Lanier County scores 69.0, placing it 19 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper tier of U.S. counties. The score reflects affordable housing paired with manageable tax burdens.
2 / 5
Slightly below Georgia's state average
At 69.0, Lanier County falls 1.9 points below Georgia's state average of 70.9, positioning it in the lower-middle range of Georgia counties. The county still outperforms many national peers despite state underperformance.
3 / 5
Moderate affordability with accessible housing
Lanier County offers reasonable housing costs with a cost score of 79.6 and median home value of $161,100, paired with reasonable rent at $878 monthly. The moderate tax rate of 1.017% is competitive within the region.
4 / 5
Limited income growth and incomplete livability picture
The income score of just 12.4 and median household income of $44,361 reflect limited earning potential in the county. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and water quality is not yet available.
5 / 5
Suitable for modest-income households seeking stability
Lanier County works best for retirees, remote workers, and families with modest income needs prioritizing housing affordability over wage growth. The balanced costs and tax structure provide stability, though residents should verify school and health services availability.
Lanier County scores 69.0, placing it 19 points above the national median of 50.0 and in the upper tier of U.S. counties. The score reflects affordable housing paired with manageable tax burdens.
Slightly below Georgia's state average
At 69.0, Lanier County falls 1.9 points below Georgia's state average of 70.9, positioning it in the lower-middle range of Georgia counties. The county still outperforms many national peers despite state underperformance.
Moderate affordability with accessible housing
Lanier County offers reasonable housing costs with a cost score of 79.6 and median home value of $161,100, paired with reasonable rent at $878 monthly. The moderate tax rate of 1.017% is competitive within the region.
Limited income growth and incomplete livability picture
The income score of just 12.4 and median household income of $44,361 reflect limited earning potential in the county. Critical data on safety, health, schools, and water quality is not yet available.
Suitable for modest-income households seeking stability
Lanier County works best for retirees, remote workers, and families with modest income needs prioritizing housing affordability over wage growth. The balanced costs and tax structure provide stability, though residents should verify school and health services availability.
Score breakdown
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🏛73.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.017%, Lanier County's effective tax rate generates a $1,639 median bill—still 39% below the national median property tax of $2,690. The county ranks in the bottom 40% nationally despite having the highest rate in this eight-county analysis.
Above state average, high within Georgia
Lanier County's 1.017% effective rate is the highest among Georgia's counties analyzed here and exceeds the state average of 0.898% by 13%. At $1,639 median property tax, Lanier residents pay 7% above the state median of $1,529.
Highest-taxing county in this analysis
Lanier County's 1.017% effective rate tops all eight counties reviewed, exceeding Lee County's 1.002% and Jefferson's 0.991%. For homeowners in this southeast Georgia region, Lanier carries the steepest property tax rate.
Median home tax bill: $1,639 annually
The typical $161,100 home in Lanier County generates approximately $1,639 in annual property taxes before exemptions. With homestead exemptions and mortgage deductions, homeowners typically pay between $1,039 and $1,964 per year.
Scrutinize your assessment closely
With the region's highest tax rate, Lanier County homeowners should particularly carefully review their assessed values. An appeal challenging overvaluation could be especially worthwhile given the higher rate multiplier.
Lanier County residents spend 23.8% of their $44,361 median income on rent—significantly above the national 18.6% benchmark and the worst ratio in this eight-county group. This $878 monthly rent burden reveals Lanier as Georgia's most strained housing market in this sample.
Lanier County's affordability crisis among Georgia's worst
At 23.8%, Lanier's rent-to-income ratio towers 5.2 percentage points above Georgia's 18.6% state average, making it one of the state's least affordable counties for renters. The $878 monthly rent nearly matches the state average, while local incomes lag significantly.
Lanier struggles with highest rent-to-income ratio
Lanier County's 23.8% ratio—driven by $878 rent on just $44,361 income—is the worst among all eight counties and nearly 10 percentage points worse than Johnson County's 14.6%. Even Jenkins County ($544 rent) and Jefferson County ($723 rent) offer substantial relief.
Renters face a 23.8% income drain; buying offers relief
Renters in Lanier County surrender nearly a quarter of their income—23.8% of $44,361—to $878 monthly rent, creating a severe affordability crisis. Homeowners fare better at 23.2% of income ($856 monthly on the $161,100 median home value), suggesting buying may be the only sustainable path.
Lanier County: avoid unless homeownership-bound
If you're relocating on a modest income, Lanier County's 23.8% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's worst and should be avoided unless you're prepared to purchase a home. Even then, the $161,100 median home value requires careful budgeting for households earning under $45,000.
Lanier County's median household income of $44,361 falls 40.7% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting limited economic opportunity and earning potential. This substantial gap constrains wealth-building and affordability for most households.
Among Georgia's lowest earners
At $44,361, Lanier trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by 26.6%, ranking among the state's lowest-income counties with per capita income 19.9% below the state average. Economic challenges are pronounced relative to the broader state.
Second-lowest income in region
Lanier's $44,361 exceeds only Jenkins County ($36,906) among surveyed peers but lags Johnson ($54,183) and Laurens ($49,705) significantly. The county faces distinct economic headwinds compared to most neighbors.
Rent burden creates financial strain
Lanier households spend 23.8% of income on rent—the highest burden in the region and well above the 20% affordability threshold—limiting budgets for savings and essentials. Despite high median home values of $161,100, homeownership remains challenging relative to household earnings.
Prioritize debt reduction and stability
Lanier residents earning $44,361 should focus first on reducing high-cost debt and managing the elevated rent burden before investing aggressively. Build modest savings discipline and explore financial assistance programs; once housing costs stabilize, redirect savings toward emergency funds and retirement accounts.
Lanier County's life expectancy of 74.6 years comes within 0.1 years of the U.S. average of 74.5 years. With 26.7% reporting poor or fair health, the county sits between regional peers and the national average of 15%.
Above Georgia's state average
Lanier County's life expectancy of 74.6 years exceeds Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 1.3 years. Its 26.7% poor/fair health rate sits about 11 percentage points above the state average.
Strong life expectancy, solid coverage
Lanier County's 74.6-year life expectancy trails only Jones County (75.6 years) and Lee County (75.1 years) in the region. Its 13.9% uninsured rate is competitive, slightly above Lee County's 11.5%.
Mental health strength, primary care data gaps
Lanier County excels with 38 mental health providers per 100K residents, supporting behavioral health access. Primary care provider data is unavailable, limiting full assessment of physical health infrastructure.
Secure insurance for comprehensive care
With 13.9% of Lanier County uninsured, enrollment can strengthen your health security. Visit HealthCare.gov to explore coverage options and maximize access to mental and primary care.
Lanier County scores just 6.77 on the composite risk scale, earning Very Low status and achieving only 17% of Georgia's state average of 39.49. This makes Lanier one of the nation's safest counties from a natural disaster perspective.
Georgia's Safest County Overall
Lanier County holds Georgia's lowest composite risk score, with every major hazard category scoring below the state average. The county's exceptional safety profile reflects consistently low exposure across all natural disaster types.
Unmatched Safety in Its Region
Lanier County's score of 6.77 significantly outperforms all neighboring counties, including Lamar County (7.79), Johnson County (9.26), and Jenkins County (10.75). The county stands alone as this region's disaster-safest location.
Wildfire Only Notable Risk Factor
Wildfire risk reaches 42.11 in Lanier County, substantially higher than all other hazards in this county, where earthquake risk scores just 28.79. Even the wildfire score remains low compared to national standards, reflecting the county's overall safety.
Minimal Coverage Needs; Focus on Wildfire Prep
Lanier County residents should maintain standard homeowners insurance and ensure adequate wildfire coverage, though premiums should remain low given the county's exceptional overall safety. Maintain clear vegetation around your home and gutters to mitigate the county's only meaningful hazard.