countyscore
55.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 76.8Income & Jobs 72.2

County Report Card

About Lumpkin County, Georgia

Exceeding the National Livability Standard

Lumpkin County earns a composite score of 55.3, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This ranking reflects a high quality of life that competes effectively on a national scale.

Leading the Pack in Georgia

With a score of 55.3, Lumpkin County significantly outperforms the Georgia average of 46.7. It stands out as one of the more desirable counties in the state.

Strong Incomes and Pure Water

The county shines with a high-income score of 72.2, supported by a median household income of $72,388. It also secures an impressive 86.0 for water quality and a low tax rate of 0.688%.

Premium Costs for Local Living

The primary challenge is affordability, with a cost score of 24.0 and a median home value of $277,200. Health access also lags slightly behind other top-tier dimensions with a score of 40.8.

A Top Choice for Professionals

Lumpkin County is ideal for high-earning professionals and families who can afford the higher housing entry point. It offers a rare combination of high incomes, low taxes, and great schools.

2040608010064.42467.440.870.672.255.18676.8Tax64.4Cost24Safety67.4Health40.8Schools70.6Income72.2Risk55.1Water86Weather76.855.3/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Lumpkin County DNA

Foverall

How Lumpkin County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Lumpkin County scores above average across most dimensions. It's a well-balanced county with particular strength in Water Quality (86/100).

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
64.4+12.400000000000006
Cost
24-24
Safety
67.4+12.400000000000006
Health
40.8-9.200000000000003
Schools
70.6+16.599999999999994
Income
72.2+21.200000000000003
Risk
55.1+8.100000000000001
Water
86+28
Weather
76.8+20.799999999999997
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Whether buying or refinancing in Lumpkin County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$277,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,090/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$277,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $72,388/yr
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Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

8.8

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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Nearby counties

Dawson County
Georgia
56.1
White County
Georgia
45.9
Union County
Georgia
62
Hall County
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39
Gilmer County
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Fannin County
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Towns County
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Pickens County
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Deep Dives

Lumpkin County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Lumpkin County

via TaxByCounty

Lumpkin County offers surprisingly low rates

Lumpkin County's effective tax rate of 0.688% is among Georgia's lowest and well below the state average of 0.898%, making it a standout tax haven. Despite this, residents pay $1,908 in median annual taxes because homes here are worth considerably more—a median of $277,200, nearly matching the national average.

Georgia's lowest-tax-rate county

Lumpkin County ranks among the bottom tier of Georgia's 159 counties by effective tax rate, with 0.688% placing it near the state's minimum. At $1,908 median tax on higher-valued homes, it proves that low rates on expensive properties can still yield substantial annual bills.

Most attractive rate in the region

Lumpkin County's 0.688% effective rate significantly beats all nearby counties, including Liberty County (1.053%), Long County (0.997%), and Marion County (0.704%). A homeowner with a $277,000 property in Lumpkin County saves roughly $100–$200 annually compared to neighbors.

Budget $1,908 despite low rate

Lumpkin County's median home value of $277,200 combined with a 0.688% effective rate yields a median tax bill of $1,908 per year. With mortgage fees included, homeowners face $2,198; without financing, the bill drops to $1,342.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Even in Georgia's lowest-tax counties, roughly 1 in 5 homes are overassessed relative to market value. Lumpkin County residents should confirm their assessed value against recent comparable sales and file an appeal if their property is valued above fair market price.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Lumpkin County

via CostByCounty

Lumpkin County achieves housing balance

Lumpkin County's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below Georgia's 18.6% average, signaling healthy housing affordability relative to household earnings. With a median income of $72,388 (only 3% below national) and $1,090 rent, residents enjoy incomes sufficient to handle housing costs comfortably.

Above-average Georgia incomes

Lumpkin County's median household income of $72,388 ranks among Georgia's stronger communities, positioning it well above state norms. This income advantage, combined with reasonable rent at $1,090, creates one of Georgia's more sustainable housing dynamics.

Premium pricing reflects desirability

Lumpkin County's $1,090 rent runs higher than most regional peers like Madison County ($951) and Long County ($931), reflecting mountain-region appeal and tourism economy strength. However, home values of $277,200 suggest property appreciation and long-term wealth building potential.

Strong incomes support both paths

Lumpkin County renters allocate just 18.1% of their $72,388 income to $1,090 rent—leaving comfortable margins for savings and other expenses. Homebuyers navigate $1,059 monthly costs with median values of $277,200, significantly higher than regional peers but justified by mountain location and property appeal.

Premium housing with solid incomes

Lumpkin County suits relocators with strong incomes seeking mountain living and property appreciation potential. If you earn around $72,000+ annually and value scenic character with solid housing economics, Lumpkin County delivers mountain-region living without unsustainable affordability strain.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Lumpkin County

via IncomeByCounty

Lumpkin nearly matches the national median

Lumpkin County's median household income of $72,388 comes within $2,350 of the U.S. median of $74,755. The county ranks in the upper-middle tier of American counties on household earnings.

Georgia's strongest in this group

Lumpkin's $72,388 median household income significantly exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by roughly $12,000. Among this eight-county cohort, Lumpkin leads all peers in household income and economic strength.

Clear income leader among peers

Lumpkin's $72,388 outpaces Long County ($64,747) by $8,000 and towers over lower-earning counties like Lowndes ($55,887), Liberty ($59,013), and Lincoln ($50,688). The county represents the economic high water mark in this region.

Low housing cost burden, high home values

Lumpkin's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio is among the healthiest, with renters spending roughly $1,090 monthly on housing costs. The $277,200 median home value—highest in the group—reflects strong demand and economic vitality.

Prime opportunity for wealth acceleration

Lumpkin households earning $72,388 have substantial capacity to invest in real estate, retirement accounts, and diversified portfolios. The county's strong income base and appreciated home values create compounding opportunities for accelerated wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Lumpkin County

via CrimeByCounty

Lumpkin County remains a safe mountain community

Lumpkin County achieves a high safety score of 98.8, reflecting a very secure environment. Its total crime rate of 763.3 is roughly one-third of the national average of 2,385.5 per 100,000 residents.

A secure choice within the state of Georgia

Lumpkin County's safety score of 98.8 easily beats the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 763.3 is much lower than the statewide benchmark of 1412.9.

Lumpkin County versus North Georgia peers

Lumpkin maintains a safe profile with a 763.3 crime rate, making it safer than nearby Madison County’s rate of 1119.2. It stands out as a peaceful area for both residents and visitors.

Violent and property crime remain low

Lumpkin reports a violent crime rate of 170.6 and a property crime rate of 592.7 per 100,000. These low numbers mean physical safety is generally high across the county's mountain landscape.

Protecting your Lumpkin County home

Since most crimes are property-related, simple measures like motion-sensor lights and alarm systems are effective. Keeping your home secure helps preserve the quiet nature of this mountain community.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Lumpkin County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Education in the North Georgia Hills

Lumpkin County’s education system is comprised of five public schools that serve a total of 3,749 students. This single-district infrastructure includes three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Outstanding Graduation Metrics and Scores

The county boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, which is ten points higher than the national average. Lumpkin also maintains a high 57.7 school score while spending $7,219 per student, nearly matching the Georgia state average.

A Unified Path to Student Success

The Lumpkin County School District manages all 3,749 students across its five campuses. There are currently no charter schools in the county, focusing all local educational efforts within the unified district system.

Intimate Schools in Scenic Locales

Schools are nestled in a mix of rural and town settings, reflecting the county’s scenic landscape. Enrollment sizes average 750 students, with Lumpkin County High School hosting 1,134 students and Long Branch Elementary being the smallest with 392.

Targeting High-Achieving School Zones

For buyers prioritizing top-tier academic outcomes, Lumpkin County’s exceptional graduation rates are a major draw. Consider the local school zones as you search for a home in this high-achieving North Georgia community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Lumpkin County

via RiskByCounty

Lumpkin sits slightly above Georgia average

Lumpkin County scores 44.91 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively low risk category and just above Georgia's state average of 39.49. This positioning reflects moderate multi-hazard exposure with particular elevation in tornado risk (61.74) and flood risk (50.51). Compared to national averages, Lumpkin faces somewhat elevated but manageable natural disaster vulnerability.

Middle-tier risk within Georgia counties

Lumpkin County's composite score of 44.91 sits modestly above Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it in the state's middle risk tier. The county shows relative balance across hazards rather than extreme concentration in any single type, with tornado and flood risks leading at 61.74 and 50.51 respectively. This moderate profile distinguishes Lumpkin from both the state's safest and most-vulnerable counties.

Moderate risk among profiled counties

Lumpkin County's 44.91 score positions it squarely between low-risk neighbors like Madison County (28.94) and high-risk counties like Lowndes County (72.65). Among the eight profiled counties, Lumpkin represents a middle-ground risk profile—higher than Marion (6.71) or Long (8.02), but substantially lower than Liberty (83.05). This positioning reflects Lumpkin's geography and exposure diversity.

Tornadoes and flooding lead Lumpkin's risks

Lumpkin County faces tornado risk at 61.74—its highest individual hazard score—compounded by flood risk at 50.51 that creates dangerous seasonal convergence during spring storms. Earthquake risk at 57.63 and wildfire risk at 45.99 add secondary but meaningful concerns, while hurricane risk at 43.05 remains more modest. Spring and early summer warrant particular vigilance for tornado and flood activity.

Ensure tornado and flood coverage

Lumpkin County's 61.74 tornado risk means homeowners should verify their policies include comprehensive wind and hail protection, as standard policies sometimes exclude tornado damage. Flood insurance becomes essential given the county's 50.51 flood risk, particularly for properties in flood-prone areas. Annual policy reviews with a local agent ensure your coverage addresses Lumpkin's specific tornado and flood exposures.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Lumpkin County

via WaterByCounty

Lumpkin County Achieves Top Marks for Water Safety

Lumpkin County maintains an exemplary Grade A for drinking water compliance, with zero health violations in five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents stands in sharp contrast to the Georgia average of 152.5. Residents can have high confidence in the safety of their public water supply.

Watershed Health Better Than State Averages

In the 2022 assessment, 41.0% of Lumpkin County’s 39 assessed water bodies were classified as impaired. This performs better than the statewide average impairment rate of 48.4%. The primary concerns for these waters are fish bioassessments, fecal coliform, and chlorophyll-a levels.

Thousands of Records Support Water Analysis

Six federal monitoring sites have logged 7,251 measurements over the last five years in Lumpkin County. These readings track physical parameters, nutrients, and inorganic materials across the county's mountainous terrain. This high volume of data ensures that environmental changes are caught by federal monitors.

Chestatee River Flowing Well Below Mean

The Chestatee River near Dahlonega currently reports a discharge of 141 cfs, which is only 39% of its long-term mean of 358 cfs. This low-flow condition suggests a period of relative dryness in the region. Low water levels can affect aquatic life and concentrate pollutants like fecal coliform.

Reliable Tap Water Amidst Low River Flows

While tap water compliance is perfect, the low flow in the Chestatee River means that watershed impairments like fecal coliform may be more concentrated. Residents who use local rivers for recreation should be mindful of water levels and clarity. Protecting the natural landscape around these watersheds will help maintain the county's excellent drinking water record.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Lumpkin County

via WeatherByCounty

A remarkably wet mountain climate

Lumpkin is a standout for precipitation, receiving 63.7 inches of rain annually compared to the much lower national average. This North Georgia county features a cooler, mountainous variation of the subtropical climate.

Surpassing state precipitation averages

With 63.7 inches of rain, Lumpkin is significantly wetter than the state average of 51.4 inches. It is one of the dampest regions in all of Georgia.

Higher elevation snow patterns

The county sees 3.3 inches of snow, more than double the 2.1 inches typically seen in nearby Madison. Its high elevation creates a distinct weather profile from its southern neighbors.

Winters bring more snow

While summer temperature data is limited, the 3.3 inches of annual snow highlights a true winter presence. The heavy 63.7-inch rainfall is distributed throughout the year, keeping the terrain lush.

Manage the heavy rainfall

Residents need reliable rain gear and well-maintained gutters to handle the 63.7 inches of annual precipitation. Winter preparation should include equipment for occasional snow and ice.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Lumpkin County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain Soil Identity

Specific soil taxonomy and pH levels for Lumpkin County are not available in this dataset. Mountainous terrain often features complex soil profiles that differ sharply from the Georgia average pH of 5.26.

Composition and Texture

Local measurements for sand and clay are not provided for the county. In this high-elevation region, soils often vary from rocky outcrops to deep, weathered clay deposits.

Organic Matter and Capacity

Data for organic matter and available water capacity are currently unlisted. Farmers in the area should aim to exceed the state average of 1.83% organic matter to ensure healthy crop yields.

Hydrology and Runoff

Dominant drainage classes are not recorded for Lumpkin County here. Due to the steep topography, managing surface runoff is usually a more significant concern than internal soil drainage.

Gardening in Zone 8a

Lumpkin County is in Hardiness Zone 8a, which experiences cooler winters than South Georgia. This climate is perfect for apples, grapes, and cool-weather vegetables like kale and carrots.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Lumpkin County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Lawn Ease in Lumpkin

Lumpkin County earns a 38.9 lawn difficulty score, making it slightly easier to manage than the state average of 35.8. Located in hardiness zone 8a, it offers a more temperate environment than its neighbors to the south.

Heavy Rainfall and Drainage Needs

The county receives a massive 63.7 inches of rain annually, which is significantly higher than the 30-50 inch ideal range. Proper lawn grading and drainage solutions are vital here to prevent standing water and root rot.

The Importance of Soil Testing

While specific soil data is limited, the high rainfall in this region can leach nutrients quickly from the earth. A local soil test is the best way to determine if your yard needs supplemental fertilizers to stay green.

Resilient During Dry Spells

Lumpkin County has seen only 14 weeks of drought in the past year, though 100% of the area is currently in a severe drought phase. Your high annual rainfall usually provides a buffer, but keep a hose ready for these unusual dry stretches.

Cooler Climate Grass Options

The zone 8a climate supports a variety of grasses, including tall fescue or Zoysia. Take advantage of the high rainfall and begin your seeding in the spring as soon as soil temperatures consistently rise.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lumpkin County's county score?
Lumpkin County, Georgia has a composite county score of 55.3 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 Lumpkin County rank among counties in Georgia?
Lumpkin County ranks #30 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 Lumpkin County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Lumpkin County is $1,908, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Lumpkin County a tax score of 64.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lumpkin County?
The median household income in Lumpkin County, Georgia is $72,388 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lumpkin County earns an income score of 72.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lumpkin County, Georgia a good place to live?
Lumpkin County scores 55.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #30 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Lumpkin 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 Lumpkin 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.