countyscore
51.1
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.1Property Tax 64.7Disaster Risk 62.8

County Report Card

About Greene County, Georgia

Outperforming the National Median

Greene County secures a composite score of 51.1, edging out the national median score of 50.0. This performance suggests a balanced quality of life that meets or exceeds typical American standards. It represents a solid choice for residents seeking a stable environment compared to the broader U.S. landscape.

A Leader in the Peach State

Greene County stands comfortably above the Georgia state average of 46.7. Its 51.1 score reflects a high standing among the state's 159 counties, largely driven by economic strength. This position makes it one of the more desirable rural-suburban transition areas in the state.

High Incomes and Low Property Taxes

Economic prosperity is a major draw, reflected in an income score of 88.1 and a median household income of $84,530. Homeowners also benefit from a very low tax burden, with an effective rate of 0.685% and a tax score of 64.7. These factors contribute to high disposable income for local residents.

Water Infrastructure and Rising Costs

The county faces a critical infrastructure challenge with a low water score of 16.9. Additionally, high demand has driven up real estate prices, resulting in a low cost score of 31.6 and a median home value of $342,200. These metrics highlight a growing affordability gap for service workers and new residents.

Best for High-Earning Homeowners

Greene County is a premier destination for affluent families and retirees who prioritize low taxes and high community safety. The financial profile favors those who can navigate the higher cost of entry in exchange for a high-income environment. It is less suited for those reliant on municipal water systems without secondary filtration or local well-support.

2040608010064.731.652.445.158.188.162.816.957.5Tax64.7Cost31.6Safety52.4Health45.1Schools58.1Income88.1Risk62.8Water16.9Weather57.551.1/100
This county
National avg
3 above average2 below average

Greene County DNA

Foverall

How Greene County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Greene County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (88.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (16.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64.7+12.700000000000003
Cost
31.6-16.4
Safety
52.4
Health
45.1
Schools
58.1
Income
88.1+37.099999999999994
Risk
62.8+15.799999999999997
Water
16.9-41.1
Weather
57.5
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$342,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$936/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$342,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$37,440/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $84,530/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

30.6

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

Taliaferro County
Georgia
51.7
Morgan County
Georgia
55.7
Oglethorpe County
Georgia
53.4
Oconee County
Georgia
54.7
Putnam County
Georgia
43.8
Hancock County
Georgia
51.8
Clarke County
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29.3
Wilkes County
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39.7

Deep Dives

Greene County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Greene County

via TaxByCounty

Greene's rate is low, but homes are pricey

At 0.685%, Greene County's effective property tax rate ranks well below the national median of 0.720%, making it a tax-friendly jurisdiction. However, the median home value of $342,200 exceeds the national median of $281,900, so the median tax of $2,343 actually exceeds the national median of $2,690 due to higher property values.

Among the lowest-taxed in Georgia

Greene County's 0.685% effective rate ranks significantly below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it in the bottom tier for tax burden. At $2,343 in median property tax, however, it exceeds the state median of $1,529 because homes here are substantially more valuable.

Lowest rate in the regional peer group

Greene County's 0.685% effective rate is the lowest among comparable counties in the region, undershooting both Grady (0.980%) and Hall County (0.760%). Despite the favorable rate, median home values around $342,000 keep absolute tax bills competitive with or above neighboring counties.

Greene homeowners pay $2,343 annually

The median home valued at $342,200 generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,343, or roughly $195 per month. With a mortgage, that obligation climbs to $2,572 annually as escrow accounts prepay taxes.

Appeal your assessment if value seems high

Many Georgia homeowners, especially those in appreciating markets like Greene County, find their assessments outpace true market value. Filing an appeal with the county tax assessor costs nothing and could save hundreds annually if your home is overvalued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Greene County

via CostByCounty

Greene offers exceptional affordability

At just 13.3% of income spent on rent, Greene County households enjoy some of the nation's best housing affordability. With a median income of $84,530—well above the U.S. average of $74,755—Greene residents have both strong earning power and comfortable housing costs.

Georgia's affordability sweet spot

Greene County ranks among Georgia's top performers for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 13.3% significantly better than the state average of 18.6%. This combination of moderate rents and above-average incomes makes Greene stand out across Georgia's 159 counties.

Greene leads regional affordability

Greene's median rent of $936 is nearly identical to neighboring Hall County ($1,247) but serves residents earning substantially more. Home values of $342,200 reflect a robust housing market with genuine affordability built in.

Strong income shields housing costs

Greene households earning a median of $84,530 annually allocate just $936 in monthly rent—leaving $6,600+ for other expenses. Homeowners pay an average of $1,055 monthly, well-managed by local incomes.

Greene combines growth with affordability

Relocating to Greene County puts you in a rare position: strong local incomes paired with moderate housing costs. Use these figures as your baseline—you're likely looking at a cost-of-living improvement versus metro Atlanta or the nation's priciest markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Greene County

via IncomeByCounty

Greene outpaces national income standard

Greene County's median household income of $84,530 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 13%, positioning it among higher-earning U.S. counties. The county's per capita income of $56,767 nearly doubles the state average of $31,115.

Top tier in Georgia wealth

Greene ranks well above Georgia's state median of $60,488, with an income advantage of $24,042 per household. This places Greene in Georgia's upper-income county echelon.

Most affluent in its regional peer group

Greene's $84,530 median household income significantly outpaces neighboring Hancock County ($33,182) and competes closely with Harris County ($89,184) and Gwinnett County ($84,823). The county stands as a wealth hub in its region.

Strong income supports lifestyle choices

Greene's 13.3% rent-to-income ratio is well below the 30% affordability threshold, indicating renters have substantial discretionary income. The median home value of $342,200 aligns comfortably with household earning capacity.

Leverage high income for wealth building

Greene County households earning above the state median should prioritize diversified investment strategies, including 401(k) maximization and taxable brokerage accounts. Higher incomes create opportunity for accelerated wealth accumulation through consistent, disciplined investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Greene County

via CrimeByCounty

Greene County National Safety Profile

Greene County earns a high 98.3 safety score, signaling a secure community for its citizens. Its total crime rate of 1,067.3 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

A State Leader in Safety

The county's safety score of 98.3 exceeds the state average of 97.8, positioning it as a safe haven within Georgia. Just two reporting agencies manage this district, showcasing efficient local law enforcement.

Quiet Streets Compared to Neighbors

At 1,067.3 crimes per 100,000, Greene County is safer than its neighbors like Gwinnett or Hall. It provides a peaceful alternative to the higher-density areas located nearby.

Analyzing Local Crime Types

Property crime sits at 783.4 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 283.9. While violent crime is higher than in Grady, it still remains lower than the national benchmark of 369.8.

Securing Your Greene County Home

High safety scores are no reason for complacency in home security. Investing in alarm systems and neighborhood watch programs ensures these low crime rates continue over time.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Greene County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education with Charter Influence

Greene County serves 2,589 students through a focused network of five public schools. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools. A significant portion of this landscape is defined by charter institutions, which make up 40% of the county's schools.

Competitive Performance and Robust Spending

The county reports an 87.0% graduation rate, perfectly matching the national average. Greene County invests $9,458 per pupil, which is well above the Georgia state average of $7,405. This higher level of funding supports a composite school score of 57.3, outperforming the state median.

Lake Oconee Charter Leads Enrollment

The Greene County district manages all local schools, though charter schools play a dominant role in the community. Lake Oconee Charter is the largest campus in the county, enrolling 892 students across grades PK-8. This reflects a strong local preference for charter-based primary education.

Rural Roots with Modern School Sizes

Schools here are primarily rural, with three campuses located in the countryside and two in town settings. The average school size is 518 students, creating an intimate learning environment compared to larger Georgia districts. While Lake Oconee Charter is the largest, Lake Oconee Charter High remains the smallest with 274 students.

Education Drives Greene County Real Estate

High per-pupil spending and strong school scores make Greene County a top choice for relocating families. Residential areas near Lake Oconee are particularly popular due to their proximity to highly-rated charter schools. Consider the impact of these educational assets when evaluating your next home purchase.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Greene County

via RiskByCounty

Greene County: Well Below National Risk

Greene County scores 37.25 on the composite risk index, placing it in the very low category and below the national average. This favorable rating reflects moderate exposure across most hazard types, with no single catastrophic risk dominating the county.

Among Georgia's Safest Counties

Greene ranks among Georgia's lowest-risk counties with a score of 37.25, slightly below the state average of 39.49. The county's balanced risk profile makes it one of the more resilient areas in the state.

Safer Than Most Regional Peers

Greene's score of 37.25 is significantly lower than nearby Gwinnett (95.42) and Hall (84.26), though comparable to Habersham (38.90). It stands as one of the safest counties in its region.

Earthquake Risk Edges Above Peers

Greene's most notable hazard is earthquake risk at 58.59, elevated compared to many neighboring counties but still manageable. Flood and wildfire risks are moderate at 54.42 and 57.57 respectively, requiring standard seasonal preparedness.

Standard Coverage Sufficient for Greene

Greene's very low risk profile means homeowners can rely on standard insurance policies without premium add-ons for catastrophic hazards. Still, review coverage annually and maintain basic flood and wind protections as responsible practice.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Greene County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Faces Significant Challenges

Greene County receives a Grade F for drinking water, having recorded 41 health violations over the past five years. The county's violation rate of 163.6 per 100,000 people exceeds the Georgia state average of 152.5. These numbers indicate consistent difficulty in meeting federal health-based safety standards.

High Impairment Levels Found in Greene County Watersheds

The 2022 EPA assessment reveals that 61.3% of the county's water bodies are impaired, well above the state average of 48.4%. Top causes for these failures include poor fish bioassessments, fecal coliform, and pH imbalances. These metrics suggest significant ecological stress on local aquatic environments.

Active Monitoring Tracks Nutrients and Organics

Data collection is active across 15 monitoring sites, yielding 13,441 measurements in the last five years. The program focuses on physical properties, nutrients, and organic compounds to assess environmental impact. This data footprint provides essential context for the county's ongoing water quality struggles.

Oconee River Flow Drops Significantly Below Average

The USGS gauge on the Oconee River near Penfield currently records a discharge of 377 cfs. This is only 32% of its long-term mean flow of 1,178 cfs, indicating much drier than typical conditions. Such low flows can negatively affect both aquatic habitat and the concentration of pollutants.

Prioritize Filtration and Awareness of Local Water Quality

Given the Grade F compliance rating, residents may want to consider certified home filtration systems for drinking water. Low river flows and high impairment levels mean contaminants like fecal coliform may be more concentrated in local streams. Stay informed on public notices from local utilities regarding health-based violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Greene County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild temperatures in the Piedmont

Greene County averages 61.9°F annually, staying warmer than the national median. This humid subtropical region experiences moderate seasonal shifts.

Cooler than the state average

The county's 61.9°F average is 1.8°F cooler than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It provides a slightly more temperate climate than the state's southern coastal plain.

Drier than typical Georgia counties

With 46.1 inches of annual precipitation, Greene County is notably drier than the state average of 51.4 inches. It sees less rainfall than many of its immediate neighbors.

Hot summers and crisp winters

July averages nearly 80°F with 59 days of extreme heat over 90°F. Winters are cool but manageable, averaging 45.3°F during the December to February months.

Manage water use and summer cooling

Homeowners should plan for nearly two months of extreme heat days annually. Given the lower rainfall of 46.1 inches, efficient lawn irrigation is essential.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Greene County

via SoilByCounty

Greene's Classic Ultisol Identity

Dominated by the Ultisols order, Greene County features a pH of 5.37. This is significantly more acidic than the national 6.5 median but slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.26. These 'red clay' soils are common throughout the Piedmont region.

Sandy Loam with Grit

The dominant texture here is a sandy loam, composed of 63.1% sand, 22.8% silt, and 14.1% clay. This balance provides a more stable structure than pure sand while remaining easier to drain than heavy clay. It offers a moderate level of workability for local farmers.

Boosting Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter sits at a low 0.93%, which is about half the Georgia average of 1.83%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.131 in/in is higher than the state average of 0.114. This means the soil holds onto moisture well even if nutrients are sparse.

Stable Drainage and Runoff

Greene's soil is classified as moderately well drained and belongs to hydrologic group B. This group indicates a moderate infiltration rate when thoroughly wet, which is good for construction and gardening alike. It provides a reliable foundation that doesn't easily waterlog.

Diverse Planting in Zone 8b

Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, Greene County supports a wide variety of perennials and summer annuals. The sandy loam texture is perfect for root crops and roses if the low organic matter is supplemented. Get outside and start a compost pile to enrich your Piedmont soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Greene County

via LawnByCounty

Greene County Lawns Outperform the State Average

Greene County earns a lawn difficulty score of 40.8, making it easier to manage than the Georgia average of 35.8. However, it still trails the national median score of 50.0 due to regional climate stressors.

Balanced Rain and Managed Heat Levels

The county receives 46.1 inches of rain annually, which falls within the 30-50 inch ideal range for most turf. With 59 extreme heat days, the environment is slightly milder than the state average of 65 days.

Sandy Loam Provides a Solid Base

The soil is classified as a sandy loam with 63.1% sand, offering moderate drainage for healthy roots. Its 5.37 pH level is acidic, suggesting that a lime application is needed to reach the 6.0-7.0 ideal.

Severe Drought Impacts Nearly All Lawns

Currently, 99.4% of the county is in a severe drought state, having faced 25 dry weeks over the past year. Using smart irrigation controllers can help maintain lawn health while conserving limited water resources.

Spring Planting Begins in Late March

Zone 8b gardeners should target planting after the last frost on March 27 for the best results. Zoysia and Bermuda grass are the most resilient options for this specific climate and soil profile.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greene County's county score?
Greene County, Georgia has a composite county score of 51.1 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 Greene County rank among counties in Georgia?
Greene County ranks #55 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 Greene County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Greene County is $2,343, with an effective tax rate of 0.68%. This earns Greene County a tax score of 64.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Greene County?
The median household income in Greene County, Georgia is $84,530 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Greene County earns an income score of 88.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Greene County, Georgia a good place to live?
Greene County scores 51.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #55 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Greene 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 Greene 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.