CountyScore

Houston County

Georgia · GA

#115 in Georgia
65.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Houston County, Georgia

Houston County beats national livability median

Houston County's composite score of 68.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it at the 68th percentile nationally. This south-central Georgia county demonstrates solid livability grounded in moderate income and controlled housing costs.

Slightly below Georgia's state average

Houston County scores 68.3 against Georgia's average of 70.9, placing it just below the statewide midpoint. Its profile reflects a balance between earning potential and affordability.

Income and tax efficiency score well

Houston County's income score of 36.1 supports a median household income of $80,743, and its tax score of 78.2 reflects an effective rate of 0.856%. Median home values of $205,600 and rents of $1,143 offer reasonable pricing for the income level.

Cost score moderates overall ranking

The cost score of 69.0 indicates moderate housing affordability relative to other Georgia counties with similar incomes. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions remain unavailable.

Works for middle-class families seeking balance

Houston County attracts families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle: reasonable incomes, moderate housing costs, and low taxes without urban complexity. It suits those who value practical livability over extreme affordability or high wages.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.2Cost69SafetyComing SoonHealth68.4SchoolsComing SoonIncome36.1Risk29.5WaterComing Soon
🏛78.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠69
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼36.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤68.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡29.5
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 Houston County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Tift County
Georgia
65.1
Median income: $53,165
Christian County
Kentucky
65.1
Median income: $54,190
Berrien County
Michigan
65.1
Median income: $63,152
Lee County
Mississippi
65.1
Median income: $67,144
Madison County
Mississippi
65.1
Median income: $78,794

Deep Dives

Houston County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Houston County

via HealthByCounty

Houston County outperforms U.S. health benchmarks

At 75.0 years, Houston County residents live 1.5 years longer than the U.S. average of 73.5 years. Only 17.1% report poor or fair health, matching the healthiest American communities in wellness outcomes.

Among Georgia's healthiest counties

Houston County's 75.0-year life expectancy beats Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 1.7 years. The 11.0% uninsured rate sits well below Georgia's 15.0% average, showing strong healthcare enrollment.

Superior primary and mental health resources

Houston County boasts 53 primary care providers per 100,000—the highest in its region—plus 190 mental health specialists per 100K. This combination creates one of Georgia's most comprehensive healthcare systems.

Access and coverage work together

With 11% uninsured, Houston County residents enjoy strong healthcare enrollment, and the 53 primary care doctors per 100K ensure appointments are attainable. Mental health support at 190 providers per 100K means behavioral care is genuinely available.

Secure your place in the system

If you're uninsured in Houston County, enroll now through Georgia's health marketplace to join the 89% with coverage. Your county's robust provider network means your insurance translates directly into accessible, quality care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.