Irwin County's composite score of 70.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it at the 70th percentile nationally. This south-central Georgia county demonstrates that strong livability can coexist with modest incomes.
2 / 5
Essentially at Georgia's state average
Irwin County scores 70.5, nearly matching Georgia's average of 70.9, placing it solidly in the middle of the statewide distribution. Its performance reflects typical rural Georgia dynamics.
3 / 5
Affordability is the standout advantage
Irwin County excels with a cost score of 83.2, featuring median home values of just $105,300 and gross rent of $824 monthly. These are among Georgia's most affordable housing levels, offering significant financial relief.
4 / 5
Income constraints limit overall potential
The income score of 18.6 reflects a median household income of $53,915, the lowest in this county group and well below state and national medians. Safety, health, school, and environmental data gaps prevent a complete livability picture.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-first, income-flexible households
Irwin County suits retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families prioritizing maximum housing affordability over earning potential. It's particularly attractive to those willing to trade lower incomes for dramatically lower cost of living.
Irwin County's composite score of 70.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0, placing it at the 70th percentile nationally. This south-central Georgia county demonstrates that strong livability can coexist with modest incomes.
Essentially at Georgia's state average
Irwin County scores 70.5, nearly matching Georgia's average of 70.9, placing it solidly in the middle of the statewide distribution. Its performance reflects typical rural Georgia dynamics.
Affordability is the standout advantage
Irwin County excels with a cost score of 83.2, featuring median home values of just $105,300 and gross rent of $824 monthly. These are among Georgia's most affordable housing levels, offering significant financial relief.
Income constraints limit overall potential
The income score of 18.6 reflects a median household income of $53,915, the lowest in this county group and well below state and national medians. Safety, health, school, and environmental data gaps prevent a complete livability picture.
Ideal for budget-first, income-flexible households
Irwin County suits retirees on fixed incomes, remote workers, and families prioritizing maximum housing affordability over earning potential. It's particularly attractive to those willing to trade lower incomes for dramatically lower cost of living.
Score breakdown
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🏛70.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Irwin County's effective tax rate of 1.115% is the highest in Georgia and well above the national median of 0.931%. Despite a modest median home value of $105,300, homeowners here pay $1,174 annually—a burden that rivals much wealthier counties.
Georgia's steepest tax rate
Irwin County's 1.115% effective rate exceeds Georgia's state average of 0.898% by 24%, ranking it number one—the steepest in the state. The median tax of $1,174 is the highest across all eight counties in this profile.
Substantially higher than peers
Irwin County's 1.115% rate towers over nearby Jeff Davis County (0.930%) and Houston County (0.856%), and even exceeds Henry County's (0.922%). This makes Irwin County a notable outlier in the region for tax burden.
Your annual property tax estimate
On a median home value of just $105,300, Irwin County residents pay approximately $1,174 yearly in taxes—a rate that presses harder on modest homeowners. Including mortgage escrow, the annual bill rises to about $1,361.
Assessment appeals matter here
Given Irwin County's exceptionally high effective rate, ensuring your property is assessed fairly is critical to controlling costs. An appeal challenging an inflated valuation can provide meaningful relief for homeowners in this high-tax jurisdiction.
Irwin County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.3% sits just above national affordability benchmarks, with median rent at $824 requiring modest portions of household earnings. Despite a median household income of $53,915—28% below the national average of $74,755—Irwin renters enjoy manageable housing costs.
Just above Georgia's state average affordability
Irwin County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio slightly exceeds Georgia's state average of 18.6%, marking it as solidly middle-ground for the state. Median rent of $824 runs $103 below the state average of $927, delivering concrete monthly savings.
Rural affordability matches Hart and Heard
Irwin County's $824 median rent clusters with rural peers Hart County ($814) and Heard County ($855), all offering similar value propositions. These three rural counties create a consistent affordability band for renters seeking escape from Atlanta-area price premiums.
Irwin County's modest housing math
On median household income of $53,915, Irwin County renters spend 18.3% on $824 monthly rent, leaving $735 for other living costs. Homeowners invest $685 monthly into mortgages on homes valued at $105,300—the second-lowest home value in this analysis, reflecting rural character.
Deep rural affordability meets tight budgets
Irwin County delivers affordable rents at $824 monthly, ideal for households earning below-state-average incomes of $53,915. Compare this to Jeff Davis County's $674 rent to evaluate whether proximity to services justifies Irwin's modest premium.
Irwin County's median household income of $53,915 lags the national median of $74,755 by 28%. Households earn roughly $20,840 less annually than typical American families.
Lower-income Georgia county
Irwin County ranks below the Georgia state median of $60,488, placing it in the lower-income tier of the state's 159 counties. Per capita income of $27,128 also falls below the state average of $31,115.
Among the poorest in the region
Irwin County's $53,915 income ranks among the lowest in this eight-county group, surpassing only Jeff Davis County ($40,879). It trails wealthier neighbors Jackson County ($85,012) and Henry County ($81,612) by more than $30,000.
Affordable housing provides relief
Irwin County's 18.3% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs manageable despite lower median income. The modest median home value of $105,300 makes homeownership accessible, though families must carefully budget to cover other living expenses.
Start small with available resources
Even with lower income, Irwin County residents can build wealth through employer retirement plans, small savings goals, and financial literacy. Low housing costs free up money for emergency savings—the critical first step toward financial stability and long-term prosperity.
At 71.8 years, Irwin County's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 73.5 years by nearly two years. With 22.6% reporting poor or fair health—among Georgia's worst rates—the county confronts significant wellness challenges.
Below Georgia health averages
Irwin County's 71.8-year life expectancy falls 1.5 years below Georgia's 73.3-year state average. At 15.4% uninsured, the county sits slightly above the state average of 15.0%, adding coverage barriers to existing health disparities.
Limited primary care, minimal mental health
Irwin County has only 31 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well below regional peers, and just 11 mental health providers per 100K—the lowest in its cluster. This dual deficit forces residents to travel for basic and behavioral care.
Few doctors, limited insurance coverage
Irwin County residents face 31 primary care doctors per 100,000 and an exceptionally sparse mental health network. With 15.4% uninsured and minimal provider capacity, healthcare access is a daily struggle for many families.
Insurance is your first lifeline
Nearly 1 in 6 Irwin County residents lack insurance; check the Georgia marketplace or Medicaid eligibility right away. Coverage is critical—it may be the only way to access care when local providers are stretched thin.
Irwin County's composite risk score of 13.64 places it among the nation's lowest-risk counties, far below any national average. This "Very Low" rating reflects exceptional protection from most major natural disaster hazards.
One of Georgia's Safest Counties
Irwin County's 13.64 composite score sits well below Georgia's 39.49 state average, making it one of the safest places in the state. Few Georgia counties match this level of natural disaster resilience.
Protected Compared to Regional Peers
Irwin County (13.64) significantly outperforms Houston County (70.48) to its north and maintains lower risk than Jeff Davis County (28.21) nearby. The county's geographic isolation contributes to its favorable risk profile.
Hurricane Risk the Primary Concern
Hurricane exposure (78.14) stands out as Irwin County's single notable hazard, though all other risks remain well below critical levels. Flood risk is exceptionally low at just 7.79, providing strong protection for most properties.
Standard Coverage Generally Adequate
Irwin County's very low composite risk means standard homeowners insurance covers most scenarios effectively. Focus coverage verification on hurricane/windstorm riders given that specific exposure, and maintain regular roof inspections.