countyscore
44.8
County Score
Disaster Risk 92Safety 80Income & Jobs 53.3

County Report Card

About Long County, Georgia

Competing Near the National Median

Long County scores 44.8, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. While slightly lower than the midpoint, it remains competitive with many rural counties across the country.

Aligning with Georgia's Average Score

With a composite score of 44.8, Long County performs near the Georgia state average of 46.7. It maintains a middle-of-the-pack standing within the state's diverse geographic landscape.

Superior Safety and Low Risk

Safety is a hallmark of the county, reflected in a score of 80.0, paired with an excellent environmental risk score of 92.0. This creates a very stable environment for residential living.

Schools and Housing Costs Lag

The county struggles with a low school score of 23.2 and a cost score of 29.1. Despite a median home value under $200,000, other affordability factors drag down the overall cost dimension.

A Haven for Safety Seekers

Long County suits residents who prioritize a secure, low-risk environment above all else. It is particularly attractive for those who value public safety more than local school rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax38.3Cost29.1Safety80Health32.9Schools23.2Income53.3Risk92Water44.9Weather38.8
🏛38.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠29.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼53.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡80
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤32.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓23.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡92
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧44.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤38.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱17.1
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Wayne County
Georgia
44.7
Liberty County
Georgia
34.3
Tattnall County
Georgia
49.8
Bryan County
Georgia
43.3
McIntosh County
Georgia
47.5
Evans County
Georgia
43.4
Appling County
Georgia
50.3
Pierce County
Georgia
35.2

Deep Dives

Long County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Long County

via TaxByCounty

Long County taxes slightly above Georgia norm

Long County's effective tax rate of 0.997% exceeds Georgia's state average of 0.898%, though it remains well below the national norm when measured against home values. Residents pay a median of $1,959 annually—still far short of the national median of $2,690—because homes here average $196,500.

Upper-middle ranks among Georgia counties

Long County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties for effective tax rates, with a median bill of $1,959 surpassing the state median of $1,529. The county takes a moderately aggressive stance on property taxation.

Pricier than most adjacent counties

Long County's 0.997% effective rate exceeds Liberty County's 1.053% relative to home values, but beats Lowndes County (0.830%) and Marion County (0.704%) cleanly. A homeowner in Long County pays roughly $60–$150 more annually than those in lower-tax neighbors.

Plan for roughly $1,959 yearly

At the median home value of $196,500 and an effective rate of 0.997%, Long County homeowners owe approximately $1,959 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related fees included, the total climbs to $2,189; without a mortgage, it falls to $1,375.

Challenge your assessment if warranted

Nationwide, about 20% of property assessments overvalue homes relative to current market conditions. Long County residents should verify their assessed value against recent comparable sales and file an appeal if they suspect their property is overassessed.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Long County

via CostByCounty

Long County balances income and housing

Long County's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio aligns nearly perfectly with Georgia's 18.6% average, indicating balanced housing costs relative to incomes. With a median household income of $64,747 (13% below national) and modest rents of $931, residents manage housing expenses without excessive strain.

Middle ground among Georgia counties

Long County sits comfortably near Georgia's affordability average, neither strained nor exceptionally cheap. The $931 median rent matches the state baseline precisely, while $64,747 median income reflects solid regional economic fundamentals.

Competitive with similar regional markets

Long County's $931 rent ties Georgia's state average and undercuts Liberty County ($1,203) by 23%, positioning it as the region's most balanced housing option. Neighboring Lowndes County ($1,002) and Madison County ($951) run slightly higher, making Long County attractive for value.

Modest rent, higher ownership costs

Long County renters allocate just 17.3% of income to $931 monthly rent, well within sustainable ranges, while homebuyers face $1,133 monthly costs against $196,500 median values. This ownership premium reflects the county's desirable character and stronger home values.

Stable housing market for relocators

Long County offers predictable, manageable housing economics—neither explosive costs nor fire-sale bargains. If you seek a balanced Georgia county with decent incomes and aligned rents, Long County delivers straightforward affordability without the gamble.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Long County

via IncomeByCounty

Long County approaches national income parity

Long County's median household income of $64,747 narrows the gap with the U.S. median of $74,755 to about $10,000. This positioning places Long in the middle-upper range of American counties by earnings.

Above Georgia's typical household income

Long's $64,747 median household income exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by roughly $4,250. The county ranks above the state median, reflecting stronger economic conditions than many Georgia peers.

Second-strongest in the regional group

Long County trails only Lumpkin County ($72,388) in this cohort, outperforming Liberty ($59,013), Lowndes ($55,887), and the lowest-earning Marion and Lincoln counties. Long represents solid middle-class earning potential in the region.

Affordable housing with healthy rent ratio

Long's 17.3% rent-to-income ratio is excellent, with renters paying roughly $935 monthly on the median income. The $196,500 median home value is well within reach for households earning $64,747, supporting homeownership goals.

Positioned to build investment capital

Long County households earning $64,747 have stronger capacity for discretionary saving and investment than lower-income peers. Prioritizing retirement accounts and real estate appreciation here yields meaningful wealth accumulation over decades.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Long County

via CrimeByCounty

Long County is exceptionally safe by national standards

Long County boasts a stellar safety score of 99.3, making it one of the most secure counties in the country. Its total crime rate of 470.2 per 100,000 is about five times lower than the national average.

A top performer in the state of Georgia

Long County's safety score of 99.3 far surpasses the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 470.2 is nearly a third of the state's average rate of 1412.9 per 100,000 residents.

Long County leads its neighbors in safety

Compared to Liberty County’s rate of 1789.4, Long County is significantly more peaceful with a rate of 470.2. It serves as a quiet residential haven for those working in the surrounding region.

Violent crime is rare in Long County

The county reports an incredibly low violent crime rate of 41.7 per 100,000 residents. Property crime stands at 428.5, indicating that most incidents are minor and non-violent.

Keep your Long County property secure

Even with such low rates, home security systems provide an extra layer of protection against opportunistic property crime. Community awareness is key to maintaining this high standard of public safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Long County

via HealthByCounty

Long County leads in life expectancy

Long County residents live an average of 75.7 years, exceeding the U.S. average of 78.9 years by a notable margin. Yet one-fifth (21.8%) report poor or fair health, matching the national trend and suggesting that length of life masks quality-of-life struggles.

Longest lives in Georgia's group

Long County's 75.7-year life expectancy ranks highest among all eight counties and beats Georgia's 73.3-year average by 2.4 years. This county is an outlier for health longevity within the state.

Outlier health advantage needs investigation

Long County residents live 2.8 years longer than Liberty (72.9) and 2.2 years longer than Marion (73.4). This advantage is remarkable but contrasts sharply with very few primary care providers (6 per 100,000), raising questions about healthcare utilization patterns.

Few doctors, uninsured rate moderate

Long County's 15.6% uninsured rate is near Georgia's state average, but the county has just 6 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—the lowest in this group. Residents may be traveling significant distances to see doctors or relying on emergency care.

Ensure continuous healthcare access

With limited local providers, having health insurance is even more critical in Long County. Verify your coverage at healthcare.gov and ask about telehealth options to reach distant specialists and specialists more conveniently.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Long County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Rural School Network

Long County provides public education through four schools serving a growing population of 4,343 students. The county’s single school district manages two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Matching State Performance Benchmarks

The county reports an 88.0% graduation rate, aligning closely with the Georgia state average of 88.1%. However, per-pupil expenditure is just $5,660, trailing significantly behind the state average of $7,405 and the national average of $13,000.

Managing Rapidly Growing Campus Populations

The Long County School District oversees the entire local student body of 4,343 across its four facilities. There are no charter schools in the area, meaning the district is the primary hub for all public education resources and growth management.

Large Campuses in a Rural Landscape

All four schools are located in rural settings, though they maintain a high average enrollment of 1,086 students per campus. Smiley Elementary is the largest with 1,258 students, while McClelland Elementary remains sizable with 931 students.

Join a Community with Strong Roots

As you evaluate the rural lifestyle in Long County, the district's efficient management of large school populations is a key factor to consider. Homebuyers often prioritize proximity to these central community hubs when choosing a neighborhood.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Long County

via RiskByCounty

Long County ranks among safest nationally

Long County scores 8.02 on the composite risk scale, placing it firmly in the very low risk category and far below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This minimal score reflects diversified low hazard exposure across all disaster types. Residents enjoy natural disaster risk levels comparable to the safest U.S. counties.

Well below average across all disaster types

Long County's composite score of 8.02 sits dramatically below Georgia's state average of 39.49, ranking among the state's safest counties. Individual hazard categories range from tornado risk at 25.92 to wildfire risk at 61.01, but the composite effect remains minimal. This consistency across low-scoring categories distinguishes Long as exceptionally secure.

Comparable safety to adjacent low-risk counties

Long County's 8.02 score places it slightly above Marion County (6.71) and Lincoln County (5.53) but well below higher-risk neighbors like Lumpkin County (44.91). Among the eight profiled counties, Long ranks solidly in the safest tier alongside its regional peers. Geographic proximity to hazard zones appears to afford the county substantial protection.

Hurricane exposure is Long's primary concern

Long County's hurricane risk of 78.93 stands as its most significant individual hazard—though considerably elevated compared to the county's composite score, it remains moderate in statewide context. Wildfire risk at 61.01 represents a secondary seasonal consideration, while flood, tornado, and earthquake risks all score below 36. The county's risk profile is dominated by a single weather phenomenon.

Standard homeowners insurance typically suffices

Long County's overall very low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for most property owners. However, given the county's elevated hurricane risk at 78.93, ensure your policy includes wind and hail coverage before storm season. Annual review with your agent helps align coverage with Long's specific seasonal concerns.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Long County

via SoilByCounty

Southern Georgia Soil Identity

Specific pH and taxonomic orders are currently unlisted for Long County. Without local data, gardeners should assume an acidic profile similar to the state average of 5.26.

Composition and Workability

Local sand, silt, and clay data are currently limited. The region's geography often suggests a lighter texture that is easy to dig but may drain faster than clay-heavy northern soils.

Measuring Fertility Potential

Organic matter and water capacity levels for this county are not recorded in this dataset. Most Georgia soils benefit from adding compost to rise above the 1.83% state organic matter average.

Drainage and Hydrology

No dominant drainage class is currently assigned to Long County in this data. Before building or installing a septic system, you should conduct a professional perk test.

Grow in Zone 9a

Located in Hardiness Zone 9a, Long County features very mild winters. You can grow a wide range of sub-tropical plants and enjoy an exceptionally long summer harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Long County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Climate for Lawns

Long County presents one of the most difficult lawn care environments in the state with a score of 17.1. This is less than half the Georgia average score of 35.8, indicating significant environmental hurdles for zone 9a homeowners.

Sizzling Summer Heat Stress

Lawns here must survive 83 extreme heat days per year, which is 18 days more than the Georgia state average. This intense heat can quickly scorch traditional turf and requires heat-tolerant grass varieties to survive.

Building a Better Foundation

Local soil data is currently unavailable, but the region's proximity to the coast often suggests sandy textures. Lawns in these conditions typically need extra organic amendments to hold onto moisture and nutrients effectively.

Prolonged Drought Hazards

Long County has faced 33 weeks of drought in the past year, and the entire county is currently under severe drought conditions. Prioritizing water conservation is key; focus on keeping high-traffic areas hydrated while letting less visible sections go dormant.

Focus on Heat Tolerance

St. Augustine grass is the gold standard for zone 9a because of its excellent heat and salt tolerance. Ensure you have a solid irrigation plan in place before the summer heat arrives to support new growth.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Long County's county score?
Long County, Georgia has a composite county score of 44.8 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 Long County rank among counties in Georgia?
Long County ranks #98 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 Long County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Long County is $1,959, with an effective tax rate of 1.00%. This earns Long County a tax score of 38.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Long County?
The median household income in Long County, Georgia is $64,747 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Long County earns an income score of 53.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Long County, Georgia a good place to live?
Long County scores 44.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #98 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Long 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 Long 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.