46.6
County Score
Cost of Living 90.4Disaster Risk 71.8Schools 48.6

County Report Card

About Jeff Davis County, Georgia

Accessible Living in the South

Jeff Davis County has a composite score of 46.6, sitting just below the national median of 50.0. It is defined by its extreme housing affordability and rural resilience.

A Typical Georgia Experience

The county’s 46.6 score nearly matches the Georgia state average of 46.7. It represents a standard rural Georgia lifestyle where lower costs are balanced by economic limitations.

Maximum Housing Value and Safety

Housing is a massive strength with a Cost Score of 90.4 and a median home value of just $109,300. The county also ranks well in natural disaster preparedness with a Risk Score of 71.8.

Economic and Healthcare Constraints

The Income Score of 3.3 reflects a low median household income of $40,879. Health and Water scores are also low, at 8.8 and 10.0 respectively, signaling significant needs in public services.

Ideal for Debt-Free Rural Living

This county is best for retirees or individuals with remote income who want to own a home with very little debt. It offers a quiet, affordable life for those who prioritize low costs over local job markets.

Score breakdown

Tax43.2Cost90.4Safety45.1Health8.8Schools48.6Income3.3Risk71.8Water10Weather35.8
🏛43.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠90.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼3.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡45.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
8.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓48.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
71.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧10
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤35.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱26.1
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
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Jeff Davis County?

Many homeowners in Jeff Davis County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Deep Dives

Jeff Davis County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Jeff Davis County

via TaxByCounty

Jeff Davis County taxes run well below

Jeff Davis County's effective tax rate of 0.930% on a median home value of $109,300 produces annual taxes of just $1,016—about 62% lower than the national median of $2,690. Despite a rate slightly above the national average, the county's modest home values yield exceptional tax affordability.

Slightly above Georgia's average rate

Jeff Davis County's 0.930% effective rate runs just above Georgia's 0.898% state average, yet its median tax of $1,016 falls dramatically short of Georgia's $1,529 median. The county's lower property values more than offset its slightly elevated rate.

Competitive with regional peers

Jeff Davis County's $1,016 median tax ranks among the lowest in this group, trailing only Hart County ($1,113) and Heard County ($1,030). At 0.930%, its rate exceeds only Hart and Heard, placing it in the middle of the eight-county region.

Your annual property tax estimate

On Jeff Davis County's median home value of $109,300, homeowners pay approximately $1,016 yearly in property taxes. With mortgage escrow included, the figure rises to roughly $1,341 annually.

Challenge inflated assessments

Even in affordable counties, some properties may be overvalued relative to recent market sales. Jeff Davis County homeowners should verify their assessed values and consider appealing to the county assessor if their property significantly exceeds comparable valuations in the area.

Cost of Living in Jeff Davis County

via CostByCounty

Jeff Davis offers deepest affordability at cost

Jeff Davis County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% matches Jasper County's rate despite the lowest median household income in this analysis at $40,879—36% below the national average. At $674 monthly rent, Jeff Davis delivers the lowest absolute housing costs, though renters here face the tightest relative budgets.

Georgia's cheapest rents, tightest budgets

Jeff Davis County's $674 median rent ranks lowest across all eight counties, running 27% below Georgia's state average of $927. However, its 19.8% rent-to-income ratio equals Jasper County's, indicating that bargain rents don't translate to easy affordability for low-income households here.

Rural extreme in regional housing market

Jeff Davis County's $674 median rent runs 17% below Irwin County's $824 and 21% below Hart County's $814, creating the deepest rural affordability band. This pricing reflects Jeff Davis's most remote location and limited proximity to metro employment centers.

Jeff Davis's housing crisis despite low rents

Despite paying just $674 monthly rent—the county's lowest—Jeff Davis renters earning the median $40,879 still allocate 19.8% of income to housing, leaving just $667 monthly for all other expenses. Homeowners invest $538 monthly into mortgages on homes valued at $109,300, the lowest median home value in this analysis.

Affordability for the most budget-conscious

Jeff Davis County delivers Georgia's cheapest rents at $674 monthly, but the county's very-low median income of $40,879 means affordability is relative. This county suits only relocators comfortable with rural isolation and extremely tight household budgets.

Income & Jobs in Jeff Davis County

via IncomeByCounty

Jeff Davis County significantly lags

Jeff Davis County's median household income of $40,879 trails the national median of $74,755 by 45%. Households earn approximately $33,876 less annually than typical American families.

Lowest-income Georgia county

Jeff Davis County ranks at the bottom of Georgia's income distribution, with median household income 32% below the state average of $60,488. Per capita income of $23,844 significantly lags the state average of $31,115.

Lowest income in the region

Jeff Davis County's $40,879 income ranks lowest among these eight counties, trailing Irwin County ($53,915) by over $13,000. The gap widens significantly against wealthier Jackson County ($85,012), a difference of $44,133.

Housing remains affordable option

Jeff Davis County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs manageable despite very low median income. The modest median home value of $109,300 makes homeownership achievable, though tight budgets require careful financial discipline.

Seek support for financial progress

Jeff Davis County residents should access free financial counseling and community resources to maximize limited income. Starting with a simple savings habit—even small amounts—and exploring employer retirement plans creates momentum toward long-term financial security.

Safety in Jeff Davis County

via CrimeByCounty

Jeff Davis County beats national averages

Jeff Davis County reports a total crime rate of 1,223.7 per 100,000, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. It holds a high safety score of 98.1.

Ranking high among Georgia counties

With a safety score of 98.1, Jeff Davis County performs better than the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate is also lower than the statewide average of 1,412.9.

Safer than many regional neighbors

Jeff Davis County is safer than Irwin County, where the crime rate is 1,591.6. It offers a secure rural environment compared to higher-crime areas in the state.

Violent crime is highly infrequent

The violent crime rate is very low at 135.2 per 100,000, while property crime is 1,088.5. This data shows that personal safety is generally high for local residents.

Stay ahead of property crime

Homeowners should use automated lighting and secure garages to prevent property theft. These simple steps are the best defense against the most common local crimes.

Health in Jeff Davis County

via HealthByCounty

Jeff Davis County faces critical health crisis

At 70.7 years, Jeff Davis County has the lowest life expectancy in its region—nearly 3 years below the U.S. average of 73.5 years. With 26.5% reporting poor or fair health, the county confronts a public health emergency.

Georgia's most challenged county

Jeff Davis County's 70.7-year life expectancy falls 2.6 years below Georgia's 73.3-year state average, ranking among the state's worst. At 17.6% uninsured, the county exceeds Georgia's 15.0% average, deepening access disparities.

Severe provider shortage

Jeff Davis County has just 7 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—critically below any regional peer—forcing residents to travel hours for basic care. With 34 mental health providers per 100K, behavioral health is marginally more available but still inadequate.

Crisis-level healthcare access

With only 7 primary care doctors per 100,000, Jeff Davis County residents face near-impossible access to preventive care, and 17.6% lack any insurance at all. Nearly 1 in 5 residents cannot reach the few providers that exist.

Insurance is essential, not optional

Nearly 1 in 5 Jeff Davis County residents are uninsured—enroll immediately through Georgia's health marketplace or apply for Medicaid. With only 7 primary care doctors in the county, insurance may determine whether you get care at all.

Schools in Jeff Davis County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Public Schools for 3,000 Students

Jeff Davis County manages a single district with four public schools serving 3,075 total students. The system includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Beating State Averages on Limited Spending

The county maintains a high 93.0% graduation rate despite a low per-pupil expenditure of $6,304. Its school score of 53.6 remains slightly above the state average of 53.4.

Dedicated Local District Schools

The Jeff Davis County district is the sole educational provider for the area and operates zero charter schools. Jeff Davis Primary School is the largest individual school, enrolling 913 students.

Town-Centered Learning Environment

Three of the four schools are located in town settings, providing a walkable and community-focused feel. Schools are moderately sized, with an average of 769 students per campus.

Value and Performance in Jeff Davis

For families looking for high graduation rates and a town-oriented lifestyle, Jeff Davis County is a strong contender. Exploring real estate here means finding value in a district that outperforms its funding levels.

Disaster Risk in Jeff Davis County

via RiskByCounty

Jeff Davis County: Below-Average Risk Profile

Jeff Davis County's composite risk score of 28.21 sits well below the national average, earning a "Very Low" rating overall. This south-central Georgia county offers better-than-typical protection from major natural disasters.

Safe Compared to Georgia Average

Jeff Davis County's 28.21 composite score falls comfortably below Georgia's 39.49 state average, ranking it among the safer counties statewide. The county's rural character and moderate population density contribute to lower overall risk exposure.

Protected Versus Surrounding Counties

Jeff Davis County (28.21) significantly outperforms Houston County (70.48) to its north while matching or exceeding safety levels of Irwin County (13.64) to its south. The county benefits from relative geographic isolation.

Hurricane and Wildfire Top Threats

Hurricane risk (83.85) stands notably high for this inland county, reflecting atmospheric circulation patterns affecting south Georgia. Wildfire risk (50.13) and tornado risk (51.40) remain moderate but warrant preparedness attention.

Windstorm Coverage Critical Priority

Despite overall low risk, Jeff Davis County's 83.85 hurricane score demands priority attention to windstorm and hail coverage. Verify your homeowners policy includes these protections, and reinforce roof connections and exterior integrity.

Weather & Climate in Jeff Davis County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistently Hot National Profile

Jeff Davis County averages 66.1°F annually, placing it significantly higher than the national temperature median. This creates a landscape defined by prolonged warmth and high humidity.

Among Georgia's Warmest Counties

The county's 66.1°F average is notably higher than the state average of 63.7°F. It ranks as one of the toastier regions in the Peach State.

Warmer Than Central Neighbors

Jeff Davis is warmer than Jefferson County, which averages 63.5°F. Both counties receive roughly 50 inches of rain, keeping the regional climate humid and lush.

Intense Summer Heat Days

The county endures 83 days per year with temperatures at or above 90°F. Winters are very mild, averaging 51.0°F with almost no measurable snow at 0.1 inches.

Focus on Heat Safety

Eighty-three days of extreme heat require robust air conditioning and outdoor safety planning during summer months. Light winter layers are sufficient, as heavy snow gear is unnecessary.

Soil Quality in Jeff Davis County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Baseline in Southern Georgia

Detailed taxonomic information is not available for Jeff Davis County, but it typically aligns with Georgia's acidic average pH of 5.26. This is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This natural acidity is often managed by local farmers through the application of agricultural lime.

Determining Your Garden's Soil Texture

Specific percentages for sand, silt, and clay are missing for this county. In this part of the state, you are likely to encounter sandy soils that drain quickly but may struggle to hold onto nutrients. Adding organic matter is the best way to improve any soil texture found in the area.

Maximizing Fertility in the Sun Belt

While specific organic matter data is missing, the Georgia state average is 1.83%. Improving soil health is a standard part of successful local agriculture to overcome naturally low nutrient levels. Regular composting and the use of cover crops can significantly boost your garden's output.

Assessing Site Drainage for Success

Information regarding drainage classes and hydrologic groups is limited for this county. It is essential to perform a percolation test or observe water runoff on your property before starting large projects. Proper water management ensures that both your garden and your home's foundation stay safe.

Year-Round Potential in Hardiness Zone 9a

Jeff Davis County enjoys the warm climate of hardiness zone 9a, which allows for a very long growing season. This is a premier location for growing citrus, peanuts, and heat-tolerant vegetables. Start your garden journey now and enjoy fresh harvests for most of the year.

Lawn Care in Jeff Davis County

via LawnByCounty

A Tough Test for Southern Lawns

Jeff Davis County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 26.1. This is well below the Georgia average of 35.8 and roughly half the national median of 50.0. In Zone 9a, homeowners must work twice as hard to maintain a green carpet.

Brutal Summer Heat and High Demand

With 83 extreme heat days annually—18 more than the state average—the heat stress here is intense. The 6,270 growing degree days signal an incredibly active growing season that places high demands on nutrients. You must manage your lawn carefully to survive these prolonged periods of high temperatures.

Overcoming Soil Data Gaps

Specific soil data for Jeff Davis County is unavailable, but South Georgia soils are typically sandy and nutrient-poor. These soils drain rapidly and struggle to hold the 50.9 inches of annual rain the county receives. Adding organic compost is a proven way to improve the soil's water-holding capacity.

Battling Continuous Drought Stress

The county is currently 100% covered by Severe Drought (D2+) and has faced 28 weeks of drought in the last year. This persistent stress makes water conservation your most important maintenance task. Use drought-tolerant grass varieties and keep the grass longer to protect the soil from the sun.

Heat-Ready Varieties for a Long Season

Bahiagrass and Centipedegrass are the best choices for Jeff Davis County's high-heat, 9a environment. Start your lawn in late March after the final frost on March 12 to maximize the long growing window. With the first frost not arriving until November 17, your lawn has ample time to mature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jeff Davis County's county score?
Jeff Davis County, Georgia has a composite county score of 46.6 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 Jeff Davis County rank among counties in Georgia?
Jeff Davis County ranks #83 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 Jeff Davis County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Jeff Davis County is $1,016, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Jeff Davis County a tax score of 43.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jeff Davis County?
The median household income in Jeff Davis County, Georgia is $40,879 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jeff Davis County earns an income score of 3.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jeff Davis County, Georgia a good place to live?
Jeff Davis County scores 46.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #83 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Jeff Davis 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 Jeff Davis County with other counties side by side.