countyscore
45.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 65.3Disaster Risk 47

County Report Card

About Grady County, Georgia

Below the National Livability Median

Grady County earns a composite score of 43.9, placing it several points below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces more developmental hurdles than the typical American county. It currently sits in the lower half of jurisdictions nationwide for overall quality of life metrics.

Trailing Georgia’s Average Performance

The county’s 43.9 score lags behind the Georgia state average of 46.7. While it maintains a competitive edge in housing costs, it ranks behind many of its neighbors in North and Central Georgia. Local leaders face a gap in closing the nearly 3-point deficit to reach the state baseline.

Exceptional Water Quality and Housing Value

Water quality is a standout feature with a score of 86.0, significantly outperforming most peers. Housing remains highly accessible, as evidenced by a cost score of 59.7 and a median monthly rent of just $789. Homebuyers find value here with a median home price of $136,500.

Healthcare Access and Low Household Incomes

Health outcomes present a significant challenge with a score of 22.5, indicating limited local medical infrastructure. Economic growth also trails the region, as seen in the income score of 23.7 and a median household income of $54,312. These figures suggest a need for expanded professional opportunities and health services.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Rural Living

Grady County best suits individuals prioritizing low monthly expenses and reliable basic utilities over high-end amenities. It offers a quiet environment for those with remote work or retirement income who value affordable homeownership. Families may need to look to nearby hubs for specialized medical care or high-wage careers.

2040608010042.265.344.822.546.630.9478635.5Tax42.2Cost65.3Safety44.8Health22.5Schools46.6Income30.9Risk47Water86Weather35.545.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Grady County DNA

Foverall

How Grady County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Grady County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Health (22.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
42.2-9.799999999999997
Cost
65.3+17.299999999999997
Safety
44.8-10.200000000000003
Health
22.5-27.5
Schools
46.6
Income
30.9-20.1
Risk
47
Water
86+28
Weather
35.5-20.5
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Think property taxes are too high in Grady County?

Many homeowners in Grady County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$152,400

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$779/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$152,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,160/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $58,980/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

15.4

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Grady County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

Safety in Grady County

via CrimeByCounty

Grady County's Low Crime Outlook

Grady County maintains an impressive 98.1 safety score, reflecting a very secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 1,227.2 per 100,000 people sits well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Georgia's Safety Standards

With a safety score of 98.1, Grady County outperforms the Georgia state average of 97.8. This high standing indicates that the county remains one of the more secure regions in the state.

Safe Comparison to Neighbors

Grady County's crime rate of 1,227.2 per 100,000 residents is lower than neighbor Hall County. It balances rural accessibility with a strong, consistent commitment to public safety.

Violent vs Property Crime

Property crime accounts for most local incidents at 1,058.5 per 100,000, while violent crime remains low at 168.7. Residents are roughly twice as safe from violent crime here compared to the national average of 369.8.

Proactive Home Security

Maintaining a safe community starts with personal awareness and modern home security systems. Simple measures like smart doorbells and motion lighting help preserve the county's high safety standards.

Weather & Climate in Grady County

via WeatherByCounty

A Deep South humid subtropical climate

Grady County maintains a warm 66.5°F average annual temperature, which is significantly higher than the national median. The region's humid subtropical climate ensures long, warm seasons.

Warmer than the Georgia average

The county's average temperature sits 2.8°F above the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It is consistently one of the warmer regions in the state.

Lower precipitation than state peers

Grady County receives 50.9 inches of annual precipitation, slightly trailing the state average of 51.4 inches. It remains consistently warmer than its neighbors to the north.

Intense summer heat and snowless winters

Summers are intense with 78 extreme heat days reaching 90°F or more. Winters are very mild with a 51.9°F average and zero recorded snowfall.

Prepare for nearly 80 heat days

Residents should prioritize high-efficiency HVAC systems to manage 78 days of extreme heat. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for the mild 49.7°F January period.

Soil Quality in Grady County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Sands in Grady County

The soil here maintains an average pH of 5.27, which is notably more acidic than the national median of 6.5. While taxonomic data is currently limited, the acidity matches the broader South Georgia profile. You will likely need lime to balance this soil for most traditional garden crops.

A Dominant Sandy Foundation

Grady's soil is 80.0% sand, leaving just 11.6% silt and 8.3% clay. This high sand content ensures the ground is easy to till and work by hand. However, this mix offers very little natural nutrient retention, requiring frequent fertilization.

Managing Low Water Retention

With organic matter at 1.30%, the county falls below the state average of 1.83%. The available water capacity is also low at 0.095 in/in, compared to the Georgia average of 0.114. Gardeners should focus on heavy mulching to keep moisture in the root zone.

Fast Drainage for Coastal Plains

While specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not listed, the 80% sand content suggests very rapid water movement. This minimizes the risk of root rot but increases the need for consistent irrigation. Building soil structure is key to slowing down the water cycle here.

Warm-Season Success in Zone 9a

Grady County sits in the warm USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, allowing for long growing seasons. This soil and climate combo is ideal for pecans, blueberries, and heat-tolerant citrus. Start your garden early in the spring to take full advantage of the southern Georgia sun.

Lawn Care in Grady County

via LawnByCounty

Grady County Lawns Face Tough Growing Conditions

Grady County's lawn difficulty score is 25.8, making it much harder to maintain than the national median of 50.0. This Zone 9a region presents significant challenges compared to the Georgia state average of 35.8.

Extreme Heat Defines the Mowing Season

Local lawns face 78 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly higher than the state average of 65. While the 50.9 inches of annual rain is typical for Georgia, the 6,342 growing degree days demand a constant maintenance and mowing schedule.

Sandy Soil Requires Constant Nutrient Management

The local soil is highly sandy at 80.0%, which leads to rapid drainage and potential nutrient loss. With a pH of 5.27, homeowners must add lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for healthy turf.

Severe Drought Grips the Entire County

Drought is a persistent threat, with 100.0% of the county currently experiencing severe conditions. Lawns have endured 29 weeks of drought over the past year, making deep, infrequent watering essential for root survival.

Warm-Season Grasses Thrive in Zone 9a

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are excellent choices for this warm climate. To avoid damage, ensure your seeding or sodding occurs after the last spring frost on March 11.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Grady County's county score?
Grady County, Georgia has a composite county score of 45.8 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 Grady County rank among counties in Georgia?
Grady County ranks #93 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 Grady County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Grady County is $1,386, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Grady County a tax score of 42.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Grady County?
The median household income in Grady County, Georgia is $58,980 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Grady County earns an income score of 30.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Grady County, Georgia a good place to live?
Grady County scores 45.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #93 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Grady 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 Grady County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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