countyscore
31.9
County Score
Property Tax 50.4Schools 50Weather & Climate 30.2

County Report Card

About Lowndes County, Georgia

Significant Room for National Improvement

Lowndes County earns a composite score of 31.9, which is well below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates substantial challenges in overall livability compared to the rest of the nation.

Trailing the Georgia State Average

The county's score of 31.9 falls short of the Georgia average of 46.7. It sits in the lower tier of Georgia counties for combined social and economic metrics.

Tax Efficiency and Balanced Education

The county's strongest dimensions are its tax score of 50.4 and a school score of 50.0. An effective tax rate of 0.830% provides some relief for the local population.

Concerns in Water and Safety

Lowndes County faces critical scores in water quality at 8.3 and safety at 16.7. These low figures represent the most significant barriers to a higher quality of life for residents.

Best for Tax-Conscious Households

This county may appeal to those prioritizing manageable property taxes and decent schools within an urban-hub setting. However, prospective residents should carefully weigh the safety and infrastructure trade-offs.

2040608010050.429.316.727.15027.427.48.330.2Tax50.4Cost29.3Safety16.7Health27.1Schools50Income27.4Risk27.4Water8.3Weather30.231.9/100
This county
National avg
7 below average

Lowndes County DNA

Foverall

How Lowndes County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lowndes County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (8.3/100), though Property Tax (50.4/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50.4
Cost
29.3-18.7
Safety
16.7-38.3
Health
27.1-22.9
Schools
50
Income
27.4-23.6
Risk
27.4-19.6
Water
8.3-49.7
Weather
30.2-25.8
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Whether buying or refinancing in Lowndes County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$197,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,002/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$197,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$40,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,887/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

13.4

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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32

Nearby counties

Brooks County
Georgia
41
Lanier County
Georgia
41.7
Echols County
Georgia
60.9
Cook County
Georgia
52.6
Berrien County
Georgia
39.7
Hamilton County
Florida
43.3
Madison County
Florida
50.4
Clinch County
Georgia
49.6

Deep Dives

Lowndes County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Lowndes County

via TaxByCounty

Lowndes County taxes below both 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lowndes County

via CostByCounty

Lowndes County rents strain household budgets

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lowndes County

via IncomeByCounty

Lowndes falls short of national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lowndes County

via CrimeByCounty

Lowndes County crime mirrors national trends

Lowndes County has a safety score of 96.4, with a total crime rate of 2266.2 per 100,000 residents. This puts the county just slightly below the national crime rate average of 2,385.5.

Higher crime rates than the Georgia average

With a safety score of 96.4, Lowndes County is less safe than the state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 2266.2 is significantly higher than the Georgia average of 1412.9.

Activity levels higher than nearby counties

Lowndes County sees much more crime per capita than rural neighbors like Macon County, which reports a rate of only 396.7. The presence of urban centers in Lowndes contributes to this higher frequency of reported incidents.

Property crimes make up most incidents

Property crime in Lowndes County is 1950.8 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 315.4. This data shows that roughly 86% of all reported crimes in the county are property-related.

Prioritize security in Lowndes County

Smart locks and outdoor lighting can significantly reduce your risk of becoming a victim of property crime. Staying vigilant and connected with your neighbors helps foster a safer environment for everyone.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lowndes County

via SchoolsByCounty

An Expansive and Diverse Educational Network

Lowndes County features an expansive educational landscape with 20 public schools serving 19,740 students. The county supports three distinct school districts, offering a variety of environments from elementary through high school.

Strong Graduation Rates and Performance

Academic performance is strong, highlighted by a 92.3% graduation rate that exceeds the national average of 87%. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,625 compared to the state's $7,405, the county maintains a 53.9 school score, which is above the Georgia average.

Multiple Districts and Charter Options

The Lowndes County district is the largest with 10,728 students, followed by Valdosta City with 8,291 students. Scintilla Charter Academy serves as the county's single charter school, representing 5.0% of the local educational institutions.

From Urban Centers to Rural Outposts

The county offers a diverse mix of 10 rural, seven city, and two suburban schools, catering to various lifestyle preferences. School sizes vary wildly, from the massive Lowndes High School with 3,201 students to the more moderately sized Westside Elementary with 937.

Diverse Choices for Growing Families

With multiple districts and a mix of urban and rural campuses, Lowndes County provides diverse options for relocating families. Evaluating school district boundaries is an essential step in finding the right home in this high-performing region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lowndes County

via RiskByCounty

Lowndes faces substantial multi-hazard exposure

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lowndes County

via WaterByCounty

Extremely High Violation Rates in Lowndes County

Lowndes County receives a Grade F due to a staggering 385 health violations recorded over the last five years. The violation rate of 405.6 per 100,000 residents is nearly triple the Georgia state average of 152.5. This indicates persistent and widespread issues with meeting federal safety standards for drinking water.

Half of County Water Bodies Are Impaired

Of the 33 assessed water bodies in Lowndes County, 51.5% are listed as impaired in the 2022 reporting cycle. This exceeds the state average impairment rate of 48.4%. The most common pollutants identified include fecal coliform, mercury in fish tissue, and low dissolved oxygen.

Extensive Measurements Track Water Quality Trends

Five monitoring sites have recorded 4,004 measurements in the federal Water Quality Portal over the past five years. These records focus on physical properties, nutrients, and major inorganic substances. This robust data set is critical for understanding the impact of pollutants on the county's extensive water network.

Little River Flow Running Above Typical Levels

The primary USGS gauge on the Little River near Hahira shows a current discharge of 848 cfs. This is 126% of its long-term mean of 671 cfs, indicating higher than normal water volume. Increased flow can lead to higher levels of sediment and bacteria runoff from the surrounding landscape.

Prioritize Filtration Given High Violation Rates

The exceptionally high violation rate of 405.6 per 100,000 people makes home water filtration a vital precaution for residents. High streamflow in the Little River may also flush more fecal coliform into the system, increasing the risk for those using private wells. Residents should stay informed through their local water utility's Consumer Confidence Reports.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lowndes County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South heat and sunshine

Lowndes averages 67.2°F, placing it in the upper tier of warm climates nationally. This South Georgia hub experiences a much longer growing season than most of the country.

Among Georgia's warmest counties

At 67.2°F, the county is nearly four degrees warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It is one of the consistently warmest counties along the Florida border.

Drier than the coastal plains

Lowndes receives 48.4 inches of rain, which is drier than Liberty’s 51.0 inches to the east. It shares a similar heat profile with its neighboring deep-south counties.

Three months of extreme heat

The county endures 92 extreme heat days over 90°F, peaking with a July average of 81.2°F. Winters are comfortable, averaging 53.0°F with no recorded snowfall data available.

Cooling is the priority

Prepare for sustained summer humidity and 92 days of extreme heat with high-capacity cooling systems. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for the mild 53.0°F winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lowndes County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols of Lowndes

Lowndes County features Ultisols with an average pH of 4.97, making it more acidic than the state average of 5.26. This is significantly lower than the national median pH of 6.5, requiring lime for most standard crops.

A Sandy Loam Texture

The soil is predominantly sand at 76.9%, with 11.2% silt and 7.5% clay. This loamy texture is easy to work and allows for rapid root penetration for young plants.

High Organic Content

At 4.96%, the organic matter content is remarkably high, far exceeding the state average of 1.83% and the national average of 2.0%. This rich organic base helps offset the slightly lower water capacity of 0.106 in/in.

Wet and Slow Draining

Classified as very poorly drained and falling into hydrologic group C/D, these soils hold onto moisture stubbornly. This can be challenging for traditional building but supports specific wetland-friendly agriculture.

Abundance in Zone 9a

Lowndes County thrives in Hardiness Zone 9a, where camellias and azaleas love the acidic soil. Start a garden today with pecans or citrus trees, which flourish in this warm climate.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lowndes County

via LawnByCounty

Lowndes County's Tough Turf Score

Maintaining a lawn in Lowndes County is harder than average, with a difficulty score of 24.0. This makes it significantly more challenging than the national median of 50.0 and the Georgia average of 35.8.

Managing High Heat and Growth

With 92 days of extreme heat and 6,536 growing degree days, grass grows fast but faces massive thermal stress. The 48.4 inches of annual precipitation provides a good base, but it often evaporates quickly during hot spells.

Sandy and Acidic Soil Risks

The soil is extremely sandy (76.9%) and very acidic with a pH of 4.97, far below the ideal 6.0. Because it is also classified as very poorly drained, you must add lime to raise the pH and manage moisture carefully.

Battling Severe Drought Conditions

Lowndes County has spent 28 weeks in drought recently, with 100% of its area in severe drought. Adding compost can help your sandy soil retain water longer, protecting your lawn during these extended dry periods.

Timing Your Zone 9a Planting

Centipede grass is a popular choice for acidic, sandy soils in zone 9a. Start your lawn projects after the last frost on March 10 to give your grass a head start before the 11/27 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lowndes County's county score?
Lowndes County, Georgia has a composite county score of 31.9 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 Lowndes County rank among counties in Georgia?
Lowndes County ranks #150 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 Lowndes County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Lowndes County is $1,643, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Lowndes County a tax score of 50.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lowndes County?
The median household income in Lowndes County, Georgia is $55,887 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lowndes County earns an income score of 27.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lowndes County, Georgia a good place to live?
Lowndes County scores 31.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #150 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Lowndes 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 Lowndes County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.