countyscore
48.5
County Score
Cost of Living 98.8Disaster Risk 89.3Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Jenkins County, Georgia

Jenkins County Nears the National Median

With a composite score of 48.5, Jenkins County is performing just below the national median of 50.0. It maintains a solid standing by offering exceptional value in basic living expenses.

Outperforming the Georgia State Average

Jenkins County surpasses the Georgia state average composite score of 46.7 with its own score of 48.5. This makes it a high-performer compared to many of its state-level peers.

Leading the Way in Affordability

The county boasts a near-perfect Cost Score of 98.8, thanks to a remarkably low median gross rent of $544. Additionally, it offers excellent safety from environmental hazards with a Risk Score of 89.3.

Struggles in Income and Healthcare Access

The county earns an Income Score of only 1.6, reflecting a median household income of $36,906. Health outcomes also trail behind, as evidenced by a Health Score of 12.2.

The Verdict: A Haven for Low-Cost Living

This county is ideal for those on fixed incomes or remote workers prioritizing low overhead, given its median home value of $81,100. The impressive Water Score of 86.0 also ensures reliable infrastructure for residents.

2040608010041.298.835.212.240.81.689.38646Tax41.2Cost98.8Safety35.2Health12.2Schools40.8Income1.6Risk89.3Water86Weather4648.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average6 below average

Jenkins County DNA

Foverall

How Jenkins County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jenkins County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (98.8/100) but notably weak in Income (1.6/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
41.2-10.799999999999997
Cost
98.8+50.8
Safety
35.2-19.799999999999997
Health
12.2-37.8
Schools
40.8-13.200000000000003
Income
1.6-49.4
Risk
89.3+42.3
Water
86+28
Weather
46-10
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$81,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$544/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$81,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$21,760/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $36,906/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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Nearby counties

Burke County
Georgia
49.8
Screven County
Georgia
49.9
Emanuel County
Georgia
43.6
Candler County
Georgia
37.3
Bulloch County
Georgia
37
Jefferson County
Georgia
45.8
Allendale County
South Carolina
43.9
Richmond County
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39

Deep Dives

Jenkins County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jenkins County

via TaxByCounty

Jenkins has one of the lowest tax rates

At 0.958%, Jenkins County's effective rate is less than one-third the cost of the national median tax bill of $2,690. The county ranks in the bottom quarter nationally, offering some of the lowest property tax burden in America.

Below Georgia's average tax rate

Jenkins County's 0.958% effective rate falls slightly below Georgia's 0.898% state average, placing it near the lower middle among Georgia's 159 counties. At $777 median property tax, Jenkins residents pay less than half the state median of $1,529.

Among the lowest in the rural region

Jenkins County's 0.958% rate matches Jones County's but undercuts Jefferson County's 0.991% and beats Johnson County's 0.918% slightly. This rural southeast Georgia county maintains competitive, low tax rates for the region.

Annual tax on median home is $777

The typical $81,100 home in Jenkins County carries an estimated $777 annual property tax without exemptions. Homeowners with mortgages or homestead exemptions typically pay between $597 and $1,187.

Appeal if your home was overvalued

Many Georgia homeowners don't challenge their assessments even when values don't reflect market reality. If your Jenkins County home's assessed value seems high, filing an appeal with the county assessor could reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jenkins County

via CostByCounty

Jenkins offers rare relief from national rent pressure

Jenkins County's renters spend just 17.7% of income on housing—below the national 18.6% median—even though median household income stands at only $36,906, far below the U.S. average of $74,755. This county delivers genuine affordability for some of Georgia's lowest-earning households.

Georgia's most affordable county for renters

Jenkins County ranks among Georgia's best for rental affordability, with a 17.7% rent-to-income ratio that beats the state average of 18.6%. Its $544 median monthly rent is the lowest among these eight counties and nearly 41% cheaper than Georgia's $927 state average.

Jenkins undercuts every neighboring county on rent

At $544 monthly, Jenkins rent runs $179 below Jefferson County ($723) and $354 below Jones County ($917), making it the region's budget rental champion. Even homeownership at $410 monthly is exceptionally low, attracting cost-conscious families from across South Georgia.

Renters and owners both get solid deals here

Jenkins County residents allocate just 17.7% of their $36,906 median income to rent at $544, while homeowners spend roughly 13.3% of income on $410 monthly payments. Both pathways deliver housing costs well below regional and national benchmarks.

Jenkins County: Georgia's most accessible frontier

If you're seeking a genuine bargain in the Southeast, Jenkins County offers rents and home values ($81,100 median) that won't strain a working-class budget. Compare its $544 rent to any urban center within 200 miles, and Jenkins becomes a no-brainer for remote workers and retirees on fixed incomes.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jenkins County

via IncomeByCounty

Jenkins faces significant income gap

Jenkins County's median household income of $36,906 lags the national median of $74,755 by 50.6%, representing one of Georgia's lowest income counties. This substantial gap creates affordability pressures and limits wealth-building opportunities for residents.

Among Georgia's lowest earners

Jenkins ranks well below Georgia's state average of $60,488, with a median household income 39% lower and per capita income 31% below the state average of $31,115. Few counties in the state record lower household earnings.

Lowest income in its peer group

At $36,906, Jenkins County income trails all surveyed regional peers, falling nearly $10,000 below Lanier County ($44,361) and more than $17,000 below Johnson County ($54,183). Jenkins faces distinct economic headwinds compared to neighboring counties.

Tight but workable rent burden

Jenkins County residents allocate 17.7% of income to rent—below the 20% stress threshold—though tight budgets leave limited margin for unexpected expenses. The median home value of $81,100 remains among the most affordable in the region, easing homeownership barriers.

Start small, build consistent habits

Jenkins households earning $36,906 should focus first on establishing an emergency fund of even $500–$1,000 to prevent debt spirals, then explore employer benefits like health savings accounts. Automated micro-savings (round-up apps, spare change) and free financial education can unlock long-term wealth despite current constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jenkins County

via CrimeByCounty

Jenkins County Remains Safer than US Average

Jenkins County records a total crime rate of 1505.0 per 100,000, which is nearly 37% lower than the national average. The county earns a safety score of 97.6, reflecting a secure environment for its citizens. Only two reporting agencies monitor this quiet rural landscape.

A Snapshot of Jenkins vs. Georgia Trends

The county's safety score of 97.6 sits just below the Georgia state average of 97.8. While the total crime rate of 1505.0 is slightly higher than the state's 1412.9, violent crime remains exceptionally low. Local law enforcement manages a manageable caseload compared to urban centers.

Regional Safety in the Savannah River Area

Jenkins County's crime rate of 1505.0 per 100,000 is higher than nearby Jefferson County's 1372.6. However, it maintains a lower violent crime rate of 160.8 compared to Jefferson's 301.5. These figures demonstrate a localized trend toward non-violent property offenses.

Low Violent Crime Defines the Area

Violent crime in Jenkins County is just 160.8 per 100,000, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more prevalent at 1344.2 per 100,000, though still lower than the national 2,015.7 average. Most local incidents involve theft or burglary rather than physical harm.

Securing Property in Jenkins County

With property crime as the primary concern, visible security measures like cameras are highly effective. Secure your outbuildings and vehicles to prevent opportunistic property crimes. Local awareness is the best defense against the county's most common offenses.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jenkins County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education in a Town Setting

Jenkins County maintains a focused education system with exactly one elementary, one middle, and one high school. These three public campuses serve a total enrollment of 1,146 students.

Investing Heavily to Raise Standards

Jenkins County spends $8,691 per pupil, which is notably higher than the Georgia average of $7,405. Despite this investment, the 77.0% graduation rate and 50.3 school score indicate the district is working to bridge gaps compared to state benchmarks.

One District Supporting Local Students

The Jenkins County school district oversees 100% of the public enrollment, as there are no charter schools in the area. This single-district model centralizes resources for the county's 1,146 local learners.

Town-Centered Schools and Small Class Sizes

All three schools are situated in town locales, creating a community-centric feel where the average school size is just 382 students. Jenkins County Elementary is the largest campus with 569 students, while the Middle School is the smallest with 256.

Invest in a Community-Focused District

For families seeking a town-based lifestyle, Jenkins County offers a compact school system where every campus is close to home. Explore local housing options to become part of this developing educational community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jenkins County

via RiskByCounty

Jenkins County: Georgia's Lowest-Risk Profile

Jenkins County scores just 10.75 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the Very Low category and less than 28% of Georgia's state average of 39.49. This county ranks among America's safest from a natural disaster perspective, though no location is entirely risk-free.

Lowest Risk Ranking in Georgia

Jenkins County achieves one of Georgia's lowest composite risk scores, sitting nearly 73% below the state average. This exceptional safety profile reflects consistently low exposure across most major hazard types.

Safest in Its Regional Cluster

Jenkins County's score of 10.75 edges out Johnson County (9.26) as the region's premier low-risk location, significantly outperforming Jones County (16.38) and Jefferson County (25.83). The county's positioning makes it an exceptionally safe choice for disaster-conscious homebuyers in central Georgia.

Earthquake and Hurricane Remain Considerations

While Jenkins County's overall risk is minimal, earthquake risk scores 56.04 and hurricane risk reaches 75.26—the highest percentile scores in this county. These distant hazards pose low practical threat but merit basic awareness.

Standard Coverage Likely Sufficient Here

Jenkins County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and ensure adequate hurricane coverage, given the score of 75.26 on that metric. Consider supplemental earthquake insurance only if rebuilding costs concern you, given the low overall probability of significant seismic activity.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jenkins County

via WaterByCounty

Jenkins County maintains a perfect water quality grade

The county reports zero health violations over the past five years, earning a solid A grade for drinking water compliance. This 0.0 violation rate outperforms the state average of 152.5 and the national benchmark.

Watershed health exceeds the state average

Approximately 38.5% of assessed water bodies are impaired, which is better than the Georgia average of 48.4%. Top concerns for the 2022 cycle include fecal coliform and low dissolved oxygen levels in five local streams.

Limited federal monitoring data for Jenkins County

No recent water-quality monitoring records for this county appear in the federal EPA Water Quality Portal. This lack of data suggests a need for increased site coverage to better track long-term nutrient and metal trends.

Beaverdam Creek experiences critical low flow

Current discharge at Beaverdam Creek near Sardis is just 3 cfs, representing only 12% of its typical long-term mean. Such low levels indicate severe hydrological stress in this small 31-square-mile drainage basin.

Prioritize conservation during low flow periods

While drinking water compliance is excellent, extremely low streamflow can impact the natural filtration of local watersheds. Residents should monitor dissolved oxygen levels in local creeks, as low flows often exacerbate these impairments.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Jenkins County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Soils of Jenkins County

Jenkins County soils are highly acidic with an average pH of 5.23, which is significantly lower than the national median of 6.5. This low pH is common in the region and often requires lime to neutralize the soil for garden crops.

Deep Sands and Easy Drainage

The soil is overwhelmingly sandy, consisting of 80.9% sand and only 8.2% clay. This creates a loose texture that is very easy to work but has difficulty retaining moisture and nutrients.

Opportunities to Improve Fertility

Organic matter levels sit at 1.33%, which is lower than the state average of 1.83% and the national average of 2.0%. With an Available Water Capacity of 0.092 in/in, these soils require consistent irrigation during dry spells.

Fast-Moving Water Management

The high sand content means water moves through the profile very quickly. While this prevents standing water, it can lead to nutrient leaching, making split-fertilizer applications more effective for farmers.

Thriving in Zone 8b

Located in Zone 8b, Jenkins County is perfect for blueberries and watermelons that enjoy sandy, acidic conditions. Your long growing season allows for multiple harvests if you manage your water and nutrients carefully.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jenkins County

via LawnByCounty

Steep Challenges for Jenkins County Lawns

With a lawn difficulty score of just 25.0, Jenkins County is one of the more demanding places in the country to maintain a green space. This score sits well below the Georgia state average of 35.8, requiring extra effort from local gardeners in Hardiness Zone 8b.

Navigating Data Gaps and Growing Needs

While specific annual temperature and precipitation averages are unavailable, the county shares the regional trend of long, warm growing seasons typical of East Georgia. Maintaining a consistent mowing schedule is vital during the peak heat of the summer months.

Sandy, Acidic Soil Requires Support

Local soil is highly sandy at 80.9%, which leads to rapid drainage and frequent nutrient leaching. The average pH of 5.23 is much more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, making lime applications a high priority for most homeowners.

Severe Drought Challenges Turf Survival

Currently, 73% of the county suffers from severe drought, and the region has spent 30 weeks in drought conditions over the last year. These harsh conditions make water conservation critical, so prioritize watering during the early morning to minimize evaporation.

Selecting Hardy Grass Varieties

Centipedegrass and St. Augustine are excellent choices for the sandy, acidic conditions found in this part of Georgia. Because specific frost dates are not recorded locally, observe your neighbors and wait for consistent nighttime temperatures above 60°F before seeding.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jenkins County's county score?
Jenkins County, Georgia has a composite county score of 48.5 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 Jenkins County rank among counties in Georgia?
Jenkins County ranks #68 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 Jenkins County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Jenkins County is $777, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Jenkins County a tax score of 41.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jenkins County?
The median household income in Jenkins County, Georgia is $36,906 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jenkins County earns an income score of 1.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jenkins County, Georgia a good place to live?
Jenkins County scores 48.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #68 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Jenkins 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 Jenkins County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.