Hart County's composite score of 77.0 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 77th percentile nationwide. This rural northeastern Georgia county demonstrates that strong livability doesn't require urban density or high wages.
2 / 5
Above-average livability in Georgia
Hart County ranks above Georgia's state average composite score of 70.9, placing it among the better-performing counties in the state. Its overall score reflects consistent strength across measured dimensions.
3 / 5
Tax efficiency and affordability lead
Hart County excels with a tax score of 87.1 and a cost score of 83.4, supporting an effective tax rate of just 0.539% and median home values of $206,500. Renters benefit similarly, with a median gross rent of just $814 per month.
4 / 5
Income growth remains limited
The county's income score of 20.8 reflects a median household income of $57,241, notably below state and national averages. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors means the full livability picture remains incomplete.
5 / 5
Ideal for cost-conscious, tax-aware households
Hart County suits families and individuals prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes or urban amenities. It's particularly attractive to retirees, remote workers, and those seeking rural Georgia living without breaking the budget.
Hart County's composite score of 77.0 significantly outpaces the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 77th percentile nationwide. This rural northeastern Georgia county demonstrates that strong livability doesn't require urban density or high wages.
Above-average livability in Georgia
Hart County ranks above Georgia's state average composite score of 70.9, placing it among the better-performing counties in the state. Its overall score reflects consistent strength across measured dimensions.
Tax efficiency and affordability lead
Hart County excels with a tax score of 87.1 and a cost score of 83.4, supporting an effective tax rate of just 0.539% and median home values of $206,500. Renters benefit similarly, with a median gross rent of just $814 per month.
Income growth remains limited
The county's income score of 20.8 reflects a median household income of $57,241, notably below state and national averages. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors means the full livability picture remains incomplete.
Ideal for cost-conscious, tax-aware households
Hart County suits families and individuals prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over high incomes or urban amenities. It's particularly attractive to retirees, remote workers, and those seeking rural Georgia living without breaking the budget.
Score breakdown
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🏛87.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.