Long County's composite score of 68.2 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 36%, placing it solidly in the upper third of U.S. counties. This performance reflects competitive tax and housing costs that appeal to value-conscious Americans.
2 / 5
Slightly below Georgia's county median
With a score of 68.2, Long County falls just below Georgia's state average of 70.9, positioning it in the mid-to-upper range of the state's counties. The modest gap indicates Long is a solid choice within Georgia, though some neighboring counties score higher.
3 / 5
Balanced affordability and income
Long County combines a cost score of 74.3 with the highest income score among these eight counties at 25.7, supported by a median household income of $64,747. A tax score of 74.2 and effective tax rate of 0.997% round out solid fundamentals.
4 / 5
Complete picture awaits more data
Safety, health, school quality, environmental risk, and water quality remain unmeasured, preventing a comprehensive livability assessment. These gaps may significantly influence overall living quality and family decisions.
5 / 5
Sweet spot for balanced seekers
Long County appeals to families wanting a balance of affordability, reasonable local incomes, and low taxes without sacrificing too much on any front. It's an underrated option for those seeking moderation across multiple livability dimensions.
Long County's composite score of 68.2 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 36%, placing it solidly in the upper third of U.S. counties. This performance reflects competitive tax and housing costs that appeal to value-conscious Americans.
Slightly below Georgia's county median
With a score of 68.2, Long County falls just below Georgia's state average of 70.9, positioning it in the mid-to-upper range of the state's counties. The modest gap indicates Long is a solid choice within Georgia, though some neighboring counties score higher.
Balanced affordability and income
Long County combines a cost score of 74.3 with the highest income score among these eight counties at 25.7, supported by a median household income of $64,747. A tax score of 74.2 and effective tax rate of 0.997% round out solid fundamentals.
Complete picture awaits more data
Safety, health, school quality, environmental risk, and water quality remain unmeasured, preventing a comprehensive livability assessment. These gaps may significantly influence overall living quality and family decisions.
Sweet spot for balanced seekers
Long County appeals to families wanting a balance of affordability, reasonable local incomes, and low taxes without sacrificing too much on any front. It's an underrated option for those seeking moderation across multiple livability dimensions.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛74.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.