35.6
County Score
Income & Jobs 88.4Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 75.2

County Report Card

About Gwinnett County, Georgia

Struggling with National Cost and Risk

Gwinnett County’s composite score of 35.6 falls well below the national median of 50.0. This ranking is heavily suppressed by extreme scores in environmental risk and affordability compared to the rest of the country. Despite high individual incomes, the county ranks in the bottom third of U.S. counties for overall livability metrics.

Underperforming the Georgia State Average

While it is an economic powerhouse, Gwinnett’s score of 35.6 is significantly lower than the Georgia average of 46.7. High density and rising prices create a profile that differs sharply from the state's rural and suburban norms. It faces steeper challenges in sustainability and schools compared to its regional neighbors.

High Incomes and Pristine Water

Economic vitality is the county's core strength, earning an income score of 88.4 with a median household income of $84,823. Public health is supported by a strong water score of 86.0 and a respectable health score of 55.6. These assets make it a destination for high-earning professionals.

Severe Affordability and Environmental Risk

Cost of living is a major deterrent, with a score of 5.1 and median rents reaching $1,713 per month. Furthermore, the risk score of 4.6 indicates high vulnerability to environmental or systemic stressors. School performance scores also lag at 25.5, suggesting a mismatch between high taxes and educational outcomes.

Best for Urban-Minded Professionals

Gwinnett County is tailored for high-income earners who prioritize career access and regional influence over low living costs. It suits those who can afford premium housing and value reliable water and health services. It is less ideal for families seeking top-tier school districts or a low-stress, low-risk environment.

2040608010039.85.13555.625.588.44.68675.2Tax39.8Cost5.1Safety35Health55.6Schools25.5Income88.4Risk4.6Water86Weather75.235.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Gwinnett County DNA

Foverall

How Gwinnett County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Gwinnett County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (88.4/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (5.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
39.8-12.200000000000003
Cost
5.1-42.9
Safety
35-20
Health
55.6
Schools
25.5-28.5
Income
88.4+37.400000000000006
Risk
4.6-42.4
Water
86+28
Weather
75.2+19.200000000000003
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Gwinnett County

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

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$345,700

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,713/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$345,700/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$68,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $84,823/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.3

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Gwinnett County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Gwinnett County

via TaxByCounty

Gwinnett's rate is high, taxes are highest

At 0.978%, Gwinnett County's effective property tax rate ranks well above the national median of 0.720%, placing it among the nation's higher-taxed counties. The median property tax of $3,381 significantly exceeds the national median of $2,690, reflecting both a high rate and above-median home values of $345,700.

Second-highest tax burden in Georgia

Gwinnett County's 0.978% effective rate ranks near the top in Georgia, exceeding the state average of 0.898% by a wide margin. The median tax of $3,381 is more than double Georgia's state median of $1,529, making it one of the most expensive counties for property tax in the state.

Significantly higher than most neighbors

Gwinnett's 0.978% rate and $3,381 median tax far exceed comparable counties like Hall (0.760%, $2,382) and Harris (0.886%, $2,470). The county's higher home values and elevated tax rate combine to create the highest annual tax bill among its peer group.

Gwinnett homeowners pay $3,381 annually

The median home valued at $345,700 generates an estimated annual property tax of $3,381, or about $282 per month. With a mortgage, that obligation rises to $3,568 annually as escrow accounts collect taxes upfront.

High taxes make assessment appeals worthwhile

In a high-tax county like Gwinnett, an overassessment error can cost thousands over time, making an appeal to the county tax assessor especially valuable. Even a 5–10% reduction in assessed value could save you hundreds annually and is worth investigating.

Cost of Living in Gwinnett County

via CostByCounty

Gwinnett's rent surge strains affordability

Gwinnett renters dedicate 24.2% of income to housing—significantly above the 30% affordability ceiling and far worse than the national average. Despite strong median incomes of $84,823, the county's median rent of $1,713 has become one of Georgia's costliest.

Gwinnett struggles among Georgia peers

Gwinnett's 24.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's least affordable counties, exceeding the state average of 18.6% by a significant margin. At $1,713 monthly, Gwinnett rents are 85% higher than Georgia's median of $927.

Gwinnett's premium over surrounding areas

Gwinnett's $1,713 median rent towers over Hall County ($1,247) and is double that of Greene County ($936), reflecting its suburban-metro status near Atlanta. Home values of $345,700 are the highest among its peers, driving overall cost-of-living pressures.

Housing consumes nearly a quarter

The typical Gwinnett household earning $84,823 annually spends $1,713 on rent—eating up 24.2% of gross income. Homeowners face monthly costs of $1,616, making Gwinnett one of Georgia's most expensive markets overall.

Consider Gwinnett's trade-offs carefully

Gwinnett offers metro proximity and strong job markets, but housing costs demand higher incomes than most Georgia counties. If you're relocating here, ensure your salary increase covers the 24%+ housing burden—or explore more affordable alternatives like Hall or Greene County.

Income & Jobs in Gwinnett County

via IncomeByCounty

Gwinnett reaches above national average

Gwinnett County's median household income of $84,823 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 13%. The county has built its prosperity on suburban diversification and strong employment sectors.

Second-highest income in Georgia

Gwinnett's median income of $84,823 ranks it among Georgia's wealthiest counties, towering $24,335 above the state average of $60,488. Only a handful of Georgia counties match this income level.

Income leader among suburban peers

Gwinnett's $84,823 rivals Greene County ($84,530) and exceeds Hall County ($77,430), positioning it as a top income destination in metro Atlanta's suburban ring. The county attracts talent-dense employers and diverse industries.

Housing costs rise with higher incomes

Gwinnett's 24.2% rent-to-income ratio is elevated compared to Greene (13.3%), reflecting the county's higher cost of living and home values averaging $345,700. Higher incomes support these premium housing costs while maintaining affordability for renters.

Strategic wealth accumulation matters most

Gwinnett's higher incomes and home values create unique tax-planning opportunities through itemized deductions and real estate appreciation strategies. Work with a financial advisor to optimize retirement contributions, college savings, and investment diversification.

Safety in Gwinnett County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety in Gwinnett County

Gwinnett County reports a safety score of 97.6, which is highly secure despite being slightly below the state average. The total crime rate of 1,509.1 per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Managing Safety in a Large County

Gwinnett's safety score of 97.6 is just under the Georgia average of 97.8 across 13 reporting agencies. This multi-agency approach effectively handles a large population while keeping crime rates manageable.

Comparative Safety Trends

Gwinnett's total crime rate of 1,509.1 is higher than rural neighbors like Habersham but remains lower than the national average. It reflects the complexities of a more urbanized Georgia county.

Property and Violent Crime Data

The county sees 326.0 violent crimes and 1,183.1 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Property crime is the primary concern here, occurring at about 58% of the national rate.

Vigilance for Gwinnett Homeowners

Protecting a home in a busy county requires active vigilance and modern security tech. Monitoring entry points and participating in community safety apps can effectively deter property crimes.

Schools in Gwinnett County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Massive Educational Powerhouse

Gwinnett County operates a staggering 149 public schools, serving a total enrollment of 195,036 students across six districts. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring 88 elementary schools, 30 middle schools, 27 high schools, and four specialized campuses. It is one of the largest and most complex school systems in the southeastern United States.

Scaling Education for a Diverse Population

Gwinnett faces unique challenges with a graduation rate of 81.9% and a per-pupil expenditure of $6,969. While these figures sit below state averages, the county maintains a massive operation with a school score of 49.2. The district continues to focus on improving outcomes for its nearly 200,000 students.

Gwinnett County District Dominates the Region

The Gwinnett County district is the primary provider, managing 140 schools and 181,814 students. The Georgia Connections Academy charter serves an additional 6,373 students through a virtual model. Other smaller districts like Buford City provide localized alternatives within the county borders.

The Definition of Suburban Schooling

Nearly every school in the county—148 out of 149—is located in a suburban setting. Schools are exceptionally large, with an average enrollment of 1,309 students and campuses like Brookwood High exceeding 3,800 students. This creates a high-energy environment with extensive extracurricular and academic resources.

Find Your Place in Gwinnett's Suburbs

Gwinnett's suburban neighborhoods are built around its massive school clusters, making it a hub for families. From the high-performing schools in the Brookwood area to new developments, education is the central pillar of the local housing market. Search for homes where your family can benefit from the district's vast resource network.

Disaster Risk in Gwinnett County

via RiskByCounty

Gwinnett: Georgia's Highest-Risk County

Gwinnett County scores 95.42 on the composite risk index, far exceeding the national average and earning a relatively high-risk rating. This exceptional score is driven by extreme flood risk (97.39) and tornado risk (97.49), making it one of Georgia's most hazard-prone counties.

Tops Georgia's Risk Rankings

Gwinnett's score of 95.42 is the highest in Georgia, more than double the state average of 39.49. The county's urban density and geography combine to create outsized vulnerability to flooding and severe storms.

Dramatically Riskier Than Surrounding Area

Gwinnett's risk score of 95.42 towers above neighboring counties—Hall (84.26), Greene (37.25), and Habersham (38.90) all face significantly lower hazard exposure. Its exceptional urbanization creates concentrated risk that sets it apart regionally.

Flood and Tornado Risks Are Extreme

Gwinnett faces flood risk at 97.39 and tornado risk at 97.49, placing it in Georgia's top tier for both hazards. Earthquake risk is also elevated at 93.26, creating a multi-threat environment requiring comprehensive preparation.

Flood Insurance Is Non-Negotiable

With flood risk at 97.39, Gwinnett residents should treat flood insurance as essential regardless of mortgage requirements. Homeowners should also verify comprehensive coverage for wind and hail damage, and consider a safe room or shelter plan for tornado events.

Water Quality in Gwinnett County

via WaterByCounty

Gwinnett County Maintains Flawless Drinking Water Record

Gwinnett County earns a Grade A for its drinking water systems, with zero health violations recorded over the last five years. This performance places the county well ahead of the Georgia average violation rate of 152.5 per 100,000 residents. The data reflects a high level of reliability for local tap water quality.

Urban Pressures Lead to High Watershed Impairment

Approximately 68.4% of assessed water bodies in Gwinnett County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards as of 2022. Top impairment causes include fecal coliform, fish bioassessments, and PCBs in fish tissue. This rate is significantly higher than the statewide average impairment level of 48.4%.

Extensive Monitoring Network Produces Massive Data Volumes

With 32 monitoring sites and 54,036 measurements over the last five years, Gwinnett has one of the state's most robust data footprints. Monitoring efforts prioritize physical properties, nutrients, and metals to track urban runoff effects. This high-density data helps officials manage water quality in a rapidly developing area.

Chattahoochee River Running Low Near Norcross

The primary USGS gauge on the Chattahoochee River near Norcross reports a current discharge of 796 cfs. This flow is just 37% of the long-term mean of 2,166 cfs for this time of year. Reduced flows in this critical river can impact both recreational use and downstream water availability.

Practice Stewardship to Counter High Watershed Impairment

While tap water is safe, the high impairment of local streams suggests residents should avoid contact with water bodies after heavy rain. Be aware of fish consumption advisories related to PCBs in local watersheds. Reducing household chemical runoff and pet waste can help improve the health of these stressed systems.

Weather & Climate in Gwinnett County

via WeatherByCounty

A rainy subtropical environment

Gwinnett County records a high annual precipitation of 56.3 inches, well above the national median. While specific temperature averages are unavailable, it follows a typical humid subtropical pattern.

Higher rainfall than state average

The county receives nearly five inches more rain annually than the Georgia average of 51.4 inches. This makes Gwinnett one of the wetter regions in the state.

Standing out through precipitation

Gwinnett's 56.3 inches of rain distinguishes it from drier neighbors like Greene County. It experiences frequent storm activity throughout the year.

A focus on annual rainfall

Seasonal temperature data is limited, but high annual rainfall suggests active weather patterns. Residents experience a landscape shaped by 56.3 inches of water.

Prioritize drainage and gutter maintenance

Heavy rainfall requires robust home drainage systems and consistent gutter cleaning. Monitor local forecasts for heat alerts during the humid summer months.

Soil Quality in Gwinnett County

via SoilByCounty

The Piedmont Ultisols of Gwinnett

Gwinnett's soil belongs to the Ultisols order and maintains an average pH of 5.44. While this is more acidic than the national 6.5 benchmark, it is among the least acidic in Georgia. These highly weathered soils are typical of the state's urban and suburban heartland.

A Substantial Clay Presence

The texture is classified as sandy loam, but with 19.4% clay, it has more body than many neighboring counties. Sand makes up 54.8% of the mix, while silt accounts for 24.7%. This composition provides a firm structure that retains nutrients better than pure sand.

Reliable Water Capacity

Gwinnett features an available water capacity of 0.127 in/in, which exceeds the state average of 0.114. Organic matter is 1.25%, falling short of the state average of 1.83%. This soil holds water efficiently but benefits greatly from the addition of compost or manure.

Excellent Infiltration for Development

The soil is categorized as well drained and sits in hydrologic group B. This means the ground manages rainfall effectively, reducing surface runoff compared to heavier clay soils. These characteristics make Gwinnett's land favorable for both residential landscaping and infrastructure.

Garden Potential in Zone 8a

Gwinnett County is in Zone 8a, where mild winters and long summers thrive. The well-drained sandy loam is perfect for a lush backyard vegetable garden or ornamental shrubs like azaleas. With a bit of pH balancing, your Gwinnett garden can be incredibly productive.

Lawn Care in Gwinnett County

via LawnByCounty

Gwinnett County Matches State Lawn Averages

Gwinnett County's lawn difficulty score of 36.2 is nearly identical to the Georgia state average. While more demanding than the national median of 50.0, it remains a standard environment for Zone 8a gardening.

High Rainfall Supports Lush Growth

Annual precipitation reaches 56.3 inches, which is well above the national ideal of 30-50 inches. This extra moisture helps lawns thrive but may increase the risk of fungal diseases in thick turf.

Well-Drained Sandy Loam Supports Roots

The soil foundation is a well-drained sandy loam composed of 54.8% sand and 19.4% clay. A pH of 5.44 indicates the soil is more acidic than the 6.0-7.0 range required for optimal grass health.

Extreme Drought Conditions Require Strategy

The entire county currently sits in a severe drought state after 25 weeks of dry conditions this past year. Prioritizing early morning watering is critical to keep the grass hydrated without losing water to evaporation.

Establish Lawns with Zone 8a Species

Tall Fescue and Bermuda grass are popular and effective choices for Gwinnett's environment. While specific local frost dates vary, aim for early spring or fall to establish strong root systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gwinnett County's county score?
Gwinnett County, Georgia has a composite county score of 35.6 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 Gwinnett County rank among counties in Georgia?
Gwinnett County ranks #137 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 Gwinnett County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Gwinnett County is $3,381, with an effective tax rate of 0.98%. This earns Gwinnett County a tax score of 39.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Gwinnett County?
The median household income in Gwinnett County, Georgia is $84,823 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Gwinnett County earns an income score of 88.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Gwinnett County, Georgia a good place to live?
Gwinnett County scores 35.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #137 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Gwinnett 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 Gwinnett County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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