countyscore
48.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 83.6Income & Jobs 62.4

County Report Card

About Jones County, Georgia

Jones County Matches the National Pulse

Jones County earns a 48.9 composite score, placing it nearly neck-and-neck with the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced profile that aligns well with broader American trends.

Beating the Georgia State Average

The county's score of 48.9 sits comfortably above the Georgia state average of 46.7. This indicates that Jones County provides a higher overall livability than the typical Georgia county.

Reliable Utilities and Solid Incomes

With a Water Score of 86.0 and a Risk Score of 83.6, the county provides dependable infrastructure. Residents also benefit from a healthy Income Score of 62.4, with a median household income of $68,259.

Moderate Costs and Tax Burdens

Higher property values lead to a lower Cost Score of 40.1, with median home prices reaching $174,600. The Tax Score of 41.1 also indicates a moderate burden for local residents.

The Verdict: Best for Established Professionals

Jones County is a great fit for mid-career professionals who value infrastructure stability and decent earnings. It balances a higher cost of entry with reliable public services and environmental safety.

2040608010041.140.158.142.843.662.483.68636.4Tax41.1Cost40.1Safety58.1Health42.8Schools43.6Income62.4Risk83.6Water86Weather36.448.9/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Jones County DNA

Foverall

How Jones County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Jones County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (83.6/100) but notably weak in Weather & Climate (36.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
41.1-10.899999999999999
Cost
40.1
Safety
58.1
Health
42.8
Schools
43.6-10.399999999999999
Income
62.4+11.399999999999999
Risk
83.6+36.599999999999994
Water
86+28
Weather
36.4-19.6
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Jones County

Whether buying or refinancing in Jones County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$174,600

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$917/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$174,600/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$36,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $68,259/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

52.6

per 100K

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
Compare Jones County with Ketchikan Gateway Borough →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Ketchikan Gateway Borough
Alaska
Median income: $89,155
48.9
Escambia County
Florida
Median income: $65,715
48.9
Kingman County
Kansas
Median income: $59,819
48.9
Marion County
Kansas
Median income: $63,438
48.9
St. Mary Parish
Louisiana
Median income: $51,768
48.9
Deer Lodge County
Montana
Median income: $49,533
48.9
Park County
Montana
Median income: $66,607
48.9
Rockingham County
New Hampshire
Median income: $113,927
48.9

Nearby counties

Bibb County
Georgia
21.6
Monroe County
Georgia
57.7
Baldwin County
Georgia
33.5
Putnam County
Georgia
43.8
Jasper County
Georgia
47.2
Twiggs County
Georgia
55.7
Wilkinson County
Georgia
55.2
Butts County
Georgia
45.8

Deep Dives

Jones County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Jones County

via TaxByCounty

Jones taxes remain well below national median

At 0.958%, Jones County's effective tax rate generates a $1,673 median tax bill—still 38% below the national median property tax of $2,690. The county remains in the bottom half nationally despite higher property values than neighboring rural counties.

Matches state average, ranks mid-tier

Jones County's 0.958% effective rate exceeds Georgia's 0.898% state average, placing it in the middle range among Georgia's 159 counties. With a $1,673 median property tax versus the state median of $1,529, Jones residents pay slightly above state average.

Higher values, comparable tax rates

Jones County's $174,600 median home value substantially exceeds Jenkins ($81,100) and Jefferson ($93,100), yet its 0.958% rate matches Jenkins exactly. This reflects stronger property values and economic activity in Jones County relative to surrounding rural areas.

Median home: $1,673 annual tax

The typical $174,600 home in Jones County incurs approximately $1,673 in annual property taxes before exemptions. With homestead exemptions and mortgage deductions, homeowners typically pay between $1,297 and $2,075.

Challenge overassessments on higher-value homes

As property values rise in Jones County, overassessments become increasingly costly to homeowners. If your home's assessed value hasn't been updated since the market softened, filing a timely appeal with the county assessor could generate meaningful tax savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Jones County

via CostByCounty

Jones County: strong income, solid affordability balance

Jones County residents earn $68,259—nearly $6,000 below the national median of $74,755—yet maintain a 16.1% rent-to-income ratio that beats the national 18.6% standard. This middle-ground county offers decent balance between earnings and housing costs.

Above-average income boosts Jones's affordability ranking

Jones County's 16.1% rent-to-income ratio outperforms Georgia's 18.6% state average, despite its $917 median rent sitting slightly below the state's $927 benchmark. Higher household income relative to regional peers makes housing more manageable here.

Jones balances premium homes with decent affordability

Jones County's $917 rent ranks second-highest in this eight-county cluster, but its $68,259 median income and 16.1% ratio keep affordability competitive with lower-earning neighbors like Johnson. The $174,600 median home value signals pricier properties than Jenkins or Jefferson counties.

Middle-class income supports both renting and buying

Renters allocate 16.1% of their $68,259 income to $917 monthly rent, while homeowners spend about 15.7% on $893 in mortgage payments—both well-managed ratios. Jones County residents have genuine flexibility between renting and homeownership.

Jones County for middle-class stability seekers

If you're earning a solid middle-class income and seeking established neighborhoods with higher home values ($174,600 median), Jones County delivers manageable housing costs without sacrificing community stability. Its 16.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's best.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Jones County

via IncomeByCounty

Jones reaches near-national income parity

Jones County's median household income of $68,259 falls just 8.8% below the U.S. median of $74,755, demonstrating solid middle-class earnings for a rural Georgia county. This near-parity with national benchmarks reflects a prosperous local economy.

Well above Georgia average

At $68,259, Jones County's median household income exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by 12.9%, placing it firmly in the upper-middle income bracket statewide. Per capita income of $33,522 also surpasses the state average of $31,115 by 7.7%.

High earner among regional counties

Jones's $68,259 income ranks fourth among eight surveyed counties, trailing only Lee ($88,024) and Lamar ($68,457) while significantly outpacing Jenkins ($36,906) and Lanier ($44,361). Jones represents solid upper-middle-income prosperity in its region.

Excellent rent and housing affordability

Jones County residents spend only 16.1% of income on rent, comfortably below the affordability threshold, while median home values of $174,600 remain reasonable relative to household earnings. This balance enables strong homeownership rates and housing stability.

Invest aggressively for long-term growth

Jones County households earning $68,259 can afford 15–20% income allocation toward retirement and investment accounts, with capacity for taxable brokerage accounts beyond tax-sheltered limits. Diversified stock portfolios and real estate investment can accelerate wealth accumulation beyond the state median.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Jones County

via CrimeByCounty

Jones County Boasts High Safety Ratings

Jones County is an exceptionally safe place to live, with a safety score of 98.5 out of 100. Its total crime rate of 961.9 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This low volume of crime sets the county apart on the national stage.

Leading the State in Public Safety

Jones County's safety score of 98.5 exceeds the Georgia state average of 97.8. Furthermore, its total crime rate of 961.9 is much lower than the statewide average of 1412.9. It ranks as one of the more secure counties in Middle Georgia.

Comparing Jones to Regional Neighbors

With 961.9 crimes per 100,000, Jones County is safer than neighboring Lee County, which sits at 1273.9. It also maintains a slight edge over Laurens County's rate of 951.3. Local law enforcement efforts keep the community significantly quieter than surrounding areas.

A Focus on Property vs. Violent Crime

The violent crime rate in Jones County is 151.5 per 100,000, which is well below the state average of 248.1. Property crime accounts for 810.4 incidents per 100,000, representing the majority of police activity. Residents benefit from a low risk of personal confrontation or violence.

Protecting Your Jones County Home

Because theft is the most likely incident, securing entrances and using motion-activated lights is recommended. Even in a high-safety area, simple deterrents prevent the property crimes that do occur. Stay informed about local trends to keep your family and home safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Jones County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Rural Network with Seven Schools

Jones County manages a robust education infrastructure featuring four elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. This network supports a total student population of 5,157 learners.

Steady Growth and Performance Benchmarks

The county maintains an 88.0% graduation rate, which sits just above the national average of 87.0%. With per-pupil spending at $7,361 and a school score of 53.3, the district operates closely in line with state averages.

A Centralized District for Jones County

The Jones County school district oversees all 5,157 students with zero charter school participation. This allows for a streamlined curriculum across all seven public campuses in the county.

A Mix of Rural and Suburban Life

The schools offer a diverse range of locales, including five rural, one suburban, and one town setting. Enrollment is substantial, with an average school size of 737 students and Jones County High serving 1,626 students.

Spacious Schools and Strong Community ties

If you are looking for a blend of suburban convenience and rural tranquility, Jones County is an ideal place to settle. The local schools provide a stable foundation for families relocating to the area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Jones County

via RiskByCounty

Jones County: Low Risk, Moderate State Standing

Jones County scores 16.38 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating despite running 59% below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This places the county firmly in the safer tier nationally while remaining exposed to some regional hazards that deserve attention.

Middle of Georgia's Safe Tier

Jones County ranks safely within Georgia, though with higher exposure than the state's very safest counties like Johnson (9.26) and Jenkins (10.75). The county's score still significantly outperforms the state average.

More Exposed Than Immediate Neighbors

Jones County's score of 16.38 places it above Jenkins County (10.75) and Johnson County (9.26) but below Jefferson County (25.83) in this central Georgia cluster. The higher composite score reflects elevated wildfire and flood risks compared to neighboring counties.

Wildfire and Flooding Dominate Here

Wildfire risk reaches 60.15 in Jones County—its highest hazard score—while flood risk scores 27.99, creating a dual-threat profile. Tornado risk of 39.98 adds a third consideration for comprehensive preparedness planning.

Prioritize Flood and Wildfire Defenses

Jones County residents should obtain homeowners insurance that explicitly covers both wildfire and flood damage—the latter often requiring a separate policy rider. Create defensible space around your property by clearing brush and dead wood, and ensure gutters stay clear to prevent ember accumulation during wildfire season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Jones County

via WaterByCounty

Jones County drinking water earns an A grade

The county reports no health violations over the last five years, maintaining a violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 people. This performance exceeds both state and national averages for Safe Drinking Water Act compliance.

Local watersheds show strong ecological health

Only 32.4% of assessed water bodies in Jones County are classified as impaired, well below the Georgia average of 48.4%. Fish bioassessments and fecal coliform are the primary focus areas for the 12 streams currently listed as impaired.

Extensive monitoring records track county health

Three monitoring sites have captured 3,627 measurements over the past five years. This high density of data focuses on physical characteristics and nutrient levels, providing a clear picture of local water quality.

Falling Creek flows at fraction of normal levels

The primary USGS gauge at Falling Creek near Juliette shows a current discharge of 7 cfs, just 13% of its long-term mean. These low flow conditions affect a 72-square-mile drainage area and may impact local aquatic life.

Protect water quality during dry spells

Because streamflow is significantly below typical levels, pollutants can become more concentrated in local creeks. Residents should remain aware of fecal coliform alerts while enjoying the county’s generally healthy watersheds.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Jones County

via WeatherByCounty

Central Georgia Rainfall Trends

While specific temperature averages are unavailable, Jones County records 47.9 inches of annual precipitation. This rain profile suggests a humid environment consistent with the region.

Drier Than State Averages

The county's 47.9 inches of annual rain is below the Georgia state average of 51.4 inches. This puts it on the drier side of the state's typical rainfall spectrum.

Similar to Jasper's Climate

Jones shares a similar rainfall pattern with neighboring Jasper County, which sees 46.7 inches. Both counties experience a drier climate compared to more southern neighbors.

Occasional Winter Flurries

The county receives an average of 0.2 inches of snowfall annually. While other seasonal data is limited, this indicates that winter precipitation is rare and light.

Prepare for Periodic Rain

Focus on managing the 47.9 inches of annual rainfall with proper property drainage. Without specific heat day data, residents should follow regional trends and prepare for typical Georgia summers.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Jones County

via SoilByCounty

Jones County's Fall Line Identity

Sitting near the Fall Line, Jones County soils are generally acidic, likely mirroring the state average pH of 5.26. This is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which impacts nutrient availability.

Mixed Textures on the Fall Line

Specific percentages for sand and clay are currently unavailable for this jurisdiction. Because it sits on a geological transition zone, you may find clay-heavy soils in some spots and sandier ground in others.

Maximizing Nutrient Retention

Without a specific soil score, landowners should look to the state organic matter average of 1.83% as a goal. Keeping organic matter high is essential for buffering the soil against drought.

Navigating Drainage Challenges

Hydrologic group data is not currently mapped, making on-site observation vital for any landscape project. Proper drainage is key in the Piedmont transition to prevent erosion during heavy rains.

Vibrant Zone 8b Growth

Jones County's Zone 8b climate supports a wide variety of flowers and vegetables. The long, warm season is particularly good for tomatoes, but remember to lime your soil to help them thrive.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Jones County

via LawnByCounty

Jones County Leads in Lawn Success

With a lawn difficulty score of 57.1, Jones County is much easier for lawn care than the state average of 35.8. It even outperforms the national median, making it a standout region for lush green spaces in Hardiness Zone 8b.

Ideal Rainfall for Healthy Turf

The county receives 47.9 inches of annual precipitation, which falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. This consistent moisture supports growth without the extreme watering requirements found in neighboring counties.

Testing for the Perfect Foundation

Specific soil texture and pH data are not currently available for Jones County. Given its high difficulty score, it is likely that the local soil provides better-than-average drainage or nutrient retention compared to its neighbors.

Exceptional Resilience Against Dryness

While 100% of the area is abnormally dry, Jones County currently has 0% of its land in severe drought. This follows only 21 weeks of drought over the last year, a significantly better record than much of the surrounding region.

Maximize Your Growing Potential

Jones County's favorable conditions make it an excellent place to plant high-quality warm-season grasses. Without specific local frost dates on record, follow regional guidelines to seed in the mid-to-late spring for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jones County's county score?
Jones County, Georgia has a composite county score of 48.9 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 Jones County rank among counties in Georgia?
Jones County ranks #66 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 Jones County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Jones County is $1,673, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Jones County a tax score of 41.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Jones County?
The median household income in Jones County, Georgia is $68,259 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Jones County earns an income score of 62.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Jones County, Georgia a good place to live?
Jones County scores 48.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #66 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Jones 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 Jones 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.