countyscore
56
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 77.7Weather & Climate 76.8

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.

2040608010066.724.467.440.870.677.755.18676.8Tax66.7Cost24.4Safety67.4Health40.8Schools70.6Income77.7Risk55.1Water86Weather76.856/100
This county
National avg
6 above average1 below average

Lumpkin County DNA

Foverall

How Lumpkin County compares to the national average across nine baseline 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
66.7+14.700000000000003
Cost
24.4-23.6
Safety
67.4+12.400000000000006
Health
40.8-9.200000000000003
Schools
70.6+16.599999999999994
Income
77.7+26.700000000000003
Risk
55.1+8.100000000000001
Water
86+28
Weather
76.8+20.799999999999997
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Compare mortgage rates in Lumpkin County

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

$307,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,142/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$307,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$45,680/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum4.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,448/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.

Deep Dives

Lumpkin County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lumpkin County's county score?
Lumpkin County, Georgia has a composite county score of 56 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 #26 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 $1,989, with an effective tax rate of 0.65%. This earns Lumpkin County a tax score of 66.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Lumpkin County?
The median household income in Lumpkin County, Georgia is $77,448 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Lumpkin County earns an income score of 77.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Lumpkin County, Georgia a good place to live?
Lumpkin County scores 56/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #26 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 Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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