countyscore
51.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 77.5Safety 58.8

County Report Card

About Laurens County, Georgia

Laurens County Outperforms the Nation

With a composite score of 51.7, Laurens County sits above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a quality of life that is slightly better than the average American county.

Leading the Pack in Georgia

Laurens County's score of 51.7 is significantly higher than the Georgia state average of 46.7. It represents a strong value proposition within the state's housing and tax landscape.

Affordable Housing and Low Taxes

The county offers great value with a Cost Score of 77.5 and a Tax Score of 55.7. Residents benefit from an effective tax rate of 0.769%, which is lower than many neighboring areas.

Healthcare and Income Gaps

Health outcomes are a challenge, with a Health Score of only 16.7. The Income Score of 13.9 also suggests that high-paying local employment opportunities may be limited.

The Verdict: Ideal for Savvy Homebuyers

Laurens County is perfect for those seeking to maximize their purchasing power while enjoying reliable water quality. With a median home value of $137,400, it provides a high-quality lifestyle for budget-conscious families.

Score breakdown

Tax55.7Cost77.5Safety58.8Health16.7Schools47.7Income13.9Risk49.5Water86Weather39.5
🏛55.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠77.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼13.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓47.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡49.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤39.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.9
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Treutlen County
Georgia
45.1
Johnson County
Georgia
62.8
Wheeler County
Georgia
60.9
Dodge County
Georgia
45.6
Bleckley County
Georgia
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Montgomery County
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Wilkinson County
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Emanuel County
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43.6

Deep Dives

Laurens County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Laurens County

via TaxByCounty

Laurens has Georgia's lowest tax rate here

At 0.769%, Laurens County's effective tax rate is the lowest in this eight-county analysis and one-third the national median property tax of $2,690. The county ranks in the bottom 20% nationally for property tax burden.

Well below Georgia's average rate

Laurens County's 0.769% effective rate ranks among Georgia's lowest and substantially undercuts the state average of 0.898%. At $1,057 median property tax, Laurens residents pay 31% below the state median of $1,529, the lowest median bill in this analysis.

Lowest-taxing county in the region

Laurens County's 0.769% rate decisively undercuts all seven comparison counties, including Johnson County's 0.918% and Jenkins County's 0.958%. For homeowners in this region, Laurens offers the most favorable property tax climate.

Median annual tax is just $1,057

A typical $137,400 home in Laurens County incurs about $1,057 in annual property taxes before exemptions. With standard homestead exemptions and mortgage deductions, homeowners typically pay between $781 and $1,337 per year.

Still worth verifying your assessment

Even at Laurens County's favorable low rate, overassessments can accumulate over years into significant tax overpayment. Review your assessed value against recent sales and consider an appeal if your home was last valued several years ago.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Laurens County

via CostByCounty

Laurens matches the nation's affordability baseline

Laurens County residents spend 18.6% of their $49,705 median income on $769 monthly rent—exactly matching the national 18.6% median ratio. This county sits squarely at the nation's affordability middle ground, making it comparable to average U.S. housing markets.

Laurens hits Georgia's state average precisely

At 18.6%, Laurens County's rent-to-income ratio matches Georgia's state average exactly, with $769 median rent running $158 below the state's $927 norm. This alignment suggests Laurens represents the typical Georgia housing experience.

Laurens moderately priced, not the cheapest option

Laurens County's $769 rent sits $46 above Jefferson County ($723) and $225 above Jenkins County ($544), but below Jones ($917) and Lanier ($878). Its homeownership at $595 monthly is among the region's most affordable, trailing only Jenkins ($410).

Balanced pathway for renters and homeowners alike

Renters spend 18.6% of Laurens's $49,705 median income on $769 monthly rent, while homeowners allocate just 14.4% to $595 mortgage payments—a notable advantage for buyers. The $137,400 median home value offers reasonable entry points for modest-income households.

Laurens County: solid middle ground for relocators

If you want to avoid Lanier's affordability crisis without stretching for Lamar's premium homes, Laurens County delivers balanced middle-class housing at $769 rent and $137,400 median home values. Its 18.6% ratio matches the national norm, making it predictable for budget planners.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Laurens County

via IncomeByCounty

Laurens trails national earnings standard

Laurens County's median household income of $49,705 falls 33.5% below the U.S. median of $74,755, indicating limited earning capacity relative to national benchmarks. This gap reflects rural economic constraints on household wealth and financial security.

Below Georgia average but moderate standing

At $49,705, Laurens trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by 17.8%, though per capita income of $29,642 sits slightly below the state average of $31,115. The county occupies a middle-lower position among Georgia's counties.

Mid-range earner in regional context

Laurens's $49,705 ranks fifth among eight surveyed counties, exceeding Jenkins ($36,906) and Lanier ($44,361) while trailing Johnson ($54,183) and all higher-income peers. The county demonstrates moderate economic stability.

Rent affordable, home values moderate

Laurens residents dedicate 18.6% of income to rent—slightly elevated but manageable—while median home values of $137,400 remain reasonable relative to household earnings. Housing affordability supports homeownership access, though tight budgets limit additional savings.

Build discipline into modest means

Laurens County households earning $49,705 can allocate 10–12% toward retirement accounts while maintaining emergency savings, prioritizing employer matches and low-cost index funds. Consistent, small-dollar investing compounded over decades can generate meaningful wealth despite modest current income.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Laurens County

via CrimeByCounty

Laurens County Safety Surpasses National Baseline

Laurens County maintains a total crime rate of 951.3 per 100,000, far lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county's safety score of 98.5 reflects a secure environment monitored by four reporting agencies. It stands as a safe hub for its residents.

A Strong Performer in Georgia Safety

Laurens County’s safety score of 98.5 beats the state average of 97.8. With a total crime rate of 951.3, it is significantly safer than the average Georgia county rate of 1412.9. Local enforcement effectively manages crime levels across the jurisdiction.

Regional Comparison of Crime Rates

Laurens County is safer than neighboring Lee County, which has a crime rate of 1273.9. It also slightly edges out Jones County's crime rate of 961.9. These numbers highlight Laurens as one of the most secure counties in its immediate area.

Property and Violent Crime Breakdown

The violent crime rate is 204.4 per 100,000, lower than the state average of 248.1. Property crime sits at 746.9 per 100,000, which is only about a third of the national property crime rate. Most incidents are non-violent and involve theft or burglary.

Enhanced Home Protection for Laurens Residents

Residents should focus on deterring property crime by using alarm systems and secure locks. Motion sensors and outdoor cameras are proven ways to reduce the risk of theft. Community awareness is a key part of maintaining Laurens County’s low crime rate.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Laurens County

via HealthByCounty

Laurens County below national health

Laurens County's life expectancy of 70.8 years lags the U.S. average of 74.5 years by 3.7 years. The 23.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds the national average of 15%, indicating elevated chronic disease burden.

Lower-tier health rank in Georgia

Laurens County's life expectancy of 70.8 years falls 2.5 years below Georgia's state average of 73.3 years. Its 23.3% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state average by about 8 percentage points.

Weak life expectancy, strong providers

Laurens County's 70.8-year life expectancy trails all regional peers except Jefferson County (68.8 years). Yet the county boasts an exceptional 85 primary care providers per 100K—nearly double Johnson County's 55.

Outstanding mental health, abundant primary care

Laurens County leads the region dramatically with 226 mental health providers per 100K residents—more than five times the regional average. Combined with 85 primary care providers per 100K, the infrastructure far exceeds the health outcomes, suggesting engagement or social determinants barriers.

Access care that's ready for you

Laurens County's robust provider network is an asset, but 14.2% remain uninsured. Enrollment at HealthCare.gov connects you to the county's abundant primary and mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Laurens County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Vast Network of Fourteen Schools

Laurens County features an expansive educational landscape with 14 public schools, including six elementary and four high school campuses. This network serves a large population of 8,726 students.

Strong Outcomes Across Multiple Districts

The county maintains a high graduation rate of 90.5%, beating both state and national benchmarks. A composite school score of 54.0 is achieved with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,076.

Choice Between Two Primary Districts

Education is split between the Laurens County district (6,424 students) and Dublin City district (2,288 students). There are no charter schools, but the inclusion of a special education school adds to the county's diverse offerings.

A Blend of Large High Schools and Rural Sites

Schools are spread across nine rural and five town locales, with an average size of 623 students. West Laurens High is the largest campus with 1,271 students, while other schools offer a much smaller, specialized environment.

Diverse School Options for Your Family

Laurens County offers the unique advantage of multiple school districts and a wide range of campus sizes. Check out homes in the area to find the perfect fit for your child's educational needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Laurens County

via RiskByCounty

Laurens County: Elevated Risk Requires Attention

Laurens County scores 50.51 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating while exceeding Georgia's state average of 39.49 by 28%. This makes Laurens County notably more exposed to natural disasters than most other Georgia counties, though still safer than many American communities.

Higher Risk Than Most Georgia Counties

Laurens County ranks among Georgia's higher-risk counties, with a composite score that substantially exceeds the state average across multiple hazard categories. The county requires more intentional disaster preparedness than most of its peers.

Significantly More Exposed Than Regional Peers

Laurens County's score of 50.51 dramatically exceeds nearby Jones County (16.38), Jefferson County (25.83), and Lee County (29.39), making it the region's most hazard-prone location. This distinction underscores the importance of stronger preparedness measures for Laurens residents.

Flood, Wildfire, and Hurricane Risks Peak Here

Laurens County faces flood risk of 56.74, wildfire risk of 65.74, and hurricane risk of 78.60—the highest scores in this county and well above regional averages. Combined with earthquake risk of 72.87, the county presents a multi-hazard challenge requiring comprehensive preparation.

Comprehensive Insurance and Preparation Essential

Laurens County residents must secure homeowners insurance with explicit flood and wind coverage, potentially requiring separate flood policies, given the county's elevated hurricane and flood risks of 78.60 and 56.74 respectively. Create robust defensible space for wildfire, ensure proper drainage to manage flood risk, and maintain storm supplies for hurricane season—this county's higher risk profile demands proactive year-round preparedness.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Laurens County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat National Baseline

Laurens County stays warm with a 64.9°F annual average temperature, exceeding the national median. It is a quintessential Southern climate with long periods of warmth.

Exceeding the State Norm

The 64.9°F average is higher than Georgia's state average of 63.7°F. Laurens consistently ranks among the warmer counties in the central part of the state.

Drier Than Nearby Houston

Laurens receives 47.3 inches of rain, significantly less than Houston County's 51.8 inches. It experiences the same 83 extreme heat days as Jeff Davis County to the south.

The Peak of Summer

July is particularly hot with an average of 82.5°F, leading to 83 days of 90-degree weather. Winters are mild at 48.5°F, and the county typically sees no snowfall at all.

Plan for Dry Heat

With 83 days of extreme heat and lower-than-average rain, irrigation may be necessary for gardens. Ensure your cooling systems are serviced before the intense July peak hits 82.5°F.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Laurens County

via SoilByCounty

The Heart of the Coastal Plain

Detailed soil identity data for Laurens County is currently being updated. Like most of Georgia, these soils tend to be acidic, following the state's 5.26 pH average rather than the 6.5 national median.

Versatile Coastal Plain Textures

Percentage data for sand and clay is not currently available for this county. The area typically features sandy loams that are highly valued for their balance of drainage and workability.

Cultivating High Fertility

With no current soil score, Laurens County landowners can use the state organic matter average of 1.83% as a guide. Regular additions of compost will help your garden reach its full growing potential.

Site-Specific Water Flow

Hydrologic group data is not presently mapped for this county. Observing how your land behaves after a thunderstorm is the best way to understand its unique drainage needs.

Growing Bounty in Zone 8b

Laurens County is located in Hardiness Zone 8b, providing the perfect environment for corn and watermelons. This long, hot growing season is a gardener's dream for summer produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Laurens County

via LawnByCounty

Laurens County Lawn Care Demands

Laurens County scores a 30.9 for lawn difficulty, indicating a tougher environment than the state average of 35.8. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 8b must work harder to keep their turf healthy against local environmental stressors.

Long Growing Season, High Heat

With 5,953 growing degree days and 83 days of extreme heat, the grass here grows fast and faces frequent stress. The annual precipitation of 47.3 inches provides a solid base, but the high July average of 82.5°F can quickly dry out the landscape.

Building a Better Soil Base

Specific soil data for pH and texture are not available in the current records for Laurens County. It is highly recommended to perform a local test to ensure your soil can support the nutrient needs of high-energy grasses.

Facing 100% Severe Drought

The entire county is currently experiencing severe drought, and the region has dealt with 27 weeks of drought over the past year. Lawns need deep-root irrigation and minimal foot traffic during these times to survive without permanent damage.

Planting Timing for Laurens County

Warm-season grasses should be seeded or sodded after the last spring frost on March 14. This gives the lawn several months to establish before the first fall frost arrives on November 13.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laurens County's county score?
Laurens County, Georgia has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Laurens County rank among counties in Georgia?
Laurens County ranks #50 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 Laurens County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Laurens County is $1,057, with an effective tax rate of 0.77%. This earns Laurens County a tax score of 55.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Laurens County?
The median household income in Laurens County, Georgia is $49,705 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Laurens County earns an income score of 13.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Laurens County, Georgia a good place to live?
Laurens County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Laurens 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 Laurens County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.