countyscore
52.5
County Score
Disaster Risk 94.5Cost of Living 66Schools 63

County Report Card

About Lincoln County, Georgia

Surpassing the National Livability Median

Lincoln County achieves a composite score of 52.5, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in the top half of American counties for overall quality of life.

A Top Performer in Georgia

Lincoln County's score of 52.5 sits well above the Georgia state average of 46.7. This high ranking reflects its competitive position among the state's 159 counties.

Exceptional Safety and Affordability

The county boasts an impressive risk score of 94.5 and a cost score of 66.0, driven by a low median home value of $163,600. Residents benefit from a low effective tax rate of 0.883%.

Limited Income and Water Infrastructure

Economic opportunity and water quality are the primary hurdles, with scores of 16.0 and 16.7 respectively. The median household income of $50,688 trails many higher-scoring peers in the state.

Ideal for Retirees and Remote Workers

Lincoln County is an excellent fit for individuals seeking safety and low living costs over high local wages. It offers a secure, affordable environment for those with established income streams.

Score breakdown

Tax46.4Cost66Safety59.1Health30.9Schools63Income16Risk94.5Water16.7Weather46.2
🏛46.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡59.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤30.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓63
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡94.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱48
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

McCormick County
South Carolina
59.4
Wilkes County
Georgia
39.7
Columbia County
Georgia
51.5
McDuffie County
Georgia
46.4
Elbert County
Georgia
46.8
Abbeville County
South Carolina
51
Edgefield County
South Carolina
59
Greenwood County
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39

Deep Dives

Lincoln County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lincoln County

via TaxByCounty

Lincoln County keeps taxes below state average

Lincoln County's effective tax rate of 0.883% sits just below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it near the national median. The median tax bill of $1,445 is substantially lower than the national median of $2,690, thanks to lower median home values of $163,600.

Lower-tax county across Georgia

Lincoln County ranks in the lower half of Georgia's 159 counties for effective tax rates, collecting just $1,445 on a median home—below the state median of $1,529. This tax-friendly stance makes it attractive to budget-conscious property owners.

Competitive rates with nearby counties

Lincoln County's 0.883% rate is comparable to Lowndes County (0.830%) and Madison County (0.809%), but higher than Marion County (0.704%). On a $160,000 home, Lincoln County homeowners pay roughly $40–$50 more annually than in Marion County.

Budget $1,445 annually for taxes

With a median home value of $163,600 and an effective rate of 0.883%, Lincoln County residents typically pay $1,445 per year in property taxes. Mortgage payers face $2,227 when including ancillary fees, while those owning free and clear pay $1,037.

Review assessments before paying more

Even in lower-tax counties, overassessment occurs—roughly 1 in 5 properties nationwide carry inflated values. Lincoln County homeowners should cross-check their assessed value against comparable recent sales to catch any errors before they compound into years of overpayment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lincoln County

via CostByCounty

Lincoln County offers unexpected affordability

Lincoln County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national average and Georgia's 18.6% state benchmark—a rare bright spot in Georgia's housing landscape. Despite a median household income of $50,688 (32% below the national average), affordable rents of just $732 monthly make housing manageable.

Georgia's most affordable rental market

Lincoln County ranks among Georgia's most affordable counties for renters, with monthly rent just 21% below the state average at $732. This affordability advantage persists despite incomes trailing the state norm, offering genuine relief for budget-conscious households.

Rural character keeps costs down

Lincoln County's $732 rent is the lowest among nearby counties, undercutting Marion County ($717 barely) and significantly beating Madison County ($951). This affordability reflects the county's rural character and limited competition for housing, beneficial for renters seeking stretching paychecks.

Rent and mortgages both reasonable

At $732 monthly rent on a $50,688 income, Lincoln County renters allocate less than one-fifth of earnings to housing—leaving room for savings and essentials. Homeownership costs $816 monthly against median values of $163,600, offering an attainable path to ownership.

Affordability meets rural charm

Lincoln County delivers genuine housing affordability without requiring six-figure incomes or relocation to remote regions. If you prioritize low housing costs and value rural community character, Lincoln County merits serious consideration among Georgia's most livable options.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lincoln County

via IncomeByCounty

Lincoln lags far behind national income

Lincoln County's median household income of $50,688 trails the U.S. median by nearly $24,100. This substantial gap places Lincoln in the lowest quartile of American counties by household earnings.

Below Georgia's median income

At $50,688, Lincoln's median household income falls roughly $10,000 below Georgia's state average of $60,488. The county ranks among the lower-income counties in Georgia, reflecting economic challenges in the region.

Tied with Marion for lowest peer income

Lincoln and Marion County essentially match at $50,484 and $50,688 respectively, making them the lowest-earning pair in this cohort. Both significantly underperform Long County ($64,747) and Lumpkin County ($72,388).

Low rent burden, modest home values

Lincoln's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio is among the healthiest in the group, meaning housing costs consume roughly $730 monthly per median household. The median home value of $163,600 remains affordable, though the lower income base limits purchasing power.

Homeownership offers a wealth path

For Lincoln households earning $50,688, acquiring property near the county median of $163,600 can build lasting equity. Starting small with financial literacy and consistent saving accelerates the transition from renting to owning, strengthening long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lincoln County

via CrimeByCounty

Lincoln County offers high-level community safety

With a safety score of 98.5, Lincoln County ranks as a very safe place to live compared to the rest of the nation. Its total crime rate of 944.9 per 100,000 is less than half the national average of 2,385.5.

Lincoln outperforms the average Georgia county

Lincoln County’s safety score of 98.5 exceeds the Georgia state average of 97.8. Residents here experience significantly lower crime volumes than the typical Georgian, whose state average rate sits at 1412.9.

Safe standing among regional peers

Lincoln County maintains a low crime rate of 944.9, which is notably lower than Madison County’s rate of 1119.2. This makes Lincoln a quiet outlier among its neighboring rural counties.

Understanding the local crime landscape

The violent crime rate in Lincoln is low at 207.1 per 100,000, while property crime is 737.8. These figures suggest that most local law enforcement activity involves managing non-violent property disputes and thefts.

Maintaining peace in Lincoln County

Low crime rates are no reason to ignore home security basics like locking garages and sheds. Taking small precautions ensures that property crime remains low in this peaceful community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Lincoln County

via HealthByCounty

Lincoln County outperforms national health trends

Lincoln County residents enjoy a life expectancy of 74.7 years, nearly four years above the U.S. average of 78.9 years. However, this apparent advantage reverses when accounting for income and access disparities—the county's 19.6% poor/fair health rate tracks closely with national averages.

Georgia's healthier counties are here

At 74.7 years, Lincoln County's life expectancy exceeds Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 1.4 years, ranking it among the state's better-performing counties. This puts Lincoln in a stronger health position relative to most of its peers statewide.

Longest-living county in this group

Lincoln County residents live longer than Liberty (72.9 years), Lowndes (73.5 years), and Marion (73.4 years) neighbors. Yet the county faces a higher uninsured rate at 19.7%, suggesting wealth or insurance gaps despite good overall longevity.

Uninsured residents struggle despite longevity

Nearly one in five Lincoln County residents (19.7%) lack health insurance, well above Georgia's 15% average—the highest uninsured rate among these eight counties. Primary care access remains limited at 26 per 100,000, which may explain delayed diagnoses despite good life expectancy.

Affordable coverage options await

Lincoln County's high uninsured rate suggests many residents are unaware of assistance programs. Visit the Georgia state health insurance marketplace or call 211 to find affordable plans, subsidies, and free clinics near you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Lincoln County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Education in a Rural Setting

Lincoln County maintains a compact education network consisting of three schools under a single district. This streamlined infrastructure serves 1,231 students through one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

High Results Through Focused Spending

A 92.0% graduation rate puts Lincoln County well ahead of both state (88.1%) and national (87%) averages. The county invests $7,792 per pupil, which exceeds the Georgia average of $7,405 and contributes to a competitive 56.3 school score.

Single District Stability for Every Grade

The Lincoln County School District is the sole provider of public education, managing all 1,231 enrolled students. The county does not host any charter schools, ensuring a unified focus on the traditional public school pathway for every local child.

Small Classes in a Country Setting

Every school in the county is situated in a rural locale, offering a consistent environment for all students. Campuses are intimate, with an average size of 410 students, ranging from the 606-student Lincoln County Elementary down to the middle school’s 258 pupils.

Small-Town Feel with Big Results

For families seeking high academic results in a small-town setting, Lincoln County offers strong graduation metrics. Explore local home options where small class sizes and community-focused education are part of the daily experience.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lincoln County

via RiskByCounty

Lincoln County remains among lowest-risk areas

Lincoln County scores just 5.53 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low risk category and well below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This score puts Lincoln among the safest counties nationally when it comes to natural disaster exposure. Residents enjoy significantly lower baseline vulnerability compared to typical U.S. counties.

Georgia's safest county for disasters

Lincoln County's composite score of 5.53 ranks it among Georgia's lowest-risk counties, dramatically below the state average of 39.49. Nearly every hazard category—from tornado risk at 33.94 to earthquake risk at 44.91—falls well below state medians. This consistent low exposure across all hazard types makes Lincoln exceptionally secure.

Safest county in its regional peer group

Lincoln County's 5.53 score is the lowest among all profiled counties, including Marion County (6.71) and Long County (8.02). Even when compared to other low-risk neighbors like Madison County (28.94) and Macon County (32.09), Lincoln stands out as having the most muted disaster exposure. The county benefits from its location and geography relative to major hazard corridors.

Limited hazards, but hurricanes warrant attention

Despite Lincoln's overall very low risk profile, hurricane risk reaches 54.53—the county's highest individual hazard score—though still modest in absolute terms. Wildfire risk at 38.96 and earthquake risk at 44.91 represent secondary concerns but remain well-contained. For a low-risk county, Lincoln's hazard portfolio is remarkably balanced and manageable.

Standard coverage provides solid protection

Lincoln County's low-risk environment means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate baseline coverage for most residents. However, reviewing your policy for any relevant flood or wind provisions ensures you're not caught unprepared if an unusual weather event occurs. Annual policy reviews remain prudent even in low-risk areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lincoln County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical patterns in Lincoln

While specific annual temperature data is limited, Lincoln's 46.6 inches of rain is slightly lower than the national average. This interior region follows the typical humid subtropical patterns seen across the Southeast.

Drier than the Georgia average

Lincoln receives 46.6 inches of precipitation, making it notably drier than the Georgia state average of 51.4 inches. It sits in a transition zone between the Piedmont and the coast.

Less snow than western neighbors

The county records a trace of snow at 0.3 inches, which is significantly less than the 2.1 inches seen in Madison to the west. It maintains a drier profile compared to its wetter neighbors.

Brief winters with rare snow

Specific seasonal temperatures are limited for this locale, but a 0.3-inch snowfall indicates very rare winter accumulation. Residents expect the standard Georgia rhythm of hot summers and brief, cool winters.

Prepare for a drier landscape

Gardeners should account for the lower 46.6-inch rainfall by choosing drought-tolerant plants. Indoor climate control remains a priority despite the lack of specific extreme heat data.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lincoln County

via SoilByCounty

Piedmont Soil Profiles

Soil taxonomic and pH data for Lincoln County are currently unavailable in the federal database. The state average pH of 5.26 is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Soil Texture Balance

Specific sand and clay ratios are not provided for this area. Most Piedmont counties feature higher clay content than coastal neighbors, which helps with nutrient retention but makes the soil harder to work.

Organic Matter and Water

Local organic matter and water capacity figures are missing from current records. Improving your soil to reach the national average of 2.0% organic matter will significantly boost garden performance.

Drainage and Development

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not currently specified for this county. Local builders should consult site-specific surveys to determine how well the ground handles heavy Georgia rainfall.

Planting in Zone 8b

Lincoln County is located in Hardiness Zone 8b, providing a versatile environment for many plants. You can successfully grow peaches, blueberries, and a wide variety of flowering perennials here.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lincoln County

via LawnByCounty

Favorable Growing in Lincoln County

Lincoln County offers a relatively easy lawn care experience with a difficulty score of 48.0. This score is significantly higher than the state average of 35.8 and nearly matches the national median of 50.0.

Ideal Rainfall for Healthy Grass

With 46.6 inches of annual precipitation, the county sits right in the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawn health. This consistent moisture helps sustain growth in zone 8b without the constant need for heavy irrigation.

Identifying Your Soil Needs

While specific soil metrics aren't available for this tract, the region often features the classic Georgia clay that requires periodic aeration. Most local lawns benefit from adding organic matter to improve drainage and nutrient retention.

Managing Long Dry Spells

The county endured 30 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the area currently in severe drought. To protect your grass, maintain a higher mowing height to shade the soil and reduce water evaporation.

Choosing the Right Turf

Bermuda and Zoysia are excellent choices for the zone 8b climate found here. Since frost dates aren't specifically recorded, wait for consistently warm nights before beginning your spring seeding projects.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lincoln County's county score?
Lincoln County, Georgia has a composite county score of 52.5 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 Lincoln County rank among counties in Georgia?
Lincoln County ranks #45 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 Lincoln County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Lincoln County is $1,445, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Lincoln County a tax score of 46.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lincoln County?
The median household income in Lincoln County, Georgia is $50,688 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lincoln County earns an income score of 16/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lincoln County, Georgia a good place to live?
Lincoln County scores 52.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #45 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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.