countyscore
53
County Score
Property Tax 81.9Cost of Living 65.3Schools 64.8

County Report Card

About Hart County, Georgia

Above-Average Livability in a Rural Setting

Hart County earns a composite score of 53.0, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This score ranks it in the top half of counties nationwide for overall quality of life.

A Top Performer in the Peach State

With a 53.0 score, the county significantly outperforms the Georgia state average of 46.7. It stands out as a more livable alternative to many of its regional neighbors.

Low Taxes and Affordable Lakeside Living

The county boasts an exceptional Tax Score of 81.9, driven by a low effective tax rate of 0.539%. Housing is equally attractive, with a Cost Score of 65.3 and median rents of just $814.

Infrastructure and Economic Growth Opportunities

The Water Score of 9.9 indicates a significant need for infrastructure investment. An Income Score of 30.9 also shows that the median household income of $57,241 trails national averages.

Ideal for Retirees and Low-Tax Seekers

This county is a perfect fit for retirees or remote workers looking to maximize their budget through low property taxes. It offers a balanced lifestyle for those who prioritize affordability over high local wages.

Score breakdown

Tax81.9Cost65.3Safety31.7Health35.7Schools64.8Income30.9Risk64.6Water9.9Weather61.8
🏛81.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠65.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡31.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤35.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡64.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧9.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨18
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱41.4
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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Deep Dives

Hart County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Hart County

via TaxByCounty

Hart County taxes rank low nationally

Hart County's effective tax rate of 0.539% sits well below the national median property tax of $2,690 on a median home value of $281,900. Homeowners here pay roughly $1,113 annually—about 41% of what the typical American pays—placing Hart County in the bottom quartile of tax burdens nationwide.

Georgia's second-lowest tax burden

At 0.539%, Hart County's effective rate undercuts Georgia's state average of 0.898% by 40 percentage points. The county ranks among the state's most tax-friendly jurisdictions, with median taxes of $1,113 versus the statewide median of $1,529.

Lower taxes than surrounding counties

Hart County homeowners pay significantly less than Jackson County ($2,761) and Jasper County ($1,956) nearby. Only Heard County, just west at 0.640%, comes close to Hart's lean tax rate in the immediate region.

Your annual property tax estimate

On Hart County's median home value of $206,500, expect to pay roughly $1,113 per year in property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages typically see an additional $253 annually set aside in escrow, bringing the total to $1,366.

Consider an assessment appeal

Even in low-tax counties, many homeowners are overassessed relative to market value. If your property has declined in value or differs significantly from comparable sales, an appeal to your county assessor can yield substantial savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Hart County

via CostByCounty

Hart County rents stay below national squeeze

Hart County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.1% sits comfortably below the national benchmark, meaning renters here spend less of their earnings on housing than typical American households. At $814 per month, median rent is substantially lower than the national median household income of $74,755 would suggest renters can afford.

Among Georgia's more affordable counties

Hart County's 17.1% rent-to-income ratio beats Georgia's state average of 18.6%, placing it among the state's better values for renters. With median gross rent at $814—nearly $113 below the state average of $927—Hart County offers measurable relief for cost-conscious households.

Cheaper rents than nearby Heard County

Hart County's $814 median rent undercuts neighboring Heard County's $855 by $41 monthly, while both counties maintain similar rent-to-income ratios around 17%. Both rural counties offer considerably lower housing costs than the rapidly growing Atlanta metro areas nearby.

Where Hart County income goes

On a median household income of $57,241, Hart County renters allocate 17.1% to rent, leaving $815 monthly for other living expenses after housing. Homeowners pay $685 monthly toward mortgages on homes valued at $206,500—an affordable balance for a county where median income runs 23% below the national average.

Rural affordability with state advantages

If you're seeking affordable rent in Georgia without relocating far from regional services, Hart County delivers at $814 monthly with a manageable rent burden. Compare this to Henry County's pricier $1,538 rent or Jackson County's $1,048 to see what Hart County's rural location saves you.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Hart County

via IncomeByCounty

Hart County trails national income

Hart County's median household income of $57,241 sits 23% below the national median of $74,755. This income gap means households here earn roughly $17,500 less annually than their typical American counterparts.

Middle income for Georgia

Hart County ranks in the middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties, with a median household income slightly below the state average of $60,488. Per capita income of $31,280 nearly matches the state average of $31,115, suggesting modest wealth distribution across residents.

Competitive with surrounding areas

Hart County's $57,241 income exceeds neighboring Jasper County ($59,574) and trails Jackson County ($85,012). The county sits below wealthier Henry County ($81,612) but above lower-income Jeff Davis County ($40,879).

Affordable housing keeps costs down

With a 17.1% rent-to-income ratio—below the 30% affordability threshold—Hart County households manage housing costs well relative to their earnings. The median home value of $206,500 remains accessible, allowing families to build equity without extreme financial strain.

Build stability through saving

Hart County's affordable housing market creates an opportunity to redirect savings toward retirement accounts and investments. Starting small with automatic transfers to a high-yield savings account or employer 401(k) compounds wealth over time, even on modest incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Hart County

via CrimeByCounty

Hart County outperforms national safety averages

Hart County reports a total crime rate of 1,612.4 per 100,000 residents, which is much lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This strong performance earns the county a safety score of 97.5 out of 100.

A competitive safety profile within Georgia

The county's safety score of 97.5 is slightly below the Georgia state average of 97.8. However, its total crime rate remains relatively low compared to many high-density areas across the state.

Hart compares well to regional neighbors

Hart's crime rate of 1,612.4 is nearly identical to Irwin County's 1,591.6. It remains safer than Henry County, where the crime rate reaches 2,087.6 per 100,000.

Property crimes outpace violent incidents

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,359.6 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is significantly lower at 252.8. Most residents are five times more likely to experience property issues than a violent encounter.

Secure your Hart County home today

Since property theft is the most common crime, residents should focus on visible deterrents. Installing motion lights and alarm systems provides effective protection for local households.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Hart County

via HealthByCounty

Hart County lives longer than most Americans

At 74.3 years, Hart County residents have a life expectancy that exceeds the U.S. average of 73.5 years. Only 18.6% of the county reports poor or fair health, putting it slightly above the national wellness benchmark.

Outpacing Georgia's health averages

Hart County's 74.3-year life expectancy tops Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by a full year. The county's uninsured rate of 15.2% matches the state average almost exactly, indicating typical insurance coverage challenges statewide.

Healthcare access stronger than similar counties

Hart County has 42 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—well above rural neighbors like Heard County (17 per 100K). With 22 mental health providers per 100K, the county offers competitive mental health resources for its region.

Most Hart residents have health coverage

About 1 in 15 Hart County adults (15.2%) lack health insurance, making healthcare access generally available. The county's primary care infrastructure supports preventive care, though some residents still face coverage gaps.

Check your coverage options today

If you're among the 15% of Hart County residents without insurance, explore options through the Georgia health marketplace or local community health centers. Preventive care coverage is often affordable and can catch health issues early.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Hart County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated System for Five Local Schools

Hart County manages 3,656 students through a single district infrastructure of five public schools. This includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school serving the local community.

High Graduation Rates Outpace National Averages

Students achieve an impressive 95.0% graduation rate, significantly higher than the 87% national average. Although per-pupil spending of $7,142 sits below the state average of $7,405, the county earns a school score of 56.5, which beats the state benchmark.

Traditional Education in Hart County Schools

The Hart County district operates all five campuses without any charter school options. Hart County High School serves as the largest institution in the area, enrolling 1,077 students.

A Mix of Town and Rural Learning

The average school size is 731 students, providing a balanced environment across three town-based and two rural campuses. Students move from North Hart Elementary's 656-person campus into the high school's larger student body of over 1,000 peers.

Investing in Homes Near Top-Tier Graduation Rates

Families prioritize Hart County for its academic results that consistently exceed state standards. Researching homes near these local schools can secure a place in a high-performing rural community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Hart County

via RiskByCounty

Hart County's Risk: Well Below Average

Hart County scores 35.40 on the national composite risk scale, earning a "Very Low" rating and sitting comfortably below the national average. This means residents face significantly less overall natural disaster exposure than most American counties.

One of Georgia's Safest Counties

Hart County's composite risk of 35.40 places it well below Georgia's state average of 39.49. Among all Georgia counties, Hart ranks as one of the lower-risk areas for natural disasters.

Safer Than Most Regional Peers

Neighboring Jackson County (41.92) and Jasper County (8.08) show how risk varies across the region. Hart's 35.40 score positions it as a moderate-to-low risk area compared to similar counties nearby.

Earthquakes and Hurricanes Lead Hazards

Earthquake risk (68.38) and hurricane exposure (73.34) are Hart's highest individual hazard scores, though both remain manageable. Tornado risk (51.88) also warrants attention, as severe storms can develop rapidly across northeast Georgia.

Earthquake and Wind Coverage Matter

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes earthquake and wind damage; Hart County residents should consider separate policies to close these gaps. Review your coverage annually and ensure your home's roof and foundation meet current building codes.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Hart County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical climate near the border

Hart County averages 61.5°F annually, staying warmer than the national median. Its position in the Savannah River basin influences its humid subtropical weather.

Cooler than most of Georgia

The county's average temperature is 2.2°F lower than the Georgia state average. This makes it a slightly cooler option within the state.

Typical Georgia precipitation levels

Hart County receives 51.1 inches of rain, nearly matching the state average of 51.4 inches. It experiences typical humidity and storm patterns for the region.

Hot summers and crisp winters

Expect 50 days of extreme heat over 90°F during the warm summer season. Winters are cool at 44.5°F and include about 0.9 inches of annual snowfall.

Winterize for crisp January lows

Homeowners should winterize pipes to protect against 42.5°F January averages. Efficient cooling is needed to handle the 50 days of extreme summer heat.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Hart County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols Define Hart County's Terrain

Hart County is dominated by Ultisols with a clay loam texture and an average pH of 5.37. This soil is more acidic than the national median of 6.5 but sits slightly above the Georgia state average of 5.26. Most gardeners will find that adding lime helps balance these naturally acidic conditions.

Balanced Texture for Reliable Workability

The soil composition features 58.8% sand, 22.3% silt, and 17.0% clay. This mixture provides a stable structure that avoids the extreme heaviness of pure clay while maintaining enough body to hold essential nutrients. It is a versatile foundation for both large-scale farming and backyard gardening.

High Water Retention Despite Lower Organic Matter

Organic matter stands at 1.37%, which is below the state average of 1.83% and the national average of 2.0%. However, the soil excels in available water capacity at 0.128 in/in, outperforming the Georgia average of 0.114 in/in. This high capacity helps local crops remain resilient during typical Southern dry spells.

Well-Drained Land Supports Diverse Uses

The land is classified as well drained and falls into hydrologic group B. These characteristics indicate moderate infiltration rates, which are ideal for preventing standing water after heavy rains. This makes the terrain favorable for residential construction and diverse agricultural operations.

Thriving in the Heart of Zone 8b

Situated in hardiness zone 8b, Hart County is perfect for heat-loving crops like peppers, tomatoes, and squash. While the natural organic matter is low, the soil structure is excellent for building a productive garden. Adding compost will quickly transform this land into a high-yielding oasis.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Hart County

via LawnByCounty

A Fair Fighting Chance for Hart County Lawns

Hart County earns a lawn difficulty score of 41.4, which is significantly higher than the Georgia state average of 35.8. While it is easier than much of the state, it still trails the national median score of 50.0. Gardeners in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b enjoy a climate that supports a wide variety of southern turfgrasses.

Moderate Heat and Generous Rainfall

The county receives 51.1 inches of annual precipitation, matching the state average and providing ample natural hydration. With 5,012 growing degree days and 50 extreme heat days, the metabolic demand on grass remains manageable compared to hotter neighbors. Residents must prepare for a robust mowing season that kicks off after the last spring frost on March 25.

Acidic Soil Needs a Nutrient Boost

The local soil pH of 5.37 is quite acidic compared to the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for healthy turf. The clay loam texture is well-drained but contains 58.8% sand, which may cause nutrients to wash away. Homeowners should plan on applying lime to balance the pH and improve nutrient uptake.

Navigating Severe Drought Conditions

The entire county currently experiences Severe Drought (D2+) conditions, following 18 weeks of drought over the past year. To conserve water during these dry spells, experts recommend deep, infrequent watering early in the morning. This encourages deeper root growth, making the lawn more resilient against the 100% abnormally dry coverage currently reported.

Sod Early for Summer Success

Bermudagrass and Zoysia are the gold standard for Hart County's Zone 8b climate. Aim to start your lawn after the final frost on March 25 but before the summer heat peaks in July. Proper timing ensures your grass establishes strong roots before the first fall frost arrives on November 15.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hart County's county score?
Hart County, Georgia has a composite county score of 53 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 Hart County rank among counties in Georgia?
Hart County ranks #43 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 Hart County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Hart County is $1,113, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Hart County a tax score of 81.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Hart County?
The median household income in Hart County, Georgia is $57,241 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Hart County earns an income score of 30.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Hart County, Georgia a good place to live?
Hart County scores 53/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #43 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Hart 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 Hart County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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