countyscore
34.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Schools 64.1Income & Jobs 35.7

County Report Card

About Liberty County, Georgia

Liberty County Trails the National Median

Liberty County earns a composite score of 34.3, placing it significantly below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates the county faces more livability headwinds than the average American community.

Performance Below the Georgia Average

With a 34.3 composite score, Liberty County ranks below the Georgia state average of 46.7. The county struggles to keep pace with state-level benchmarks for overall economic and social well-being.

Robust Schools and Water Quality

The county excels in water quality with a score of 86.0 and maintains a solid school system score of 64.1. These dimensions represent the area's strongest foundational assets for resident families.

High Environmental Risk and Living Costs

The county faces significant challenges in environmental risk and housing affordability, scoring 17.0 and 19.9 respectively. Median gross rent sits at $1,203 per month, which is high relative to the local income score of 35.7.

Best for Education-Focused Families

Liberty County is a viable option for families who prioritize quality public education and clean water. However, residents must navigate higher-than-average housing costs and environmental vulnerabilities.

Score breakdown

Tax34.3Cost19.9Safety26.4Health29.3Schools64.1Income35.7Risk17Water86Weather27.8
🏛34.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠19.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼35.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡26.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤29.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓64.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡17
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤27.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26
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

Bryan County
Georgia
43.3
Long County
Georgia
44.8
McIntosh County
Georgia
47.5
Chatham County
Georgia
33.6
Wayne County
Georgia
44.7
Evans County
Georgia
43.4
Tattnall County
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49.8
Effingham County
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49

Deep Dives

Liberty County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Liberty County

via TaxByCounty

Liberty County taxes above national norm

Liberty County's effective tax rate of 1.053% runs higher than Georgia's state average of 0.898%, putting it in the top third of counties nationwide by tax burden. Homeowners here pay a median of $1,897 annually—well below the national median of $2,690—because homes are worth less on average ($180,200 vs. $281,900 nationally).

Middle of the pack in Georgia

Among Georgia's 159 counties, Liberty County ranks in the upper half for effective tax rates, collecting slightly more per home than the state median of $1,529. The $1,897 median tax reflects the county's aggressive approach to property taxation relative to home values.

Highest taxes in the region

Liberty County's 1.053% effective rate outpaces nearby Long County (0.997%) and Lowndes County (0.830%), making it the steepest tax bill for homes of similar value in the immediate region. A homeowner with a $180,000 house pays roughly $80–$220 more annually here than in neighboring counties.

Expect about $1,897 a year

At the median home value of $180,200 and an effective rate of 1.053%, a typical Liberty County homeowner owes $1,897 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure climbs to $2,094 when including fees; without one, it drops to $1,480.

Many homeowners could appeal assessments

Research shows that upwards of 20% of properties nationwide are overassessed relative to market value. Liberty County homeowners should review their latest assessment notice and consider filing an appeal if their assessed value seems inflated compared to recent sales of similar homes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Liberty County

via CostByCounty

Liberty County rents strain budgets

Renters in Liberty County spend 24.5% of their income on housing—well above the national standard of 30% and higher than Georgia's 18.6% average. The median household income of $59,013 falls $15,742 short of the national median, making housing costs hit harder here.

Among Georgia's less affordable counties

Liberty County ranks among the state's most strained housing markets, with a rent-to-income ratio that exceeds the Georgia average by 6 percentage points. At $1,203 monthly, median rent runs 30% higher than Georgia's typical $927, pressuring local households.

Costlier than surrounding areas

Liberty County's $1,203 rent significantly outpaces neighboring Lowndes County ($1,002) and Long County ($931), making it the priciest rental market in this region. Homeownership offers modest relief: median monthly owner costs run $1,089, just slightly below rent.

Rent and ownership both bite deep

Liberty County residents split their $59,013 annual income between $1,203 in median rent and $1,089 in median monthly ownership costs—leaving tight margins for other expenses. Homebuyers face median values of $180,200, requiring substantial income to qualify for mortgages.

Consider neighboring markets

If Liberty County's housing costs feel unsustainable, explore Long County or Lowndes County nearby, where median rents drop to $931 and $1,002 respectively. With similar regional amenities and lower strain on household budgets, adjacent counties may offer better affordability without relocation sacrifice.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Liberty County

via IncomeByCounty

Liberty trails the national income standard

Liberty County's median household income of $59,013 falls about $15,700 below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap places Liberty in the lower half of American counties when ranked by household earnings.

Nearly average for Georgia

Liberty's $59,013 median household income sits just slightly below Georgia's state average of $60,488. The county ranks in the middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties by household income.

Stronger than some rural peers

Liberty outearns Marion County ($50,484) and Lincoln County ($50,688) but trails Long County ($64,747) and Lumpkin County ($72,388). Among its regional cohort, Liberty represents moderate earning power.

Rent consumes nearly a quarter of income

A 24.5% rent-to-income ratio means Liberty households spend about $1,210 monthly on rent relative to median income—above the recommended 20% threshold. The median home value of $180,200 remains accessible for homeowners seeking to build equity.

Strategic saving bridges the income gap

Liberty households earning $59,013 annually have room to prioritize emergency savings and retirement contributions. Even modest investments in tax-advantaged accounts compound significantly over time, helping close the income gap with higher-earning regions.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Liberty County

via CrimeByCounty

Liberty County stays below national crime averages

Liberty County earns a safety score of 97.2, positioning it as a relatively secure community. Its total crime rate of 1789.4 per 100,000 residents remains well below the national average of 2,385.5.

Liberty trails Georgia's average safety performance

Despite its national standing, Liberty County’s safety score of 97.2 falls slightly behind the Georgia state average of 97.8. The local crime rate is roughly 26% higher than the statewide average of 1412.9 per 100,000.

A comparison with South Georgia neighbors

Liberty County sees more frequent activity than nearby Long County, which reports a remarkably low crime rate of 470.2. However, it remains significantly safer than more urbanized areas like Lowndes County further south.

Property theft drives local crime statistics

Property crimes dominate local reports with a rate of 1452.3 per 100,000, while violent crime sits at 337.1. This means residents are four times more likely to encounter theft than a violent incident.

Safeguarding your Liberty County home

Since property crime is the primary concern, visible security measures like doorbell cameras are highly effective deterrents. Staying informed about local trends helps keep this coastal community secure for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Liberty County

via HealthByCounty

Liberty County's health gap widens

Life expectancy in Liberty County stands at 72.9 years, trailing the U.S. average of 78.9 years by six years. One in five residents (21.9%) report poor or fair health, slightly above the national rate of 21%, suggesting persistent health challenges in the community.

Below Georgia's health average

Liberty County's 72.9-year life expectancy falls 0.4 years below Georgia's state average of 73.3 years. This places the county among the lower performers statewide, though the gap is narrow compared to some neighboring regions.

Health outcomes vary across region

Liberty County residents live 1.3 years less than those in nearby Lowndes County (73.5 years) and 2.8 years less than Long County (75.7 years). However, mental health provider availability is strong here at 402 per 100,000—far exceeding most neighboring counties.

Healthcare access improving but gaps remain

Liberty County's 11.9% uninsured rate is the lowest among these eight counties and well below Georgia's 15% average, indicating better insurance uptake. Primary care providers are accessible at 40 per 100,000 residents, supporting routine health management.

Check your coverage today

With one in eight residents uninsured, there's room for improvement. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your county health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health resources available to you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Liberty County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Growing Coast-Adjacent Education System

Liberty County operates a robust education system with 12 public schools serving 10,610 students. The infrastructure includes seven elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools, all managed by a single district.

Exceptional Graduation Rates Lead the State

The county achieves a graduation rate of 94.0%, significantly outpacing the Georgia average of 88.1% and the national mark of 87%. While per-pupil spending of $7,290 is slightly below the state average, the county’s 56.3 school score exceeds the state benchmark of 53.4.

Unified District Serving Ten Thousand Students

The Liberty County School District manages all 10,610 students across its 12 campuses. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county, concentrating all public resources into the primary district system.

Mix of City and Rural Campuses

Education here spans both urban and rural settings, with eight schools in city locales and four in rural areas. Students attend campuses averaging 884 students, ranging from the massive Bradwell Institute with 1,755 pupils to Waldo Pafford Elementary with 831.

Find a Home Near High-Achieving Schools

High graduation rates and a solid school score make Liberty County a compelling choice for families. If you are researching local education, consider how these performance metrics impact long-term property values and community stability.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Liberty County

via RiskByCounty

Liberty ranks among highest-risk U.S. counties

Liberty County scores 83.05 on the national composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category and more than double Georgia's state average of 39.49. This elevated score reflects significant exposure to multiple hazard types, particularly hurricanes and wildfires. Compared to the typical U.S. county, Liberty faces substantially higher overall disaster risk.

One of Georgia's riskiest counties

Liberty County ranks among the highest-risk counties in Georgia, with a composite score of 83.05 versus the state average of 39.49. The county's risk profile stands out starkly—nearly all of Georgia's other counties score considerably lower. This positions Liberty in a precarious tier of vulnerability within the state.

Liberty faces uniquely concentrated hazards

Liberty County's composite score of 83.05 dramatically exceeds nearby Long County (8.02) and Lincoln County (5.53), both rated very low. Lowndes County to the south presents a comparable but slightly lower risk at 72.65, also driven by multiple concurrent hazards. Liberty stands isolated among regional peers in its level of composite risk exposure.

Hurricanes and wildfires dominate your exposure

Liberty faces an exceptional hurricane risk score of 96.87—the highest among all eight counties profiled—plus a wildfire risk of 76.11 that creates compounding seasonal threats. Earthquake risk adds another layer at 75.64, while flood risk at 52.29 rounds out a portfolio of serious hazards. Residents should prepare for multiple disaster types year-round.

Comprehensive insurance is essential here

Given Liberty County's extreme hurricane and wildfire exposure, standard homeowners policies are insufficient; specialized hurricane and wildfire coverage should be non-negotiable. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program provides critical protection for residents in the county's 52.29-rated flood zones. Review your policy annually with an agent familiar with Liberty's unique risk landscape.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Liberty County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national median

Liberty’s 67.8°F average temperature places it well above the national median, characterizing a classic humid subtropical climate. Residents experience much warmer conditions year-round than the typical American locale.

Leading the state in coastal warmth

With a 67.8°F annual average, Liberty is significantly warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It ranks among the hottest counties in the state's coastal region.

A rainy coastal profile

The county receives 51.0 inches of annual rain, which is very close to the state average of 51.4 inches. Neighboring McIntosh is slightly warmer, but Liberty shares the same flat, humid coastal climate profile.

Sweltering summers and mild winters

Summers are intense with 94 extreme heat days over 90°F and a July average of 82.2°F. Winters stay very mild at 53.7°F, and snowfall is non-existent at 0.0 inches.

Plan for heat and moisture

High-efficiency HVAC is essential to combat 94 days of extreme heat each year. Residents should also prepare for 51.0 inches of rain with proper drainage systems for heavy coastal storms.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Liberty County

via SoilByCounty

Coastal Soil Identity

Specific local pH and taxonomic data are currently limited for Liberty County. While the national median pH is 6.5, coastal Georgia soils often trend more acidic due to regional pine forests.

Texture and Workability

Local percentages for sand, silt, and clay are not recorded in this dataset. However, coastal geography typically suggests high sand content which allows for easy tilling but requires frequent irrigation.

Growing Potential and Fertility

Current records do not show specific organic matter or water capacity for this county. For comparison, the Georgia state average for organic matter is 1.83%.

Managing Water and Drainage

This county lacks specific drainage and hydrologic group classifications in the current data. Given the low-lying coastal terrain, builders and farmers should perform site-specific tests for water table depths.

Thriving in Zone 9a

Liberty County sits in Hardiness Zone 9a, offering a long, warm growing season. This climate is ideal for citrus, palms, and heat-loving summer vegetables like okra.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Liberty County

via LawnByCounty

Liberty County's Uphill Lawn Battle

Liberty County faces a tough maintenance environment with a lawn difficulty score of 26.0, well below the Georgia average of 35.8. Residents in hardiness zone 9a deal with conditions nearly twice as challenging as the national median of 50.0.

High Heat and Constant Mowing

The county endures 94 extreme heat days annually, far exceeding the state average of 65 days. While 51.0 inches of precipitation is ideal, the 6,744 growing degree days mean your mower will rarely get a break.

Testing the Coastal Soil

Specific soil data is limited for this area, but coastal Georgia typically requires monitoring for salinity and nutrient leaching. A professional soil test is recommended to see if you need to adjust the pH toward the 6.0-7.0 ideal range.

Severe Drought Strains Local Turf

Liberty County spent 26 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the area currently faces severe drought conditions. Deep, infrequent watering before 10 a.m. is essential to keep roots alive during these stretches.

Start Strong After Last Frost

Warm-season grasses like St. Augustine or Centipede are best suited for zone 9a. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 5 to establish a healthy lawn before the summer heat peaks.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Liberty County's county score?
Liberty County, Georgia has a composite county score of 34.3 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 Liberty County rank among counties in Georgia?
Liberty County ranks #143 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 Liberty County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Liberty County is $1,897, with an effective tax rate of 1.05%. This earns Liberty County a tax score of 34.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Liberty County?
The median household income in Liberty County, Georgia is $59,013 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Liberty County earns an income score of 35.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Liberty County, Georgia a good place to live?
Liberty County scores 34.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #143 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Liberty 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 Liberty 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.