countyscore
45.8
County Score
Cost of Living 78.2Disaster Risk 74.2Schools 61.6

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Georgia

Jefferson County Ranks Below the National Median

Jefferson County earns a composite score of 45.8, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. While it trails slightly on the national stage, it remains a competitive option for residents seeking specific regional advantages.

A Steady Performer in Rural Georgia

The county's overall score of 45.8 sits just under the Georgia state average of 46.7. This score reflects a balance between high affordability and significant local socio-economic challenges.

Outstanding Housing Value and Low Risk

The county excels in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 78.2, anchored by a median home value of $93,100. It also offers a high Risk Score of 74.2, indicating strong resilience against natural disasters.

Addressing Economic and Health Hurdles

The county faces hurdles with an Income Score of 8.9 and a Health Score of just 4.4. Median household income sits at $46,561, significantly impacting the overall livability index for the area.

The Verdict: Best for Budget-Conscious Renters

Jefferson County suits residents looking for extremely low living costs, with median rents averaging only $723. Families will also appreciate the School Score of 61.6, which outperforms many neighboring counties.

2040608010038.778.239.64.461.68.974.257.746.1Tax38.7Cost78.2Safety39.6Health4.4Schools61.6Income8.9Risk74.2Water57.7Weather46.145.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Jefferson County DNA

Foverall

How Jefferson County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jefferson County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (78.2/100) but notably weak in Health (4.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38.7-13.299999999999997
Cost
78.2+30.200000000000003
Safety
39.6-15.399999999999999
Health
4.4-45.6
Schools
61.6
Income
8.9-42.1
Risk
74.2+27.200000000000003
Water
57.7
Weather
46.1-9.899999999999999
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Many homeowners in Jefferson County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$93,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$723/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$93,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,920/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $46,561/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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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Concordia Parish
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Scott County
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Madison County
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Miami County
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Lamb County
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Nearby counties

Glascock County
Georgia
55.1
Washington County
Georgia
45
Burke County
Georgia
49.8
Johnson County
Georgia
62.8
Richmond County
Georgia
39
Warren County
Georgia
58.4
McDuffie County
Georgia
46.4
Jenkins County
Georgia
48.5

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jefferson County

via TaxByCounty

Jefferson's tax rate ranks low nationally

At 0.991%, Jefferson County's effective tax rate sits well below the national median property tax of $2,690 on a $281,900 home. This puts the county in the bottom third nationally for tax burden, meaning homeowners here pay significantly less than typical American counterparts.

Slightly above Georgia's average rate

Jefferson County's 0.991% effective rate edges above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it in the middle tier among the state's 159 counties. The county's $923 median property tax is well below the state median of $1,529.

Higher taxes than nearby rural counties

Jefferson's 0.991% rate exceeds those of neighboring Johnson County (0.918%) and Jenkins County (0.958%), but trails the higher-valued Jones County at 0.958%. For homeowners, this means Jefferson falls in the moderate range within this rural corridor.

Median home costs $923 annually

A typical $93,100 home in Jefferson County generates about $923 in annual property taxes without homestead exemptions. With mortgage-related exemptions and deductions, homeowners typically pay $796 to $1,137 per year.

Review your assessment for potential savings

Research shows many homeowners across Georgia are overassessed relative to current market values. If your property value has declined or been misclassified, an appeal to Jefferson County's tax assessor could lower your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jefferson County

via CostByCounty

Jefferson's rents match the nation's squeeze

Renters in Jefferson County spend 18.6% of their income on housing, matching the national median ratio—but they earn $46,561 annually, nearly $28,000 less than the U.S. median of $74,755. That income gap makes even "average" affordability feel tight for local households.

Dead center in Georgia's housing spectrum

Jefferson County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio ties exactly with Georgia's state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's 159 counties. With median rent at $723, it undercuts the state average of $927 by $204 monthly.

More affordable than nearby Laurens County

Jefferson's $723 median rent runs $46 cheaper than neighboring Laurens County ($769) and significantly below Johnson County ($661 is lower, but Johnson has higher income). Homeownership in Jefferson averages $667 monthly, one of the state's most accessible owner costs.

Buying beats renting for budget-conscious residents

At $723 monthly, rental costs consume 18.6% of Jefferson's median $46,561 income, while homeownership at $667 takes just 17.2%—a rare case where mortgages outpace rent affordability. The median home value of $93,100 puts ownership within reach for many local families.

Consider Jefferson for affordable homeownership

If you're relocating on a modest budget, Jefferson County's sub-$100,000 median home value and low ownership costs rival the South's most accessible housing markets. Compare this county's $667 monthly mortgage to rental markets where $723 is standard—and you'll see why locals are choosing to buy.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jefferson County

via IncomeByCounty

Jefferson trails national income standards

Jefferson County's median household income of $46,561 falls 37.8% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower income tier nationally. This gap reflects economic challenges that affect housing affordability, savings capacity, and long-term financial security for local families.

Below Georgia's county average

At $46,561, Jefferson's median household income runs 23.1% lower than Georgia's state average of $60,488, indicating the county lags behind most of its peers statewide. The $25,591 per capita income also underperforms the state average of $31,115 by 17.8%.

Mid-range among regional peers

Jefferson's $46,561 income sits between Jenkins County ($36,906) and Laurens County ($49,705), positioning it as a moderate-income county in its region. It outpaces Jenkins but trails Johnson County ($54,183), reflecting diverse economic conditions across neighboring counties.

Rent remains manageable at 18.6%

Jefferson County households spend 18.6% of income on rent, slightly above the 15% affordability benchmark but within reasonable limits. The median home value of $93,100 aligns with income levels, making homeownership feasible for qualified buyers despite lower overall household earnings.

Build financial stability from here

Jefferson residents earning $46,561 annually can prioritize emergency savings (aim for 3–6 months expenses) before investing in retirement accounts and home equity. Consider low-cost index funds and employer 401(k) matches to compound wealth over time, even with modest household income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jefferson County

via CrimeByCounty

Jefferson County Outperforms National Safety Averages

With a total crime rate of 1372.6 per 100,000 residents, Jefferson County is significantly safer than the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a high safety score of 97.8 out of 100. This places the community well below the typical American crime baseline.

Matching Georgia's Strongest Safety Trends

Jefferson County’s safety score of 97.8 perfectly mirrors the Georgia state average. Its total crime rate of 1372.6 per 100,000 remains lower than the statewide average of 1412.9. Local law enforcement maintains a competitive standing relative to state peers.

A Safer Choice Among Nearby Counties

Jefferson County reports 1372.6 crimes per 100,000 people, showing lower rates than neighboring Jenkins County at 1505.0. It offers a secure environment compared to several surrounding jurisdictions. Residents experience a notably lower total crime volume than many of their immediate neighbors.

Understanding Property and Violent Crime Localized

Property crimes make up the bulk of local incidents at 1071.1 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate sits at 301.5. This violent crime rate is slightly higher than the state average of 248.1 but remains below the national average of 369.8. Most residents are unlikely to encounter serious crime in their daily lives.

Proactive Security for Jefferson Residents

Since property crime accounts for the majority of local offenses, home security systems provide essential peace of mind. Small steps like outdoor lighting and smart locks significantly deter opportunistic theft. Staying vigilant helps maintain the county's strong safety rating.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jefferson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small-Town Infrastructure Supporting Thousands

Jefferson County operates five public schools, including three elementary campuses, one middle school, and one high school. This centralized infrastructure serves a total of 2,059 students within a single consolidated district.

Exceeding State Standards for Graduation

The county boasts an impressive 92.0% graduation rate, significantly outpacing the state average of 88.1% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $7,682 is lower than the national average, it exceeds the Georgia state average and supports a school score of 56.1.

Jefferson County School District at a Glance

The Jefferson County district manages all five schools for its 2,059 students with no charter school alternatives currently in place. This unified approach ensures a consistent educational path from primary through secondary education.

Rural Roots with an Average School Size

Four of the county's five schools are in rural settings, with an average school size of 412 students. Jefferson County High School is the largest with 631 students, while Carver Elementary School provides a more intimate environment with just 190 students.

Find Your Home in a High-Graduation District

Families looking for a community with high academic outcomes should consider the rural charm and proven results of Jefferson County. School quality remains a vital factor in local real estate value, making this a smart choice for long-term investment.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jefferson County

via RiskByCounty

Jefferson County's Risk: Well Below National Average

Jefferson County scores 25.83 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and significantly below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This means residents face substantially lower disaster risk compared to typical American counties, though preparation remains important for the hazards that do exist.

Among Georgia's Safest Counties

Jefferson County ranks favorably within Georgia, with a composite risk score nearly 35% below the state average. The county's Very Low rating reflects lower exposure to most major hazards compared to its peers across the state.

Safer Than Most Central Georgia Peers

Jefferson County's score of 25.83 compares favorably to nearby Johnson County (9.26) and Jones County (16.38), though it faces slightly elevated wildfire and earthquake risks relative to the safest neighboring counties. The variation shows that even within the same region, disaster preparedness needs differ.

Wildfire and Earthquake Top Concerns Here

Wildfire risk scores 51.49 and earthquake risk reaches 65.78 in Jefferson County—well above flood and tornado risks. While absolute risk remains low compared to national standards, these two hazards warrant attention in your preparedness planning.

Ensure Coverage for Earthquake Risk

Standard homeowners insurance typically excludes earthquake damage, yet Jefferson County's earthquake score of 65.78 suggests supplemental earthquake coverage deserves consideration. Combine earthquake insurance with wildfire preparedness—including defensible space around your home—to address your county's primary natural disaster vulnerabilities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jefferson County

via WaterByCounty

Jefferson County earns a C grade for drinking water

The county maintains a violation rate of 8.4 per 100,000 people, which sits significantly lower than the Georgia state average of 152.5. Records show one health violation over the last five years, indicating generally stable compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Nearly half of local water bodies show impairment

According to the 2022 reporting cycle, 46.2% of assessed water bodies in Jefferson County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. Fecal coliform and mercury in fish tissue remain the primary pollutants affecting these 12 impaired streams.

Consistent monitoring tracks nutrients and metals

Jefferson County hosts three active monitoring sites that generated 888 measurements over the last five years. These efforts focus primarily on physical characteristics, nutrients, and inorganic metals to ensure long-term water quality safety.

Ogeechee River flows drop well below average

The USGS gauge on the Ogeechee River near Grange reports a discharge of 53 cfs, which is only 18% of its long-term mean. This significant reduction in flow highlights dry conditions across the 453-square-mile drainage area.

Monitor low flows and fish consumption

Low streamflow levels can concentrate existing contaminants, so residents should stay informed about Ogeechee River health. Because mercury and fecal coliform affect local watersheds, follow state guidelines regarding fish consumption and recreational water contact.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jefferson County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Thermal Profile

Jefferson County's annual average temperature of 63.5°F is well above the national median. It experiences the long, warm growing seasons typical of the American South.

Matching the State Average

The county's 63.5°F average nearly mirrors the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It serves as a perfect representative of the state's overall climate.

Drier Than State Benchmarks

Jefferson sees 47.6 inches of rain, less than the state average of 51.4 inches. It is slightly cooler than neighboring Johnson County, which averages 64.0°F.

Seventy-Nine Days of Heat

Summer temperatures peak at 80.8°F in July, contributing to 79 days of extreme heat annually. Winter remains crisp but manageable with a 47.3°F average and minimal snow.

Plan for Humid Summers

Expect high humidity and 79 days of temperatures over 90°F, making summer cooling a major household expense. The 0.4 inches of snow is rare, so focus on heat-tolerant landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jefferson County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Coastal Plain Soil Profile

While specific taxonomic data for Jefferson is limited, the region generally features acidic soils typical of Georgia's Coastal Plain. This means pH levels likely sit below the national median of 6.5, requiring local testing for optimal crop growth.

Understanding Local Soil Texture

Exact sand and clay percentages are currently unmapped for this area in recent surveys. Local growers typically encounter sandy loam textures that offer a balance of easy workability and moderate drainage.

Building Toward State Benchmarks

Jefferson County does not have a current soil score, but landowners should aim for the state organic matter average of 1.83%. Increasing organic content helps the soil hold nutrients and water more effectively.

Managing Water in the Landscape

Specific drainage classes are not presently recorded, so builders and farmers should observe local runoff patterns. Proper site management ensures that the land handles Georgia's heavy seasonal rains without erosion.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 8b

Jefferson County sits in Zone 8b, providing a long growing season for heat-loving crops like peppers and pecans. Start a garden this season to take full advantage of the mild winters and hot summers.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jefferson County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Growing Conditions in Jefferson County

Jefferson County earns a lawn difficulty score of 31.4, indicating it is significantly harder to maintain turf here than the national median of 50.0. While the county sits in the warm USDA Hardiness Zone 8b, it remains more challenging than the Georgia state average of 35.8.

Sultry Summers and High Heat Stress

The local climate experiences 79 extreme heat days per year, which is 14 days more than the state average. While the 47.6 inches of annual precipitation falls within the ideal range for lawns, the high 5,558 growing degree days mean grass and weeds grow aggressively during the long warm season.

Preparing Your Southern Soil

Specific local soil measurements for pH and texture are currently limited for Jefferson County. Homeowners should perform a professional soil test to determine if they need to adjust acidity to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range common for healthy Georgia lawns.

A Year of Lingering Dry Spells

Lawns here faced 30 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the county currently classified as abnormally dry. With 3% of the area in severe drought, deep and infrequent watering is essential to encourage deep root growth and survival.

Best Practices for Zone 8b Lawns

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Centipede thrive in this zone and should be established after the final spring frost on March 25. Aim to complete major sodding or seeding projects well before the first fall frost arrives around November 7.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jefferson County's county score?
Jefferson County, Georgia has a composite county score of 45.8 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 Jefferson County rank among counties in Georgia?
Jefferson County ranks #89 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 Jefferson County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Jefferson County is $923, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Jefferson County a tax score of 38.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jefferson County?
The median household income in Jefferson County, Georgia is $46,561 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jefferson County earns an income score of 8.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jefferson County, Georgia a good place to live?
Jefferson County scores 45.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #89 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Jefferson 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 Jefferson County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.