CountyScore

Jefferson County

Georgia · GA

#105 in Georgia
65.8
County Score

County Report Card

About Jefferson County, Georgia

Jefferson County scores well above national average

With a composite score of 72.3, Jefferson County outpaces the national median of 50.0 by 22 points, placing it in the top tier of U.S. counties for overall livability. This strong performance reflects affordable housing and favorable tax conditions across the region.

Slightly above Georgia's county average

Jefferson County's score of 72.3 exceeds Georgia's state average of 70.9, making it a solid performer within the state. The county ranks favorably among its Georgia peers for combined affordability and tax burden.

Affordable living with reasonable taxes

Jefferson County excels in cost of living, with a score of 85.4 and a median home value of $93,100—well below national norms. The county also maintains a low effective tax rate of 0.991%, providing residents stable financial footing despite a median household income of $46,561.

Income growth potential remains limited

With an income score of just 13.8, Jefferson County faces wage growth challenges relative to national standards. Data on safety, health, schools, and water quality is not yet available, which limits the full picture of overall livability.

Ideal for budget-conscious families and retirees

Jefferson County suits individuals and families prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over higher earning potential. The strong composite score signals a stable, cost-effective place to live, though prospective residents should gather additional information on schools and services before deciding.

Score breakdown

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

Tax74.4Cost85.4SafetyComing SoonHealth45.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome13.8Risk74.2WaterComing Soon
🏛74.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠85.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤45.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡74.2
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 Jefferson County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Jefferson County
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65.8
Median income: $72,872
Citrus County
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65.8
Median income: $55,355
Polk County
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65.8
Median income: $55,308
Walker County
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Median income: $55,887

Deep Dives

Jefferson County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Jefferson County

via HealthByCounty

Jefferson County lags on national health

At 68.8 years, Jefferson County's life expectancy falls nearly 6 years short of the U.S. average of 74.5 years. Nearly three in ten residents report poor or fair health, nearly double the national rate of 15%, signaling significant underlying health challenges.

Lowest life expectancy in Georgia

Jefferson County ranks among Georgia's lowest performers, with life expectancy 4.5 years below the state average of 73.3 years. The county's 29.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average by roughly 14 percentage points.

Worse health than similar counties

Jefferson County's 68.8-year life expectancy trails Jenkins County (71.8 years) and Johnson County (71.8 years) by 3 years. The county also faces the region's highest uninsured rate at 18.6%, compared to 14.7% in Jenkins County and 16.9% in Johnson County.

Healthcare access remains constrained

With just 13 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, Jefferson County has less than half the capacity of Johnson County (55 per 100K). Mental health services are similarly sparse at 7 providers per 100K, limiting access to behavioral health care.

Check insurance options today

Nearly 1 in 5 Jefferson County residents lack health insurance. Visit HealthCare.gov or Georgia's marketplace to explore coverage—preventive care access can help address the county's significant health burden.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.