually, well below the national median of $2,690, thanks to a median home value of $136,500 versus the national median of $281,900.

Slightly above average for Georgia

Grady County's 0.980% effective rate ranks above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it one of the higher-taxed counties in the state. The median tax of $1,337 is below the state median of $1,529, reflecting the county's lower home values.

More expensive than surrounding counties

Grady's 0.980% rate is higher than neighboring Habersham County (0.627%) and Hancock County (0.994%), positioning it in the middle of the regional range. Local homeowners pay roughly average property taxes compared to nearby rural counties, with similar median home values in the $130,000–$210,000 range.

Grady homeowners pay roughly $1,337 annually

The median home valued at $136,500 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,337, or about $112 per month. With a mortgage, that obligation rises to $1,492 annually as mortgage escrow accounts often collect taxes upfront.

You may be paying more than necessary

Research shows many Georgia homeowners are overassessed, meaning their homes are valued higher than fair market value for tax purposes. Consider appealing your assessment with the county tax assessor—a successful challenge could lower your annual bill by hundreds of dollars.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Grady County

via CostByCounty

Grady's affordability edges out the nation

Renters in Grady County spend just 17.4% of their income on housing, beating the national average and well below the 30% affordability threshold. With a median household income of $54,312—nearly $20,000 below the U.S. average of $74,755—Grady residents still manage better rent-to-income ratios than most Americans.

Among Georgia's most affordable counties

Grady County ranks as one of Georgia's most affordable housing markets, with a 17.4% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 18.6%. Median rent of $789 is also significantly lower than Georgia's state median of $927.

Grady vs. surrounding counties

Grady's median rent of $789 compares favorably to nearby Haralson County ($884) and Habersham County ($939), making it an attractive option for renters seeking affordability in rural Georgia. Home values in Grady average $136,500, the lowest among its regional peers.

Where Grady incomes go

The typical Grady household earning $54,312 annually spends $789 on rent, leaving substantial income for other expenses. Monthly homeownership costs average $808, making Grady accessible for both renters and buyers on modest budgets.

Consider Grady for rural affordability

If you're weighing relocation costs, Grady County offers some of Georgia's lowest housing expenses without sacrificing quality of life. Compare these figures to your current housing costs—you may find significant savings waiting in rural southwest Georgia.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Grady County

via IncomeByCounty

Grady trails national income benchmark

At $54,312, Grady County's median household income falls 27% below the national median of $74,755. This gap reflects economic patterns common to rural Georgia counties competing in a service-driven national economy.

Below average for Georgia counties

Grady's median income ranks below Georgia's state average of $60,488, placing it in the lower tier of the state's 159 counties. The $6,176 gap suggests limited high-wage employment opportunities locally.

Modest income compared to nearby peers

Grady's $54,312 median sits between Haralson County ($65,016) and Hancock County ($33,182), indicating it occupies a middle ground among neighboring rural counties. Nearby Habersham County ($65,622) shows how proximity doesn't guarantee income parity.

Housing costs remain manageable

Grady's 17.4% rent-to-income ratio—below the national healthy threshold of 30%—suggests housing remains affordable for renters earning the median. A median home value of $136,500 is within reach for households earning the county average.

Start building financial stability now

Grady County households earning the median income should prioritize establishing emergency savings and exploring employer retirement plans to bridge the income gap with state averages. Even modest contributions to tax-advantaged accounts compound significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Grady County

via HealthByCounty

Grady's life expectancy edges above national average

At 74.2 years, Grady County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 73.5 years, a small but meaningful advantage. However, 23.5% of adults report poor or fair health—a sign that extra years don't always mean healthier ones.

Grady ranks mid-tier in Georgia health outcomes

Grady County's 74.2-year life expectancy outpaces Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by nearly a year, placing it in the stronger half of Georgia's 159 counties. Still, the county's 23.5% poor/fair health rate suggests room for improvement in chronic disease management.

Grady outperforms some neighbors on longevity

Grady's 74.2-year life expectancy tops Hancock County (70.7 years) and Haralson County (71.2 years) by significant margins, though it trails healthier neighbors like Harris County (78.8 years). The 2.5-year gap between Grady and Harris reflects differences in healthcare access and community health infrastructure.

Provider shortage leaves gaps in primary care

With 46 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Grady has adequate basic care capacity, but the 17.7% uninsured rate means nearly 1 in 6 residents struggle to afford preventive visits. Mental health providers are even scarcer at 35 per 100,000, making behavioral health support harder to access.

Check your health insurance options today

If you're among Grady's 17.7% uninsured, marketplace plans, Medicaid expansion, or employer coverage may be within reach. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to explore options that fit your family's needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Grady County

via RiskByCounty

Grady's Risk: Above Average Nationally

Grady County scores 52.99 on the composite risk index, placing it well above the national average and marking it as relatively low-risk overall. This score reflects exposure to multiple hazard types, with hurricane risk being particularly elevated at 88.07—significantly higher than most U.S. counties.

Mid-Tier Risk Within Georgia

Grady ranks in the middle range of Georgia counties for overall risk, scoring 52.99 compared to the state average of 39.49. The county's risk profile is shaped primarily by hurricane vulnerability and tornado exposure, both well above state norms.

Riskier Than Rural Neighbors

Grady's composite risk of 52.99 significantly exceeds nearby rural counties like Hancock (11.86) and Harris (20.77), though it remains lower than urbanized Gwinnett (95.42). Among adjacent counties, Grady faces notably higher hurricane and tornado risks.

Hurricane and Tornado Threats Dominate

Grady residents face exceptional hurricane risk at 88.07, plus tornado exposure at 76.08—both among Georgia's highest hazard scores. Wildfire risk is also notable at 62.72, requiring year-round preparedness for severe weather and fire season threats.

Prioritize Wind and Flood Coverage Now

Grady's elevated hurricane and tornado risks make wind and hail damage a real threat to homes and property. Review your homeowners insurance immediately to ensure adequate coverage for wind damage, and consider flood insurance given the county's 40.71 flood risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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