countyscore
38.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 84.6Schools 55

County Report Card

About Houston County, Georgia

Strong Economy Meeting Infrastructure Needs

Houston County scores a 38.2, placing it below the national median of 50.0 for composite livability. While the economic foundation is strong, other lifestyle metrics impact its national ranking.

A Competitive Suburban Alternative

The county’s score of 38.2 trails the state average of 46.7, largely due to safety and risk factors. However, its educational and income metrics remain among the most competitive in Central Georgia.

Economic Opportunity and Reliable Utilities

The county features an impressive Income Score of 84.6, with a median household income of $80,743. Residents also enjoy high-quality utilities, evidenced by a Water Score of 86.0.

Safety and Environmental Risk Profile

The Safety Score of 11.5 is the county's primary challenge, alongside a Risk Score of 29.5. Additionally, housing affordability has tightened, leaving the Cost Score at 18.0.

A Hub for Middle-Class Professionals

Houston County is ideal for families and professionals tied to the regional economy who prioritize high wages and good schools. It suits those looking for a robust suburban infrastructure with strong utility reliability.

2040608010048.41811.550.45584.629.58641.5Tax48.4Cost18Safety11.5Health50.4Schools55Income84.6Risk29.5Water86Weather41.538.2/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Houston County DNA

Foverall

How Houston County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Houston County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (84.6/100) but notably weak in Safety (11.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
48.4
Cost
18-30
Safety
11.5-43.5
Health
50.4
Schools
55
Income
84.6+33.599999999999994
Risk
29.5-17.5
Water
86+28
Weather
41.5-14.5
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Compare mortgage rates in Houston County

Whether buying or refinancing in Houston County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$205,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,143/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$205,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,720/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $80,743/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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Clark County
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Mississippi County
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Sacramento County
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Western Connecticut Planning Region
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Nearby counties

Peach County
Georgia
32
Twiggs County
Georgia
55.7
Bleckley County
Georgia
46.6
Dooly County
Georgia
54.9
Pulaski County
Georgia
45.1
Bibb County
Georgia
21.6
Macon County
Georgia
47.4
Crawford County
Georgia
46.1

Deep Dives

Houston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Houston County

via TaxByCounty

Houston County taxes run below national

Houston County's effective tax rate of 0.856% on a median home value of $205,600 yields annual taxes of $1,759—about 35% below the national median of $2,690. The county ranks in the lower third nationally for property tax burden.

Slightly below Georgia's average rate

Houston County's 0.856% effective rate undershoots Georgia's 0.898% state average by 0.042 percentage points. The median tax of $1,759 falls short of Georgia's $1,529 median by $230, positioning Houston County as moderately tax-friendly statewide.

Competitive within the region

Houston County's 0.856% rate sits between the low-tax Hart/Heard corridor (0.539–0.640%) and the higher-tax Henry/Jackson tier (0.922%). Neighboring Jasper County (0.890%) runs slightly higher, while Houston offers a middle ground for the area.

Your annual property tax estimate

On Houston County's median home value of $205,600, expect to pay approximately $1,759 in annual property taxes. When mortgage escrow is included, the total typically rises to around $1,958.

Review your property assessment

Even with moderate tax rates, individual assessments can drift above fair market value. Houston County homeowners should verify their assessed value against recent comparable sales and consider an appeal if discrepancies emerge.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Houston County

via CostByCounty

Houston County delivers competitive national value

Houston County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.0% matches the best national affordability standards, with renters spending just over one-sixth of earnings on housing. Median rent of $1,143 is reasonable given the county's median household income of $80,743, well above the national average of $74,755.

Above-average income, below-average burden

Houston County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio beats Georgia's state average of 18.6%, even as median income at $80,743 ranks among the county group's highest. This combination signals Houston County delivers strong rental affordability relative to household earning power.

Houston bridges urban-rural housing costs

Houston County's $1,143 median rent sits between rural Hart County's $814 and suburban Henry County's $1,538, offering a middle path for cost-conscious relocators. Its 17.0% rent-to-income ratio closely mirrors Jackson County's 14.8%, suggesting comparable affordability despite rent price differences.

Houston County's balanced housing equation

Renters earning Houston County's median household income of $80,743 allocate 17.0% to $1,143 monthly rent, preserving $1,115 for remaining expenses. Homeowners pay $1,219 monthly on mortgages for homes valued at $205,600—a value proposition that balances urban proximity with rural affordability.

Sweet spot for suburban values

Houston County offers strong median income of $80,743 paired with a manageable 17.0% rent burden, making it competitive for relocators seeking suburban Georgia. Its $1,143 median rent provides 26% savings versus Henry County while maintaining superior income levels compared to rural counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Houston County

via IncomeByCounty

Houston County beats national median

Houston County's median household income of $80,743 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 8%. Families earn approximately $5,990 more annually than the typical U.S. household.

Top-tier Georgia earners

Houston County ranks among the wealthiest in Georgia, with median household income 33% above the state average of $60,488. Per capita income of $36,079 also significantly exceeds the state average of $31,115.

Second-highest in the region

Houston County's $80,743 income trails only Jackson County ($85,012) and nearly matches Henry County ($81,612). It substantially outpaces lower-income counties like Hart County ($57,241) and Jeff Davis County ($40,879).

Excellent housing affordability

With a 17.0% rent-to-income ratio—among the region's best—Houston County households manage housing costs comfortably. The median home value of $205,600 remains accessible relative to the strong median income, allowing flexibility for other savings.

Strong foundation for financial goals

Houston County's combination of high income and low housing burden creates ideal conditions for wealth building. Residents should maximize retirement contributions, establish emergency funds, and explore investment opportunities to compound their economic advantage over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Houston County

via CrimeByCounty

Total crime exceeds the national average

Houston County reports a total crime rate of 2,643.2 per 100,000, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county currently holds a safety score of 95.8.

Lower safety rankings within Georgia

Houston County’s safety score of 95.8 is lower than the Georgia state average of 97.8. Both violent and property crime rates are significantly higher than the state's typical performance.

Comparing Houston to surrounding counties

Houston County sees more crime activity than Henry County (2,087.6) and Jeff Davis County (1,223.7). This higher volume reflects a more urbanized profile requiring active policing.

Significant property crime volume reported

The property crime rate is 2,238.6 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 404.6. Protecting belongings is the most common safety challenge for local households.

Proactive security for Houston residents

Integrated home security systems with active monitoring are highly recommended for Houston County. These tools provide a critical defense against the county's high property crime rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Houston County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Urban and Suburban Network

Houston County operates 37 schools that serve over 30,000 students in a single district system. The infrastructure is broad, featuring 23 elementary schools and five large high schools.

Above Average Spending and Graduation

The graduation rate of 90.0% surpasses both the state and national averages. With per-pupil spending of $7,798, the county invests more per student than the state average of $7,405.

High-Enrollment High Schools Lead the Way

The Houston County district manages all 30,631 students with zero charter schools in the system. Houston County High School is the largest campus, with a student body of 2,065.

Vibrant City and Suburban Classrooms

Twenty-three schools are located in city settings, giving the district an urban-suburban energy. High schools like Northside and Veterans High are large and comprehensive, each serving over 1,900 students.

Settle Near Georgia's Top Urban Districts

Families seeking modern school facilities and high academic scores often choose Houston County. Homes in the city and suburban centers provide easy access to some of the area's most well-funded schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Houston County

via RiskByCounty

Houston County Ranks Above National Average

Houston County's composite risk score of 70.48 places it well above the national average, earning a "Relatively Low" rating despite elevated exposure. This middle Georgia county experiences more natural disaster risk than the typical American county.

High-Risk Area Within Georgia

Houston County's 70.48 composite score nearly doubles Georgia's 39.49 state average, positioning it among the state's most hazard-prone counties. The county's geographic location and development patterns amplify disaster vulnerability.

Highest Risk in Its Immediate Area

Houston County (70.48) exceeds the risk levels of Irwin County (13.64) and Jeff Davis County (28.21) to its south and east. Only Henry County (79.36) to the north approaches comparable risk exposure in the region.

Hurricane, Flood, and Tornado Convergence

Hurricane (80.48), flood (71.60), and tornado (79.39) risks all score above 70, creating a triple-threat disaster profile for Houston County. Earthquake (79.10) and wildfire (68.13) risks add additional pressure on infrastructure and homes.

Multi-Hazard Coverage Strategy Required

Houston County residents cannot rely on standard homeowners insurance alone—flood, earthquake, and windstorm coverage are critical additions. Upgrade your roof to impact-resistant materials, secure outdoor items, and maintain proper drainage to mitigate multiple hazard impacts.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Houston County

via WaterByCounty

Houston County Earns Top Marks for Safety

Houston County holds a Grade A for drinking water compliance, with zero health violations reported in the last five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents stands in stark contrast to the state average of 152.5. The county consistently meets all federal health standards for treated water.

Watershed Health Beats the State Average

The 2022 assessment shows that 45.8% of the county's 24 water bodies are impaired, performing slightly better than the Georgia average of 48.4%. Primary impairments involve fish bioassessments, low dissolved oxygen, and fecal coliform. These factors indicate that while the water is safe to drink, local ecosystems are under stress.

Gaps Noted in Federal Monitoring Records

There are currently no monitoring records for Houston County available in the federal Water Quality Portal for the past five years. This lack of data means that while compliance is high, there is limited public information on raw water characteristics. Increased data collection could provide a clearer picture of local environmental health.

Big Indian Creek Flows at Half Capacity

The primary USGS gauge at Big Indian Creek near Clinchfield reports a flow of 53 cfs, which is 44% of its long-term mean. This discharge comes from a 154-square-mile drainage area that is currently experiencing dry conditions. Lower water levels often correlate with the dissolved oxygen issues noted in health assessments.

Focus on Watershed Stewardship and Oxygen Levels

Since drinking water compliance is perfect, residents should focus on protecting local stream health. Low dissolved oxygen levels in the watershed are worsened by low streamflow, making local fish populations vulnerable. Reducing fertilizer runoff can help prevent further oxygen depletion in the 45.8% of impaired water bodies.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Houston County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Than the National Average

Houston County maintains a warm annual average temperature of 65.0°F. This far exceeds the national median, characterizing its humid subtropical climate where heat is the standard.

Above the Georgia State Average

At 65.0°F, the county sits above the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. Its central location keeps it consistently warmer than many of its northern peers.

Wetter and Warmer Than Neighbors

Houston receives 51.8 inches of annual precipitation, which is higher than neighboring Laurens County at 47.3 inches. It shares a similar thermal profile with Laurens but experiences more frequent rainfall.

Long Summers and Snowless Winters

Residents face 76 extreme heat days annually where temperatures top 90°F. Winters remain mild with an average of 48.9°F and exactly zero inches of recorded snowfall.

Budget for Cooling and Rain

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential for the 76 days of extreme summer heat. Given the 51.8 inches of rain, residents should also prioritize gutter maintenance and moisture control.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Houston County

via SoilByCounty

Regional Soils with High Acidity

Houston County lacks specific taxonomic data, but its soil typically follows the Georgia average pH of 5.26. This makes the ground significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Most local landscaping projects will benefit from adjusting the pH to suit specific plant needs.

Determining Texture through Observation

Data on the sand, silt, and clay mix is currently unavailable for this area. Residents can identify their soil type by feeling for grit (sand) or stickiness (clay) when the soil is moist. This hands-on approach is a great way to understand how your soil will handle water and roots.

Enhancing Natural Soil Productivity

Local measurements for organic matter are not included, but the state average is 1.83%. Because organic matter is key to soil life, adding natural fertilizers can help improve any garden's success. These amendments are especially important in areas with high sand content common to central Georgia.

Evaluating Drainage for Better Building

Detailed drainage class data is missing for Houston County in this dataset. It is vital to monitor your land's saturation levels after rainfall to ensure proper drainage for plants and structures. Well-planned water management prevents erosion and keeps garden roots healthy.

Warm-Weather Crops for Zone 8b

Houston County falls into hardiness zone 8b, which features a very long growing season and mild winters. This climate is perfect for sweet potatoes, melons, and even some citrus varieties. Don't let the lack of data stop you from planting a thriving home garden today.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Houston County

via LawnByCounty

A High-Stakes Environment for Greenery

With a difficulty score of 29.1, Houston County is one of the more challenging places in the country to maintain a lawn. It falls well below the state average of 35.8 and the national median of 50.0. Growing a lush lawn in Zone 8b requires dedication and specific climate-adjusted strategies.

Intense Heat and Long Growing Cycles

The county faces 76 days of extreme heat annually, which is 11 days more than the state average. This heat, combined with 5,947 growing degree days, leads to rapid grass growth and high water demand. The long season begins early, with the last spring frost typically occurring on March 11.

Navigating Unknown Soil Territory

While specific soil metrics for Houston County are missing from the dataset, the region often features sandy loam or clay mixes. These soils can drain quickly, which is a challenge during the hot summer months. Incorporating compost can help the soil hold onto the 51.8 inches of annual rain the county receives.

Adapting to Persistent Dry Spells

Houston County has spent 24 weeks in drought over the last year, with 20.6% of the area currently in Severe Drought. To protect your investment, raise your mower blade height during dry periods to shade the soil and reduce evaporation. This simple adjustment helps the grass survive while 100% of the county remains Abnormally Dry.

Early Starts for Warm-Season Turf

Zoysia and Centipede grass are ideal for Houston County because they handle the 76 days of heat better than cool-season varieties. You can start your lawn as early as mid-March thanks to the early frost-free date. This provides a long window to establish turf before the first frost on November 19.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Houston County's county score?
Houston County, Georgia has a composite county score of 38.2 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 Houston County rank among counties in Georgia?
Houston County ranks #129 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 Houston County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Houston County is $1,759, with an effective tax rate of 0.86%. This earns Houston County a tax score of 48.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Houston County?
The median household income in Houston County, Georgia is $80,743 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Houston County earns an income score of 84.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Houston County, Georgia a good place to live?
Houston County scores 38.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #129 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Houston 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 Houston County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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