countyscore
55.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 93.8Water Quality 86Safety 81.7

County Report Card

About Harris County, Georgia

Superior National Livability Standing

Harris County achieves a high composite score of 55.8, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This score places it in the upper echelon of American counties for quality of life. It offers a rare combination of economic prosperity and environmental safety.

A Top-Ranked Georgia Community

With a score of 55.8, Harris County is a standout performer compared to the Georgia average of 46.7. It is one of the most desirable counties in the state, particularly for those seeking a high-income suburban-rural mix. Its ranking reflects a high level of investment in community safety and resident well-being.

Wealth, Safety, and Low Risk

The county boasts an elite income score of 91.7, with a median household income of $89,184. Residents also enjoy high levels of security, with a safety score of 81.7 and an environmental risk score of 79.3. Excellent water quality (86.0) and health services (70.8) further enhance its profile.

High Entry Costs and Schools

The primary barrier to entry is cost, with a score of 23.4 and a median home value of $278,700. Additionally, the school score of 37.4 is surprisingly low given the county's wealth, suggesting a potential area for local improvement. These factors may deter younger families or those looking for high-performing public districts.

Ideal for Affluent Professionals

Harris County is a top choice for high-earning individuals who prioritize personal safety and a low-risk environment. It offers an exceptionally high quality of life for those who have the income to support higher housing costs. It is best for residents who value health and safety as the cornerstones of their community.

2040608010046.720.181.770.837.493.879.38644.8Tax46.7Cost20.1Safety81.7Health70.8Schools37.4Income93.8Risk79.3Water86Weather44.855.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average3 below average

Harris County DNA

Foverall

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

Harris County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (93.8/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (20.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
46.7
Cost
20.1-27.9
Safety
81.7+26.700000000000003
Health
70.8+20.799999999999997
Schools
37.4-16.6
Income
93.8+42.8
Risk
79.3+32.3
Water
86+28
Weather
44.8-11.200000000000003
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Compare mortgage rates in Harris County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$302,800

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,048/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$302,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$41,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.1x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $97,302/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.9

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Harris County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Harris County

via TaxByCounty

Harris's rate and taxes near national average

At 0.886%, Harris County's effective property tax rate is slightly above the national median of 0.720%, placing it in the middle tier nationally. The median property tax of $2,470 is slightly below the national median of $2,690, with median home values of $278,700 very close to the national median of $281,900.

Slightly below Georgia's state average

Harris County's 0.886% effective rate is nearly identical to Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it representative of the statewide norm. The median tax of $2,470 exceeds the state median of $1,529 due to above-average home values, but the rate itself is perfectly typical for Georgia.

Balanced rate within the regional group

Harris County's 0.886% rate and $2,470 median tax place it squarely in the regional middle, between Habersham's 0.627% and Gwinnett's 0.978%. Home values here closely mirror the national average, making Harris an instructive case study for typical American property tax burden.

Harris homeowners pay $2,470 annually

The median home valued at $278,700 generates an estimated annual property tax of $2,470, or roughly $206 per month. With a mortgage, that obligation rises to $2,703 annually as escrow accounts prepay taxes.

Appeal if your assessment seems inflated

Harris County homeowners should periodically review their assessed values against comparable sales in the market. Contacting the county tax assessor about a potential appeal is free and could save hundreds annually if your property is overvalued.

Income & Jobs in Harris County

via IncomeByCounty

Harris achieves strong income milestone

Harris County's median household income of $89,184 outpaces the national median of $74,755 by 19%, positioning it among the nation's higher-earning counties. The county's per capita income of $42,883 reflects diverse, well-compensated employment.

Highest income in this eight-county group

Harris's median income of $89,184 significantly exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $28,696, placing it among the state's most affluent counties. Only a small percentage of Georgia counties match this prosperity level.

Wealthiest in regional comparison

Harris County's $89,184 edges out Greene ($84,530) and Gwinnett ($84,823), making it the highest earner among all eight profiled counties. The county has established itself as a wealth destination in west-central Georgia.

Excellent income-to-housing ratio

Harris's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest among profiled counties, indicating exceptional affordability despite median home values of $278,700. High earners retain substantial discretionary income after housing costs.

Aggressive wealth-building opportunity

Harris County's highest median income and lowest housing burden create ideal conditions for maxing retirement contributions, college savings plans, and taxable investments. Households should work with financial advisors on tax optimization and diversified portfolio strategies.

Safety in Harris County

via CrimeByCounty

Harris County: Exceptionally Safe

Harris County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.3, making it one of the safest counties in the nation. Its total crime rate of 438.2 per 100,000 is roughly five times lower than the national average.

Leader in State Safety

With a safety score of 99.3, Harris County far exceeds the Georgia state average of 97.8. Six reporting agencies collaborate to keep the community incredibly secure for all residents.

The Gold Standard for Safety

Harris County’s crime rate of 438.2 is significantly lower than Haralson or even the very safe Habersham County. It represents the gold standard for public safety in the entire region.

Rare Violent Crime Numbers

Violent crime is nearly non-existent here at just 17.2 per 100,000 residents. Property crime is also remarkably low at 421.0, which is just a fraction of the national property crime rate.

Preserving Your Community Safety

Even with such elite safety ratings, maintaining home security is a wise habit to preserve this environment. Basic precautions ensure that Harris County remains a benchmark for safety in Georgia.

Weather & Climate in Harris County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and humid western Georgia

Harris County averages 64.3°F annually, placing it above both the national median and the state average. This region is characterized by long, humid summers.

Slightly warmer than state average

The annual temperature is 0.6°F higher than the Georgia average of 63.7°F. It reflects the typical warmth of the state's lower Piedmont region.

Consistent rainfall for the region

At 53.2 inches, the county's precipitation is slightly higher than the state average of 51.4 inches. It shares a similar rainfall profile with its neighboring counties.

Frequent heat and mild winters

Summers are long, featuring 74 days where temperatures reach 90°F or higher. Winters are mild with a December to February average of 48.4°F.

Focus on extreme heat prep

Reliable air conditioning is a necessity for the 74 annual days of extreme heat. Outdoor activities are best planned during the mild 46.5°F January average.

Soil Quality in Harris County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring Harris County Earth

The taxonomic order and pH levels for Harris County are not currently recorded in this dataset. Most of the region sits on acidic bedrock, meaning your soil is likely below the national 6.5 pH median. Knowing your soil's identity is the first step toward a thriving landscape.

The Foundation of Your Plot

Data on sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently missing for this area. Harris County's varied topography suggests you might find different textures from the hills to the valleys. Feel the soil between your fingers to see if it is gritty, silky, or sticky.

Maximizing Natural Fertility

Measurements for organic matter and water capacity are not available in the current county records. Regardless of the numbers, adding organic amendments is a proven way to improve soil health and crop yields. Healthy soil is the engine that drives a successful harvest.

Hydrology and Soil Drainage

Dominant drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently listed for Harris County. Observation is your best tool—watch for areas where water pools or where the ground dries out too quickly. Proper drainage is essential for preventing root diseases in your garden.

Endless Summers in Zone 8b

Harris County is located in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, providing a warm and hospitable climate for gardeners. You can grow everything from camellias to tomatoes with great success here. Grab a shovel and start exploring what your local earth can do for you.

Lawn Care in Harris County

via LawnByCounty

Harris County Lawns Face Significant Hurdles

With a difficulty score of 26.7, Harris County is one of the more challenging places in Georgia to grow a lawn. This score is significantly lower than both the state average of 35.8 and the national median of 50.0.

High Heat Days Stress Local Turf

The county records 74 extreme heat days per year, well above the Georgia average of 65. While the 53.2 inches of rainfall is healthy, the high heat increases the water demand for any lawn in the area.

Acidic Soil Requires Regular Monitoring

Although specific soil metrics are unavailable for the county, regional trends suggest acidic conditions. Maintaining a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is critical, so residents should prioritize professional soil testing.

Extreme Drought Conditions Present Today

Currently, 100.0% of the county is under severe drought, following 26 weeks of dry conditions this past year. Adding organic matter to your soil can help it retain moisture for longer periods between waterings.

Start Your Lawn in Late March

The last spring frost in Harris County typically occurs on March 21. For this Zone 8b climate, drought-resistant varieties like Centipede or Bermuda are the most reliable choices for a green yard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Harris County's county score?
Harris County, Georgia has a composite county score of 55.4 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 Harris County rank among counties in Georgia?
Harris County ranks #32 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 Harris County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Harris County is $2,578, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns Harris County a tax score of 46.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Harris County?
The median household income in Harris County, Georgia is $97,302 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Harris County earns an income score of 93.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Harris County, Georgia a good place to live?
Harris County scores 55.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #32 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Harris 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 Harris County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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