Gwinnett County

Georgia · GA

#159 in Georgia
56.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Gwinnett County, Georgia

Gwinnett surpasses nation but not region

Gwinnett County's composite score of 59.0 remains well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 59th percentile nationally. Yet this large Atlanta suburb ranks below most of its Georgia peers, indicating a cost-of-living tradeoff.

Falling behind Georgia's average

Gwinnett's score of 59.0 falls noticeably below Georgia's state average of 70.9, making it one of the state's lower-performing counties on composite livability. The sprawling metro county struggles with affordability despite strong incomes.

Income and taxes hold steady

Gwinnett's income score of 38.8 reflects a median household income of $84,823, among Georgia's highest. The tax score of 74.8 shows residents benefit from a reasonable 0.98% effective tax rate.

Housing costs hit hard

The county's cost score of just 52.2 signals expensive housing: median rent at $1,713/month and home values at $345,700. These prices drain budgets despite solid incomes, and missing data on schools and safety prevents fuller insight.

For high earners willing to pay

Gwinnett suits affluent professionals who prioritize metro Atlanta proximity and job markets over housing affordability. Families with household incomes above $85,000 can absorb the costs; others may find better value elsewhere in Georgia.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.8Cost52.2SafetyComing SoonHealth67.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.8Risk4.6WaterComing Soon
🏛74.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠52.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼38.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
67.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
4.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Deep Dives

Gwinnett County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Health in Gwinnett County

via HealthByCounty

Gwinnett leads the nation on health metrics

Gwinnett County residents live to 79.3 years—nearly 6 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.5 years and nearly 6 years above Georgia's state average. Only 17.3% report poor or fair health, among the nation's best rates.

Gwinnett is Georgia's healthiest large county

With a 79.3-year life expectancy, Gwinnett ranks at the very top of Georgia's 159 counties, setting the standard for longevity and health. Its 17.3% poor/fair health rate reflects comprehensive healthcare access and strong community prevention programs.

Gwinnett far exceeds regional peers on longevity

Gwinnett's 79.3-year life expectancy towers above Hancock (70.7 years), Haralson (71.2 years), Grady (74.2 years), and Habersham (74.8 years) by 4–9 years each. Only Harris County (78.8 years) comes close, making Gwinnett a regional health leader.

World-class provider network drives health outcomes

Gwinnett boasts 66 primary care and an exceptional 159 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—nearly 4 times the state average for mental health care. At 15.3% uninsured, coverage is nearly universal, allowing residents to access preventive and specialty care.

Maintain coverage in Georgia's healthiest county

Gwinnett's health success depends on sustained insurance access; if you lack coverage, marketplace plans and Medicaid are available year-round for qualifying families. Check healthcare.gov to ensure continuous protection.

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.

ByCounty Network

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