countyscore
46.6
County Score
Schools 75.3Disaster Risk 72.4Weather & Climate 56.5

County Report Card

About Haralson County, Georgia

Near the National Average Median

Haralson County scores a 46.6, sitting slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a county that provides a standard American experience with some room for growth in public services. It represents a middle-of-the-road choice on the national stage.

Perfectly Aligned with Georgia Averages

The county’s 46.6 score matches the Georgia state average of 46.7 almost exactly. It serves as a representative sample of Georgia livability, balancing rural affordability with suburban accessibility. Haralson provides a predictable quality of life that mirrors the state's broader performance.

Excellent Schools and High Stability

Education is a primary strength, with a school score of 75.3 that outpaces many wealthier counties. The county is also remarkably stable, earning a risk score of 72.4. Homeowners find a fair balance with a median home value of $210,400 and a respectable school system for their children.

Safety Concerns and Health Access

Safety and healthcare are the county's weakest dimensions, scoring 33.9 and 28.8 respectively. These scores suggest that local infrastructure for emergency services and medical care has not yet caught up with population needs. Residents may find themselves traveling to neighboring counties for specialized services.

Suited for Education-Focused Families

Haralson County is a strong fit for families who prioritize public school quality but need to stay within a modest budget. The combination of good schools and high stability makes it a safe bet for long-term residency. It is ideal for those who work in the western Atlanta metro but want a quieter, school-oriented home life.

2040608010048.941.233.928.875.354.672.442.556.5Tax48.9Cost41.2Safety33.9Health28.8Schools75.3Income54.6Risk72.4Water42.5Weather56.546.6/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Haralson County DNA

Foverall

How Haralson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Haralson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (72.4/100) but notably weak in Health (28.8/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
48.9
Cost
41.2
Safety
33.9-21.1
Health
28.8-21.2
Schools
75.3+21.299999999999997
Income
54.6
Risk
72.4+25.400000000000006
Water
42.5-15.5
Weather
56.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Haralson County

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$210,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$884/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$210,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$35,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $65,016/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

19.5

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
Compare Haralson County with Bleckley County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Fall River County
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Bandera County
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Ashley County
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Nearby counties

Polk County
Georgia
43.6
Carroll County
Georgia
42
Paulding County
Georgia
43.2
Cleburne County
Alabama
57.6
Douglas County
Georgia
36
Bartow County
Georgia
44.5
Floyd County
Georgia
38.1
Cherokee County
Alabama
49.9

Deep Dives

Haralson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Haralson County

via TaxByCounty

Haralson's rate exceeds national median slightly

At 0.849%, Haralson County's effective property tax rate ranks above the national median of 0.720%, placing it in the higher tier nationally. The median property tax of $1,787 is below the national median of $2,690, with a median home value of $210,400 compared to the national median of $281,900.

Close to Georgia's state average

Haralson County's 0.849% effective rate is slightly below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, ranking it slightly lower than mid-state. The median tax of $1,787 exceeds the state median of $1,529, reflecting moderately valued homes at $210,400.

Mid-range option among peers

Haralson's 0.849% rate sits between Habersham's 0.627% and Grady's 0.980%, positioning it squarely in the regional middle. Median taxes of $1,787 are moderate compared to the peer group, higher than rural counties but well below Gwinnett's $3,381.

Haralson homeowners pay $1,787 annually

The median home valued at $210,400 generates an estimated annual property tax of $1,787, or about $149 per month. With a mortgage, that obligation rises to $1,971 annually as escrow accounts collect taxes upfront.

Assessment appeals deserve consideration

Haralson County homeowners, like those across Georgia, may find their properties overassessed relative to true market value. Filing an appeal with the county tax assessor is free and could reduce your annual bill by $150–$300 if successful.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Haralson County

via CostByCounty

Haralson delivers rural affordability

Haralson County renters spend just 16.3% of income on housing, beating both the national average and Georgia's state benchmark. With median incomes of $65,016 and rents of $884, Haralson proves that rural Georgia still offers genuine affordability.

Among Georgia's most affordable counties

Haralson's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's top performers for affordability, outpacing the state average of 18.6% by a meaningful margin. At $884 median rent, Haralson sits 5% below Georgia's median of $927.

Haralson competes on rural terms

Haralson's $884 median rent falls between Grady ($789) and Habersham ($939), positioning it squarely in Georgia's affordable county tier. Home values of $210,400 offer accessible homeownership for working families.

Modest income, modest housing costs

Haralson households earning $65,016 annually allocate $884 to rent—a comfortable 16.3% of gross income. Homeowners average $921 monthly, making ownership attainable without income strain.

Haralson's quiet affordability advantage

If you're seeking genuine rural affordability within commuting distance of northwest Atlanta, Haralson delivers both low housing costs and reasonable incomes. These figures suggest a stable housing market worth serious consideration for budget-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Haralson County

via IncomeByCounty

Haralson slightly trails national income

At $65,016, Haralson County's median household income trails the national median of $74,755 by 13%. The county reflects economic patterns common to rural counties maintaining agricultural and small manufacturing bases.

Below-average but respectable locally

Haralson's median income of $65,016 sits just above Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $4,528, placing it solidly in the state's middle tier. The county outperforms many rural Georgia regions.

Competitive with nearby rural counties

Haralson's $65,016 closely matches Habersham County ($65,622) and exceeds Grady County ($54,312), positioning it among stable earners in its rural peer group. Hall County ($77,430) offers comparison to higher-income nearby areas.

Strong housing affordability locally

Haralson's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's best, well below the 30% affordability threshold. Median home values of $210,400 remain attainable for households earning the county median.

Leverage affordability for savings

Haralson's favorable housing-to-income ratio creates opportunity for meaningful retirement and education savings beyond essential expenses. Households should maximize employer retirement plans and explore low-cost index investing strategies.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Haralson County

via CrimeByCounty

Haralson's National Crime Comparison

Haralson County reports a safety score of 97.6, positioning it as a secure place to live. Its total crime rate of 1,534.2 per 100,000 is still much lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Safety Close to State Average

Haralson's safety score of 97.6 is just below the Georgia average of 97.8. Four reporting agencies work to keep the crime rate at 1,534.2, which is roughly 64% of the national rate.

Comparing Haralson to its Neighbors

Haralson’s rate of 1,534.2 is higher than some elite neighbors like Harris, but it remains competitive with other rural-suburban counties. It provides a safer environment than many urban centers across the state line.

Property Crime vs Violent Crime

Property crime is the main driver of local statistics at 1,361.9 per 100,000, while violent crime is low at 172.3. Residents are statistically very safe from violent encounters compared to state averages.

Combatting Local Property Theft

To combat property crime, residents should consider installing home security cameras and keeping valuables out of sight. These proactive steps help maintain the county’s overall safety profile.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Haralson County

via SchoolsByCounty

Exceptional Infrastructure in Haralson

Haralson County supports 5,784 students through a network of 11 public schools across two districts. The system includes six elementary, two middle, and three high schools. This infrastructure is designed to serve both the rural county areas and the more concentrated town centers.

Top-Tier Graduation Rates in Haralson

Haralson County features a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, one of the highest in the state and far above the 87.0% national average. The county achieves this with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,572, slightly above the Georgia average. Its composite school score of 58.4 reflects the high academic expectations of the community.

Haralson County and Bremen City Excellence

Students are served by either the Haralson County district or the highly-regarded Bremen City district. Haralson County High is the largest school with 945 students, while Bremen High also maintains strong enrollment at 749 students. No charter schools operate in the area, as the traditional public districts lead the way in performance.

A Rural System with Town Centers

The county's schools are primarily rural, with nine campuses in the countryside and two in town settings. The average school size is 526 students, providing a balanced environment that is neither too crowded nor too isolated. Schools like Jones Elementary in Bremen help anchor the town's educational identity.

Relocate for Academic Achievement

With graduation rates near 100%, Haralson County is a magnet for families who value educational excellence. Real estate near the Bremen City and Haralson County districts often moves quickly due to the schools' stellar reputations. Investing in a home here means securing access to some of Georgia's top-performing classrooms.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Haralson County

via RiskByCounty

Haralson: Well Below National Risk

Haralson County scores 27.61 on the composite risk index, placing it in the very low category and well below the national average. The county's risk is modest across all hazard types, with no single catastrophic threat.

Among Georgia's Safest Counties

Haralson ranks near the bottom of Georgia's risk scale with a score of 27.61, roughly two-thirds below the state average of 39.49. The county is one of only a handful of Georgia areas with consistently low hazard exposure.

Safer Than Most Adjacent Counties

Haralson's score of 27.61 is lower than Grady (52.99) and Greene (37.25), though slightly higher than Hancock (11.86) and Harris (20.77). It represents a safe zone among moderately risky regional neighbors.

Wildfire Is Haralson's Primary Concern

Haralson's highest risk is wildfire at 69.40, reflecting the county's forested character and seasonal dry conditions. Earthquake risk of 60.85 is also notable, though both pale compared to state averages for tornado and flood hazards.

Standard Coverage Adequate for Haralson

Haralson's very low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance provides solid protection for most residents. If you're in a forested area, verify that your policy covers wildfire damage, and maintain defensible space around your home during fire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Haralson County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Records Show Frequent Safety Violations

Haralson County receives a Grade D for drinking water compliance with seven health violations recorded over five years. The county's violation rate of 27.7 per 100,000 residents is significantly better than the Georgia average of 152.5. However, the presence of multiple health-based violations indicates recurring system challenges.

Watershed Impairment Levels Stay Below State Average

About 39.5% of assessed water bodies in Haralson County are impaired, based on the 2022 ATTAINS report. This is a better performance than the state average of 48.4%, though issues remain with fecal coliform and metals in fish tissue. Specifically, thallium and mercury concentrations are top concerns for local aquatic health.

Nine Sites Provide Consistent Water Quality Data

Water quality monitoring across nine sites has produced 2,849 measurements over the last five years. Data collection is centered on physical characteristics, nutrients, and organics to monitor the impact of local activities. These records are critical for identifying emerging contaminants in the county's waterways.

Tallapoosa River Flow Is Significantly Below Mean

The USGS gauge on the Tallapoosa River near the city of Tallapoosa currently shows a discharge of 99 cfs. This is only 32% of its long-term mean flow of 313 cfs, indicating stressed hydrologic conditions. Low flows like these can increase the concentration of pollutants and limit water availability.

Monitor Metal Contaminants and Conserve During Low Flow

Because thallium and mercury are noted impairments, residents should follow fish consumption advisories for local rivers. With the Tallapoosa River running at 32% of its typical flow, water conservation is important to reduce pressure on the system. Pay close attention to utility notices regarding any new health violations.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Haralson County

via SoilByCounty

Western Georgia's Soil Profile

Haralson County lacks specific chemical and taxonomic data in the current regional survey. While we cannot pinpoint the exact pH, neighboring areas usually fall below the national 6.5 median. A quick home test can reveal if your soil is ready for planting or needs adjustment.

The Mystery of Soil Mix

No data is currently available regarding the sand, silt, and clay percentages in Haralson. Understanding these ratios is critical for knowing how much water your plants will need. Most gardeners in this region find a mix of rocky soils and classic Georgia clay.

Boosting Your Growing Potential

Current records do not show organic matter or water capacity levels for this county. You can improve any unknown soil by incorporating well-rotted manure or leaf mold to boost its structure. Higher organic matter helps buffer the soil against the Georgia summer heat.

Observing Water Movement

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed for Haralson County. Before building or planting, perform a simple percolation test by filling a hole with water and timing how long it takes to empty. This will tell you more than any missing data ever could.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 8a

Haralson County resides in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a, a reliable zone for both flowers and food. Cold-hardy greens and summer squash thrive in this climate with proper care. Don't let the lack of data stop you from starting your gardening journey today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Haralson County

via LawnByCounty

Haralson County Tops the State Average

Haralson County earns a score of 40.5, placing it well above the Georgia average of 35.8. While it remains more challenging than the national median of 50.0, the conditions are relatively fair for the region.

Steady Rain and Typical Summer Heat

Lawns benefit from 52.8 inches of annual rain, which is slightly higher than the state average of 51.3. The 58 extreme heat days recorded annually are also lower than the state average of 65 days.

Standard Georgia Soil Management Required

Specific soil data for this county is not currently available in the dataset. Gardeners should assume the soil is likely acidic and should use a local soil test to guide their fertilization and liming plans.

Severe Drought Affects Most Lawns

Current data shows that 77.7% of Haralson County is in a severe drought, with 21 weeks of dry conditions over the last year. Regular aeration can help your lawn better absorb whatever water it receives during these dry periods.

Bermuda and Zoysia Lead the Way

These heat-tolerant grasses are the best fit for Haralson County's Zone 8a climate. Planting should ideally happen in the spring when soil temperatures reach 65 degrees to ensure rapid establishment.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Haralson County's county score?
Haralson County, Georgia has a composite county score of 46.6 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 Haralson County rank among counties in Georgia?
Haralson County ranks #82 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 Haralson County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Haralson County is $1,787, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Haralson County a tax score of 48.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Haralson County?
The median household income in Haralson County, Georgia is $65,016 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Haralson County earns an income score of 54.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Haralson County, Georgia a good place to live?
Haralson County scores 46.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #82 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Haralson 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 Haralson 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.