countyscore
51.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 87.2Property Tax 69.7Cost of Living 59.8

County Report Card

About Heard County, Georgia

Solid Performance Against National Benchmarks

Heard County carries a composite score of 51.1, edging out the national median score of 50.0. This places the county in a competitive position relative to rural communities across the United States.

Outpacing the Georgia Average

The county’s 51.1 score sits well above the Georgia state average of 46.7. It serves as a resilient and cost-effective option within the state's western corridor.

Natural Resilience and Tax Value

The county excels in disaster resilience with a Risk Score of 87.2, one of the highest in the region. Residents also benefit from a strong Tax Score of 69.7 and a modest effective tax rate of 0.640%.

Closing the Healthcare and Utility Gaps

A Health Score of 21.3 suggests limited local medical access, which remains a primary area for improvement. Similarly, the Water Score of 13.7 highlights challenges in utility infrastructure.

Best for Self-Sufficient Families

Heard County is a great match for families who value safety and low environmental risk. It appeals to those who prefer a quiet, low-tax environment and don't mind traveling for specialized healthcare.

Score breakdown

Tax69.7Cost59.8Safety55.7Health21.3Schools42.5Income47.9Risk87.2Water13.7Weather56.1
🏛69.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼47.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡55.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡87.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧13.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Troup County
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26.4
Randolph County
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56.9
Coweta County
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41.6
Carroll County
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Chambers County
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Meriwether County
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Haralson County
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Douglas County
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Deep Dives

Heard County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Heard County

via TaxByCounty

Heard County keeps taxes remarkably low

Heard County's effective tax rate of 0.640% is less than one-fourth the national median property tax burden of $2,690. At $1,030 annually on a median home value of $161,000, Heard County residents enjoy some of the nation's most affordable property taxation.

Third-lowest taxes in Georgia

Heard County's 0.640% effective rate ranks it among Georgia's most tax-friendly counties, well below the state average of 0.898%. The county's median tax of $1,030 is 33% lower than Georgia's statewide median of $1,529.

Hart County edges slightly lower in region

Heard County's 0.640% rate barely trails Hart County's 0.539% nearby. Both counties significantly undercut Houston County (0.856%) and the broader regional average, making this corridor exceptionally tax-friendly.

Your annual property tax estimate

On a median home value of $161,000, Heard County homeowners pay approximately $1,030 yearly in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,262 when escrow is factored in.

Appeal if your value has dropped

Heard County's low overall burden doesn't guarantee accurate individual assessments. If your home has lost value or your assessment seems out of line with recent sales, filing an appeal with the county assessor could provide additional tax relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Heard County

via CostByCounty

Heard County beats national affordability test

Heard County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% outperforms the national standard, meaning renters here carry lighter housing burdens than most Americans. At $855 monthly, median rent remains well below what the national median household income of $74,755 would suggest is affordable.

Georgia's most affordable renting county

Heard County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's lowest, beating the state average of 18.6% by a clear margin. This rural county delivers one of the state's best rental values while maintaining a median household income of $62,907.

Modest rent edge over Hart County

Heard County's $855 median rent runs $41 higher than Hart County's $814, yet both maintain nearly identical rent-to-income ratios around 16-17%. Moving between these neighboring rural counties offers minimal rental cost difference despite their comparable affordability profiles.

Heard County's housing math

With median household income at $62,907, Heard County renters dedicate 16.3% of earnings to $855 monthly rent, preserving $863 for remaining expenses. Homeowners invest $696 monthly into mortgages on $161,000 homes—substantially cheaper than comparable properties in Atlanta-area counties.

Unbeaten value for rural renters

Heard County offers Georgia's tightest rent-to-income ratio at 16.3%, making it ideal for renters prioritizing affordability over urban amenities. Weigh this against nearby Henry County's 22.6% ratio to see how much location matters in Georgia's housing market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Heard County

via IncomeByCounty

Heard County lags national income

Heard County's median household income of $62,907 falls 16% short of the national median of $74,755. Families earn approximately $11,850 less annually than the typical American household.

Above-average for Georgia

Heard County outperforms the Georgia state median of $60,488, ranking in the top third of Georgia's 159 counties. Per capita income of $32,800 exceeds the state average of $31,115, indicating stronger individual earning power.

Among the wealthier neighbors

Heard County's $62,907 income ranks second-highest among nearby counties, behind Jackson County ($85,012) and ahead of Hart County ($57,241). It maintains a solid position above lower-income Irwin County ($53,915) and Jeff Davis County ($40,879).

Excellent housing affordability

Heard County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the best in the region, well below the 30% affordability threshold. The median home value of $161,000 makes homeownership achievable for most households without overextending finances.

Prime opportunity for wealth building

With strong income-to-housing ratio, Heard County residents have room to invest in retirement accounts, college savings, or taxable investment accounts. Consider meeting with a financial advisor to develop a personalized plan that maximizes the county's affordability advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Heard County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional safety levels in Heard County

Heard County enjoys a total crime rate of 1,009.6 per 100,000, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This contributes to an impressive safety score of 98.4.

Outperforming the Georgia state average

With a safety score of 98.4, Heard County is safer than the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its crime rate is also much lower than the statewide average of 1,412.9 per 100,000.

Consistent safety across the local region

Heard County’s crime rate of 1,009.6 mirrors other safe areas like Jackson County (1,032.1). It remains one of the more secure jurisdictions among its regional peers.

Violent crime remains remarkably rare

The violent crime rate is just 78.3 per 100,000, far below the property crime rate of 931.3. Local safety efforts successfully keep violent incidents at a minimum.

Maintain safety with simple home measures

Despite low crime rates, basic property security remains important to deter opportunity thefts. Ensuring entry points are locked and join a neighborhood watch to keep numbers low.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Heard County

via HealthByCounty

Heard County health gaps widen nationally

At 71.2 years, Heard County's life expectancy trails the U.S. average of 73.5 years by more than two years. With 21.2% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces wellness challenges above the national norm.

Below Georgia in life expectancy

Heard County ranks below the Georgia state average of 73.3 years in life expectancy, with residents living 2.1 years less. The county's 14.6% uninsured rate sits slightly below the state average of 15.0%, a modest bright spot.

Sparse primary care, strong mental health

Heard County has only 17 primary care providers per 100,000—the lowest among regional peers—creating access barriers. Mental health providers are more available at 33 per 100K, though that advantage doesn't offset limited primary care.

Limited doctors, limited health options

With just 17 primary care physicians per 100,000 residents, Heard County residents often travel for routine care or preventive services. The 14.6% uninsured rate means roughly 1 in 7 residents lack coverage, further straining available providers.

Insurance opens doors to healthcare

Nearly 1 in 7 Heard County residents are uninsured—check the Georgia marketplace or Medicaid eligibility immediately. Health coverage is your first step to accessing the limited providers in your area and getting preventive care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Heard County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Public Education in a Rural Setting

Heard County operates six public schools serving a total enrollment of 2,195 students. The infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools within a single district.

Consistent Performance and Solid Investment

The county meets the national graduation rate average of 87.0%. Educators benefit from per-pupil expenditure of $7,496, which is higher than the Georgia state average of $7,405.

Traditional Rural District Management

The Heard County School District manages all local campuses, with no charter schools currently available. Heard Elementary School is the largest campus in the system, enrolling 710 students.

Intimate Classrooms in a Rural Landscape

All six schools are located in rural locales, creating a close-knit educational feel with an average size of only 366 students. While the primary schools are larger, Ephesus Elementary offers a very small-scale experience with just 160 students.

Finding Your Place in a Close-Knit District

For those seeking a rural lifestyle without sacrificing educational investment, Heard County offers a dedicated single-district system. Explore residential options near these small-scale schools for a personalized learning environment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Heard County

via RiskByCounty

Heard County: Among America's Safest

Heard County's composite risk score of 12.82 ranks it among the nation's lowest-risk counties, far below the national average. This "Very Low" rating means residents face minimal overall exposure to major natural disasters.

Georgia's Lowest-Risk County

Heard County's 12.82 composite score is dramatically lower than Georgia's 39.49 state average—one of the safest places in the state. Few Georgia counties match Heard's exceptional natural disaster protection.

Safest in Its Region by Far

Heard County significantly outperforms neighboring Henry County (79.36) and Houston County (70.48), which face much higher overall disaster risk. This makes Heard an outlier of safety in its immediate area.

Wildfire and Tornado Warrant Attention

Wildfire (51.59) and tornado (51.75) risks represent Heard's primary hazard concerns, though both remain below critical thresholds. Flood risk (22.30) is minimal, providing significant protection for homes and property.

Standard Homeowners Insurance Sufficient

Heard County's low composite risk means a standard homeowners policy covers most scenarios, though wildfire and tornado endorsements should be verified. Ensure your policy includes wind and hail coverage, common in tornado-prone regions.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Heard County

via SoilByCounty

A Classic Georgia Acidic Soil Profile

Specific taxonomic data for Heard County is limited, but the region typically mirrors the Georgia state average pH of 5.26. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Local growers should expect to manage soil acidity to support a wide variety of plant life.

Adapting to the Local Piedmont Texture

While specific sand, silt, and clay percentages are currently unavailable, this region is known for its characteristic Georgia red clay. Homeowners should conduct a simple texture test to determine their specific mix of grit and clay. Understanding this balance is the first step toward improving soil workability.

Building Fertility in the Deep South

Specific organic matter and water capacity data are sparse for this county, but the state organic matter average is 1.83%. Improving soil health through cover crops and mulching is a proven strategy for this area. These practices help boost the soil's natural ability to support vigorous plant growth.

Navigating Regional Drainage Patterns

County-specific hydrologic groups are not listed, making site-specific observation crucial for any project. Most surrounding areas feature well-draining soils that handle the state's heavy rainfall well. Observing how water moves across your property after a storm will guide your gardening and building plans.

Abundant Growth in Hardiness Zone 8a

Heard County sits in hardiness zone 8a, which is ideal for southern favorites like blueberries and camellias. The warm climate offers a long growing season that spans most of the year. Even with limited data, the region provides an excellent environment for anyone looking to start a garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Heard County

via LawnByCounty

Managing a Classic Georgia Landscape

While specific difficulty scores are unavailable for Heard County, its location in Hardiness Zone 8a defines its growing potential. Local lawns face the typical heat and humidity of the Piedmont region. Success here depends on adapting to local moisture shifts and seasonal transitions.

Regional Climate Drives Your Schedule

Specific local temperature and precipitation data are limited for this area, but regional trends suggest typical Georgia humidity and rainfall near 51 inches. Homeowners should monitor local weather stations to adjust their irrigation and mowing frequency. Consistent monitoring is key to preventing fungal issues in this humid environment.

Know Your Ground Before You Plant

Soil characteristics for Heard County are not currently recorded in this specific dataset. Most Georgia Piedmont soils are clay-heavy and slightly acidic, so a professional soil test is your first step. Testing reveals exactly how much lime or phosphorus your lawn requires to thrive.

Resilience Through Extended Dry Spells

Heard County has endured 25 weeks of drought over the past year, with nearly the entire area currently classified as Abnormally Dry. Only 1% of the county is currently in Severe Drought, giving it a slight edge over its eastern neighbors. Focus on mulching clippings back into the lawn to retain soil moisture during these dry periods.

Warm-Season Varieties Rule the Yard

Centipedegrass and St. Augustine are excellent choices for the warm summers of Zone 8a. These varieties provide a dense carpet that naturally crowds out weeds. Prepare your site in early spring to take full advantage of the long southern growing season.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Heard County's county score?
Heard County, Georgia has a composite county score of 51.1 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 Heard County rank among counties in Georgia?
Heard County ranks #56 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 Heard County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Heard County is $1,030, with an effective tax rate of 0.64%. This earns Heard County a tax score of 69.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Heard County?
The median household income in Heard County, Georgia is $62,907 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Heard County earns an income score of 47.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Heard County, Georgia a good place to live?
Heard County scores 51.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #56 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Heard 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 Heard 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.