countyscore
55.5
County Score
Weather & Climate 75.1Schools 74.2Property Tax 71.3

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.

Score breakdown

Tax71.3Cost39.5Safety63.4Health27.9Schools74.2Income56.2Risk61.1Water47.3Weather75.1
🏛71.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠39.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼56.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡61.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧47.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤75.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨31.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱49.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

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Deep Dives

Habersham County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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

Cost of Living in Habersham County

via CostByCounty

Habersham delivers solid affordability

At 17.2% of income spent on rent, Habersham County households enjoy below-national-average housing costs with a median income of $65,622. This rural northeast Georgia county punches above its weight in affordability.

Among Georgia's affordable options

Habersham's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio beats Georgia's state average of 18.6%, while its median rent of $939 closely mirrors the state median of $927. This consistency makes Habersham a reliable, middle-ground housing market.

Habersham balances cost and income

Habersham's $939 rent sits between Grady County ($789) and Hall County ($1,247), offering mountain-adjacent living without metro price premiums. Median home values of $212,000 remain accessible for buyers seeking stability.

Modest income, moderate housing spend

Habersham households earning $65,622 annually allocate $939 to rent—a manageable 17.2% of gross income. Monthly homeownership costs of $879 make both renting and buying feasible for working families.

Habersham's quiet appeal for movers

If you're seeking small-town character with reasonable housing costs, Habersham delivers: slightly below state averages for both rent and income ratios. Test these numbers against your current situation—northeast Georgia's mountain access might come with unexpected savings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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

Health in Habersham County

via HealthByCounty

Habersham's life expectancy edges above national rates

At 74.8 years, Habersham County residents live slightly longer than the U.S. average of 73.5 years, though 21.6% report poor or fair health. This gap suggests that life expectancy gains mask underlying chronic disease challenges.

Habersham ranks mid-range within Georgia counties

Habersham's 74.8-year life expectancy exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year state average by 1.5 years, placing it solidly in the middle tier of the state's 159 counties. The 21.6% poor/fair health rate indicates chronic disease remains a significant community burden.

Habersham outperforms struggling regional peers

Habersham's 74.8-year life expectancy tops Hancock (70.7 years) and Haralson (71.2 years) by meaningful margins, though it trails healthier neighbors like Greene (76.1 years) and Gwinnett (79.3 years). The 3-year gap with Greene reflects differences in healthcare access and chronic disease prevention.

Provider shortage compounds uninsured challenges

Habersham has 47 primary care providers per 100,000 residents and 18.4% uninsured—nearly 2 percentage points above Georgia's average. With only 60 mental health providers per 100,000, behavioral health services remain stretched thin.

Find affordable coverage for your family now

If you're among Habersham's 18.4% uninsured, marketplace plans or Medicaid expansion may fit your budget and family's needs. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore options today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Habersham County

via SchoolsByCounty

Strong Rural Foundation in Habersham

Habersham County supports 6,798 students through a network of 13 public schools. The system is comprised of seven elementary, three middle, and two high schools, along with one specialized academy. All schools are managed by the Habersham County district, ensuring a unified community approach.

Elite Graduation Rates in North Georgia

Habersham County boasts an exceptional 95.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both state (88.1%) and national (87.0%) averages. The county spends $7,895 per pupil, which is higher than the state average and helps drive a strong school score of 58.1. This performance places Habersham among the top academic achievers in the region.

Unified District Success in Habersham

The Habersham County school district manages all 7,204 students in the area with no charter schools in operation. Habersham Central High School is the largest campus, serving 1,525 students. The district also features the Ninth Grade Academy to help transition students into their high school careers.

Rural Living with Mid-Sized Schools

The educational experience here is almost entirely rural, with 12 of the 13 schools located in country settings. The average school size is 523 students, providing a personalized atmosphere for learners. While Habersham Central is the largest, many elementary schools like Level Grove maintain a community feel with around 600 students.

Secure a Future in Habersham County

With one of the highest graduation rates in Georgia, Habersham County is a premier choice for families. Real estate in this rural community often carries a premium due to the consistent performance of the local schools. Look for homes in this quiet, high-achieving district to give your children a competitive edge.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Habersham County

via RiskByCounty

Habersham: Low Risk, National Perspective

Habersham County scores 38.90, placing it in the very low-risk category and slightly below the national average. The county's risk is evenly distributed across multiple hazard types, with no single catastrophic threat dominating the profile.

Well Below Georgia's Average Risk

Habersham's score of 38.90 is nearly identical to Greene County and well below Georgia's state average of 39.49. The county ranks among the safer areas across the state for natural disaster exposure.

Safer Than Urban Neighbors

Habersham's score of 38.90 is substantially lower than Hall County (84.26) and Gwinnett (95.42) to its south, while remaining comparable to Greene (37.25). Its rural character contributes to lower overall risk despite mountainous terrain.

Earthquake and Tornado Moderate Concerns

Habersham's highest risks are earthquake (63.84) and tornado (60.69), both elevated relative to national norms but manageable for the county. Flood and wildfire risks remain below 50, reflecting lower seasonal exposure.

Standard Insurance Protects Habersham Homes

Habersham's very low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most residents. Review your policy annually to ensure tornado and wind coverage are included, particularly if you're in areas with higher local elevation.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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 #29 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 $1,330, with an effective tax rate of 0.63%. This earns Habersham County a tax score of 71.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Habersham County?
The median household income in Habersham County, Georgia is $65,622 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Habersham County earns an income score of 56.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Habersham County, Georgia a good place to live?
Habersham County scores 55.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #29 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.

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