CountyScore

Harris County

Georgia · GA

#17 in Georgia
71.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Harris County, Georgia

Harris County outpaces national median

Harris County's composite score of 69.2 solidly exceeds the national median of 50.0, ranking it in the 69th percentile nationally. This west-central Georgia county delivers livability above most U.S. counties.

Slightly below Georgia's state level

Harris County's score of 69.2 falls just shy of Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it in the middle of the state's livability spectrum. The county performs near Georgia's typical profile.

Strong incomes and reasonable taxes

Harris County's income score of 41.6 reflects an impressive median household income of $89,184, among the highest of these counties. The tax score of 77.3 (0.886% effective rate) maintains affordability for earners.

Housing costs moderate but rising

The cost score of 70.1 indicates moderate housing affordability, with median rent at $941/month and home values at $278,700. Missing data on schools, safety, and health prevents a complete livability picture.

Strong option for affluent families

Harris County suits families with incomes above $85,000 seeking a balanced west-central Georgia location. The combination of strong local wages and moderate housing costs makes it attractive for professionals seeking regional stability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.3Cost70.1SafetyComing SoonHealth74.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome41.6Risk79.3WaterComing Soon
🏛77.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼41.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤74.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡79.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Harris County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Barbour County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,290
Marengo County
Alabama
71.3
Median income: $44,205
Clark County
Arkansas
71.3
Median income: $50,985
Jefferson County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $56,984
Lafayette County
Florida
71.3
Median income: $60,692

Deep Dives

Harris County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Harris County

via CostByCounty

Harris County combines wealth and value

Harris County residents enjoy exceptional housing affordability at 12.7% of income spent on rent—among the nation's best ratios. With a median household income of $89,184, well above the U.S. average of $74,755, Harris delivers both strong earning power and manageable housing costs.

Georgia's affordability champion

Harris County ranks as one of Georgia's most affordable counties by rent-to-income ratio (12.7% vs. state average 18.6%), while its median rent of $941 hovers near the state median of $927. This combination is rare and valuable.

Harris outperforms wealthy peers

Harris's 12.7% rent-to-income ratio significantly beats Greene County (13.3%) and far surpasses Gwinnett (24.2%), despite comparable or higher incomes. Median rent of $941 is substantially lower than Hall ($1,247) and Gwinnett ($1,713).

High income, low housing burden

Harris households earning $89,184 annually spend just $941 on rent—a remarkable 12.7%—leaving over $7,000 monthly for other expenses. Homeowners pay an average of $1,399 monthly, still very manageable for this income tier.

Harris offers the best housing value

If you're relocating to Georgia and prioritizing housing affordability alongside strong income potential, Harris County delivers an exceptional combination. Compare these numbers to your current market—you may find the rare sweet spot of affordability, prosperity, and community.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Harris County

via HealthByCounty

Harris leads the nation in health outcomes

Harris County residents live to 78.8 years—5.3 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.5 years and 5.5 years above Georgia's state average. At just 16.1% reporting poor or fair health, Harris achieves elite health status rivaling the nation's healthiest counties.

Harris ranks among Georgia's elite health counties

With a 78.8-year life expectancy, Harris County ranks in Georgia's top tier, nearly 5.5 years above the state average and second only to Gwinnett (79.3 years). The 16.1% poor/fair health rate reflects strong community health and preventive care engagement.

Harris dominates regional health benchmarks decisively

Harris's 78.8-year life expectancy exceeds every other comparison county except Gwinnett (79.3 years), topping Hancock (70.7 years) by 8.1 years. This advantage stems from high insurance coverage, strong economic conditions, and accessible healthcare infrastructure.

Nearly universal coverage enables preventive care

Harris County's 9% uninsured rate—among the nation's lowest—means nine of ten residents can access preventive and specialty care without financial barriers. With 28 primary care and 36 mental health providers per 100,000, care is readily available to the insured majority.

Maintain Harris County's health advantage

Harris County's health success depends on sustained coverage for all residents; if you lack insurance, marketplace plans and Medicaid ensure continuity of care. Visit healthcare.gov to review your options and renew coverage during open enrollment.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Harris County

via RiskByCounty

Harris County: Lowest Risk in Group

Harris County scores just 20.77 on the composite risk index, placing it in the very low-risk category and well below the national average. The county demonstrates minimal exposure across all major natural disaster hazards.

Second-Safest in Georgia

Harris ranks among Georgia's lowest-risk counties with a score of 20.77, exceeded only by Hancock (11.86) and far below the state average of 39.49. The county represents one of Georgia's safest natural disaster environments.

Safest in Immediate Region

Harris's score of 20.77 is lower than all nearby counties except Hancock (11.86), significantly safer than Haralson (27.61), Greene (37.25), and far below Grady (52.99). It anchors the region's safest corner.

Hurricane Risk Highest, Still Modest

Harris's most elevated hazard is hurricane risk at 64.71, still well below state and national norms for that threat. Tornado and flood risks are both below 40, creating a truly low-hazard county profile.

Basic Insurance Covers Harris Homes

Harris County's exceptionally low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection without specialized add-ons. Maintain annual policy reviews as a responsible practice, but expensive disaster coverage is not necessary here.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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