Lowndes County's composite score of 69.6 is nearly 40% above the national median of 50.0, positioning it among the better-living counties across the country. Strong tax and housing affordability drive this national-level competitive advantage.
2 / 5
Marginally below Georgia average
At 69.6, Lowndes County trails Georgia's state average of 70.9 by just 1.3 points, placing it squarely in the middle-to-upper band of Georgia counties. The minimal gap indicates Lowndes is competitive within the state despite slight underperformance.
3 / 5
Lowest taxes anchor Lowndes appeal
Lowndes County boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 0.830% among these eight counties, with a tax score of 78.9. Housing affordability is equally strong, with a cost score of 75.0, median rent of $1,002/month, and a median home value of $197,900.
4 / 5
Income and unmeasured dimensions lag
An income score of 19.9 and median household income of $55,887 fall below state benchmarks, limiting earning prospects for local job seekers. Safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unmeasured, leaving key livability questions unanswered.
5 / 5
Best for tax-conscious, remote-ready families
Lowndes County suits households prioritizing minimal tax burden and affordable housing, particularly remote workers and retirees with external income. Local wage growth is modest, making outside earnings or fixed income sources essential for maximum benefit.
Lowndes County's composite score of 69.6 is nearly 40% above the national median of 50.0, positioning it among the better-living counties across the country. Strong tax and housing affordability drive this national-level competitive advantage.
Marginally below Georgia average
At 69.6, Lowndes County trails Georgia's state average of 70.9 by just 1.3 points, placing it squarely in the middle-to-upper band of Georgia counties. The minimal gap indicates Lowndes is competitive within the state despite slight underperformance.
Lowest taxes anchor Lowndes appeal
Lowndes County boasts the lowest effective tax rate at 0.830% among these eight counties, with a tax score of 78.9. Housing affordability is equally strong, with a cost score of 75.0, median rent of $1,002/month, and a median home value of $197,900.
Income and unmeasured dimensions lag
An income score of 19.9 and median household income of $55,887 fall below state benchmarks, limiting earning prospects for local job seekers. Safety, health, schools, and environmental factors remain unmeasured, leaving key livability questions unanswered.
Best for tax-conscious, remote-ready families
Lowndes County suits households prioritizing minimal tax burden and affordable housing, particularly remote workers and retirees with external income. Local wage growth is modest, making outside earnings or fixed income sources essential for maximum benefit.
Score breakdown
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🏛78.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Lowndes County's effective tax rate of 0.830% sits comfortably below Georgia's state average of 0.898% and well under the national norm. Homeowners pay a median of $1,643 annually—roughly 39% less than the national median of $2,690—despite median home values of $197,900.
Tax-friendly spot in Georgia
Lowndes County ranks in the lower half of Georgia's 159 counties for effective tax rates, collecting just $1,643 on a median home—well below the state median of $1,529. It's among the state's more affordable tax environments.
Lower taxes than most nearby counties
Lowndes County's 0.830% effective rate undercuts Liberty County (1.053%), Long County (0.997%), and Lincoln County (0.883%), but slightly edges out Marion County (0.704%). On a typical $200,000 home, Lowndes residents save $30–$90 annually versus neighbors to the north.
Expect roughly $1,643 per year
With a median home value of $197,900 and an effective rate of 0.830%, Lowndes County homeowners pay approximately $1,643 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage-related fees bumps this to $1,791; paying in full without financing brings it down to $1,409.
Even low-tax counties have overpayments
Studies show roughly 20% of properties across all counties—including low-tax ones—carry assessments above fair market value. Lowndes County homeowners should compare their assessed value to recent comparable sales and appeal if they believe they're paying too much.
Lowndes County residents spend 21.5% of income on rent—above Georgia's 18.6% average and pushing against sustainability thresholds. With a median household income of $55,887 (25% below national) and $1,002 monthly rent, housing consumes an outsized share of earnings.
Among Georgia's less affordable counties
Lowndes County ranks above-average in housing cost burden statewide, with rent running 8% higher than Georgia's $927 benchmark. The county's lower median income intensifies this pressure, making housing a tighter squeeze than in most Georgia communities.
Pricier than most regional peers
Lowndes County's $1,002 rent exceeds Long County ($931) by 8% and Lincoln County ($732) by 37%, positioning it as a mid-range option in south Georgia. However, nearby Liberty County ($1,203) runs noticeably higher, offering some relative comfort.
Rent and ownership split the burden
Lowndes County renters dedicate 21.5% of their $55,887 annual income to $1,002 monthly rent, while homebuyers pay nearly identical $1,004 monthly costs against $197,900 median home values. The balance between tenure types suggests active housing competition across both markets.
Compare with nearby affordable options
If Lowndes County's housing costs feel tight, neighboring Long County ($931 rent) and Lincoln County ($732 rent) offer meaningful savings within the same regional context. A short relocation could preserve community ties while substantially reducing housing expense.
Lowndes County's median household income of $55,887 sits about $19,000 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks in the lower third of American counties on household income.
Below Georgia's state median income
Lowndes' $55,887 median household income trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by roughly $4,600. The county ranks below the state midpoint, placing it among Georgia's lower-income communities.
Middle-ground in the regional cohort
Lowndes ($55,887) sits between Long County ($64,747) above and Lincoln County ($50,688) below in this peer group. The county performs modestly compared to higher-earning Lumpkin but exceeds the lowest-earning counties.
Moderate rent pressure with rising home values
Lowndes' 21.5% rent-to-income ratio means renters dedicate roughly $1,000 monthly to housing relative to median income. Despite lower median income, the county's $197,900 median home value suggests appreciation demand from outside investment.
Real estate appreciation fuels equity building
Lowndes households earning $55,887 can leverage the county's rising home values to build long-term wealth through homeownership. Even modest down payments position families to capture future appreciation and establish financial stability.
Lowndes County's life expectancy of 73.5 years trails the U.S. average by 5.4 years. With 21.6% of residents reporting poor or fair health—slightly above the national rate—the county faces persistent health challenges.
Marginally above Georgia's average
At 73.5 years, Lowndes County's life expectancy exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year state average by just 0.2 years, placing it near the middle of the state's health rankings. The county performs slightly better than average but has substantial room for improvement.
Mid-range health outcomes locally
Lowndes County falls between Liberty (72.9 years) and Long (75.7 years) in life expectancy, reflecting moderate regional health outcomes. The county offers better primary care access (56 per 100,000) than most neighbors and strong mental health support (230 per 100,000).
Good provider access, reasonable coverage
Lowndes County's 14.3% uninsured rate is among the best here and below Georgia's 15% average, suggesting good insurance awareness. With 56 primary care providers per 100,000 and 230 mental health providers per 100,000, residents have solid access to routine and behavioral health care.
Keep your coverage strong
You're in a good position—most Lowndes County residents are insured. Make sure your coverage is current by reviewing your plan annually at healthcare.gov and exploring community health centers for preventive services.
Lowndes County scores 72.65 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category but significantly above Georgia's state average of 39.49. This elevated composite reflects concurrent high exposure to hurricanes (91.16), tornados (73.76), and flooding (70.26). Compared to typical U.S. counties, Lowndes faces decidedly above-average natural disaster vulnerability.
Among Georgia's highest-risk counties
Lowndes County's composite score of 72.65 ranks it among Georgia's highest-risk counties, nearly double the state average of 39.49. The county exhibits consistently elevated exposure across multiple hazard categories, with hurricane, tornado, and flood risks all exceeding 70. This multi-dimensional risk profile positions Lowndes in a critical tier of Georgia disaster vulnerability.
Lowndes shares high-risk profile with Liberty
Lowndes County's 72.65 score is comparable to Liberty County (83.05), making both standouts among the eight profiled counties for elevated composite risk. Unlike lower-risk neighbors such as Madison County (28.94) and Marion County (6.71), Lowndes occupies a high-vulnerability tier. The county's geography exposes it to multiple concurrent disaster pathways.
Hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods converge
Lowndes County faces a dangerous trinity: hurricane risk at 91.16, tornado risk at 73.76, and flood risk at 70.26—three highest-consequence hazards firing simultaneously. Wildfire risk at 72.52 adds seasonal compound danger, while earthquake risk of 66.67 represents an additional baseline concern. Residents confront multiple severe hazards across all seasons.
Comprehensive multi-hazard coverage essential
Lowndes County's extreme hurricane and tornado exposure demands that standard homeowners policies include robust wind and hail coverage—non-negotiable additions in this county. Flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program addresses the county's 70.26 flood risk, particularly critical given tornado-driven flooding. Consult a local agent to ensure your coverage aligns with Lowndes's multi-faceted risk landscape.