CountyScore

Heard County

Georgia · GA

#6 in Georgia
72.4
County Score

County Report Card

About Heard County, Georgia

Heard County exceeds national livability standard

Heard County's composite score of 75.9 substantially exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 76th percentile nationally. This west-central Georgia county demonstrates strong livability fundamentals across fiscal and housing dimensions.

Above-average performer in Georgia

Heard County scores 75.9 against Georgia's state average of 70.9, ranking it among the top-performing counties statewide. Its balanced profile makes it stand out in a competitive field.

Affordability and tax efficiency shine

Heard County delivers a tax score of 84.3 and cost score of 82.4, with an effective tax rate of 0.640% and median home values of $161,000. Monthly rents average just $855, making it one of Georgia's most budget-friendly counties.

Income levels lag broader comparisons

The income score of 24.5 reflects a median household income of $62,907, which, while respectable, trails many neighboring counties. Safety, health, school, and environmental data remain unavailable, limiting a complete livability assessment.

Perfect for budget-minded rural families

Heard County appeals to households seeking maximum affordability and low tax burden in a rural setting. It's ideal for cost-conscious families, small-business owners, and those who value financial flexibility over high incomes.

Score breakdown

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

Tax84.3Cost82.4SafetyComing SoonHealth58.3SchoolsComing SoonIncome24.5Risk87.2WaterComing Soon
🏛84.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼24.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡87.2
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 Heard County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Minidoka County
Idaho
72.4
Median income: $70,060
Pocahontas County
Iowa
72.4
Median income: $63,423
Hickman County
Kentucky
72.4
Median income: $63,750
Baraga County
Michigan
72.4
Median income: $55,117
Montmorency County
Michigan
72.4
Median income: $47,803

Deep Dives

Heard County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.