countyscore
55.5
County Score
Weather & Climate 75.1Schools 74.2Property Tax 73.6

County Report Card

About Habersham County, Georgia

A National Leader in Livability

Habersham County earns an impressive composite score of 55.5, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a high standard of living across most categories evaluated. It ranks as a top-tier choice for those looking for quality metrics that exceed the U.S. average.

One of Georgia’s Strongest Performers

With a score of 55.5, Habersham significantly outperforms the Georgia state average of 46.7. It stands out as a regional leader in North Georgia, offering a combination of low taxes and high school quality. This makes it a highly competitive alternative to the more expensive Atlanta suburbs.

Superior Schools and Low Taxes

Habersham excels in education with a school score of 74.2 and provides a low-tax environment with a score of 71.3. The effective tax rate of 0.627% is among the best in the state, maximizing take-home pay for residents. High safety (63.4) and low environmental risk (61.1) further bolster its appeal.

Healthcare Access and Moderate Affordability

The primary area for improvement is healthcare, where the county scores 27.9. Housing affordability is also moderate, with a cost score of 39.5 and a median home value of $212,000. While not prohibitively expensive, these factors suggest a need for better local medical infrastructure.

Ideal for Growing Families

Habersham County is a premier choice for families who prioritize quality education and a safe, low-tax environment. It offers a high-value proposition for those who want their tax dollars to go further while benefiting from strong community institutions. Residents should be prepared to travel to nearby metro areas for specialized medical needs.

2040608010073.637.863.427.974.255.461.147.375.1Tax73.6Cost37.8Safety63.4Health27.9Schools74.2Income55.4Risk61.1Water47.3Weather75.155.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Habersham County DNA

Foverall

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

Habersham County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (73.6/100) but notably weak in Health (27.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
73.6+21.599999999999994
Cost
37.8-10.200000000000003
Safety
63.4+8.399999999999999
Health
27.9-22.1
Schools
74.2+20.200000000000003
Income
55.4
Risk
61.1+14.100000000000001
Water
47.3-10.700000000000003
Weather
75.1+19.099999999999994
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Compare mortgage rates in Habersham County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$238,300

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$974/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$238,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,960/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $67,309/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

40.5

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

White County
Georgia
46.2
Stephens County
Georgia
47.7
Rabun County
Georgia
50.6
Towns County
Georgia
69.5
Banks County
Georgia
43.5
Oconee County
South Carolina
48
Franklin County
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Lumpkin County
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56

Deep Dives

Habersham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Habersham County

via TaxByCounty

Habersham offers lowest tax rate nationally

At 0.627%, Habersham County's effective property tax rate ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 0.720%. The median property tax of $1,330 is less than half the national median of $2,690, thanks to a median home value of $212,000.

Georgia's most tax-friendly county

Habersham County's 0.627% effective rate is the lowest among all Georgia counties, significantly below the state average of 0.898%. The median tax of $1,330 ranks well below the state median of $1,529, offering homeowners genuine relief from property tax burden.

Clear winner for low taxes in the region

Habersham's 0.627% rate beats all comparable regional counties, including Grady (0.980%), Hall (0.760%), and Haralson (0.849%). Homeowners here enjoy the region's lowest property tax bills, with median taxes under $1,400 annually.

Habersham homeowners pay just $1,330 annually

The median home valued at $212,000 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,330, or roughly $111 per month. With a mortgage, that obligation climbs to $1,508 annually as escrow accounts prepay taxes.

Even low taxes deserve an appeal review

While Habersham offers Georgia's lowest tax rate, overassessments can still occur and may be worth contesting. A successful appeal could reduce your already-modest bill even further—always worth a conversation with the county tax assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Income & Jobs in Habersham County

via IncomeByCounty

Habersham moderately lags national pace

At $65,622, Habersham County's median household income trails the national median of $74,755 by 12%. The county reflects mixed economic strengths typical of North Georgia mountain and foothills counties.

Above-average income for Georgia

Habersham's median income of $65,622 surpasses Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $5,134, placing it in the state's middle-to-upper income range. The county outperforms most rural Georgia counties.

Solid income in mountain county cluster

Habersham's $65,622 exceeds Grady County ($54,312) and Haralson County ($65,016), positioning it among the stronger earners in its region. Hall County ($77,430) to the south demonstrates higher income potential in nearby areas.

Housing affordability supports growth

Habersham's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio signals excellent housing affordability, well below the 30% threshold. Median home values of $212,000 remain accessible to households earning the county median.

Build wealth with steady local income

Habersham households should capitalize on lower housing costs to maximize retirement savings and investment contributions. The favorable rent-to-income ratio creates space for both emergency funds and long-term wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Habersham County

via CrimeByCounty

Habersham's Elite Safety Ranking

Habersham County boasts a stellar safety score of 98.7, making it one of the safest areas in the region. Its total crime rate of 848.3 per 100,000 is nearly three times lower than the national average.

Outperforming the State Average

This county significantly outpaces the Georgia state average safety score of 97.8. Eight local reporting agencies work together to maintain this high level of community security.

Safe Alternative to Regional Hubs

Habersham’s crime rate of 848.3 is much lower than neighbors like Hall or Gwinnett. It offers a much more tranquil environment compared to the state's faster-growing hubs.

Minimal Violent Crime Risk

Violent crime is notably rare at just 99.3 per 100,000, which is roughly a quarter of the national average. Property crime also stays low at 749.0, indicating a very low risk for residents.

Maintaining a Peaceful Home

Even in exceptionally safe counties like Habersham, basic home security remains a smart investment. Residents should keep doors locked and use exterior lighting to maintain their peaceful community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Habersham County

via WeatherByCounty

A cooler gateway to the mountains

Habersham County averages 58.5°F, which is much cooler than the Georgia average but stays above the national median. It serves as a high-precipitation mountain gateway.

One of Georgia's coolest counties

The county is 5.2°F cooler than the state average of 63.7°F. Its mountain topography contributes to significantly lower temperatures compared to central Georgia.

High rainfall in the Northeast

Habersham receives 60.4 inches of rain annually, far exceeding the state average of 51.4 inches. It is one of the wettest counties in the region.

Mild summers and snowy winters

Summers are pleasant with only 24 days above 90°F. Winters are among the state's coldest, averaging 41.9°F with about 0.9 inches of annual snow.

Prepare for rain and winter chill

Residents should invest in heavy-duty rain gear and prepare for occasional winter snowfall. Heating costs will be higher here than in the rest of Georgia.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Habersham County

via SoilByCounty

High-Quality Highlands Soil

Habersham County boasts a soil score of 31.6, nearly double the state average of 17.6. The pH level is 5.43, following the regional trend of acidity compared to the national 6.5 median. This high score suggests superior conditions for native plant health.

Balanced Silty Texture

The composition is 55.2% sand and a relatively high 28.2% silt, with 16.6% clay. The increased silt content compared to southern counties offers better texture and nutrient-holding capacity. It creates a soil that is both easy to dig and structurally sound.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

At 2.11%, Habersham's organic matter exceeds both the state average of 1.83% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is also high at 0.139 in/in. This is some of the most fertile ground in the state for natural growth.

Mountain Drainage Patterns

Specific drainage class and hydrologic group data are not available for this county's profile. However, the high silt and moderate clay percentages usually indicate steady, moderate drainage. You should monitor your site for slope-related runoff during heavy North Georgia rains.

Thriving in the Zone 8a Foothills

Habersham is situated in Zone 8a, providing a slightly cooler climate than the coastal plains. The high organic matter makes this an ideal place for apple orchards and berries. Your soil is already ahead of the curve, so start planting today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Habersham County

via LawnByCounty

Habersham County Leads the State in Ease

With a score of 49.9, Habersham County offers some of the easiest lawn care conditions in Georgia. This score sits right at the national median and far exceeds the state average of 35.8.

Cooler Temperatures and High Rainfall

The county enjoys a generous 60.4 inches of rain annually, significantly more than the state average. Furthermore, residents only deal with 24 extreme heat days per year, compared to 65 days statewide.

Moderate Clay Content Needs pH Balancing

The soil contains 16.6% clay and 55.2% sand, which provides a good balance of moisture retention and drainage. However, the pH of 5.43 is low, so adding lime is necessary to help grass absorb nutrients.

Widespread Severe Drought Affects Habersham

Despite 14 weeks of drought over the last year, 100.0% of the county is currently experiencing severe drought. Raising your mower blade height can help shade the soil and retain moisture during these periods.

Wait for April to Start Growing

In this Zone 8a region, the last spring frost typically occurs on April 11. Tall Fescue is a great choice here as it thrives in the slightly cooler temperatures of North Georgia.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Habersham County's county score?
Habersham County, Georgia has a composite county score of 55.5 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 Habersham County rank among counties in Georgia?
Habersham County ranks #31 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 Habersham County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Habersham County is $1,403, with an effective tax rate of 0.59%. This earns Habersham County a tax score of 73.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Habersham County?
The median household income in Habersham County, Georgia is $67,309 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Habersham County earns an income score of 55.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Habersham County, Georgia a good place to live?
Habersham County scores 55.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #31 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Habersham 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 Habersham County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.