CountyScore

Newton County

Georgia · GA

#138 in Georgia
63.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Newton County, Georgia

Newton County well above national livability median

Newton County's composite score of 64.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 30%, signaling above-average livability across key metrics. The county demonstrates particular strength in income and tax efficiency, offsetting higher housing costs than some peers.

Below Georgia's county-level average

At 64.9, Newton County scores slightly below Georgia's state average of 70.9, ranking it in the middle-lower tier of Georgia counties. This gap reflects higher housing costs and rental expenses that strain overall livability despite solid income and tax scores.

Income and tax efficiency stand out

Newton County's income score of 31.5 reflects a median household income of $73,732, and its tax score of 76.6 is supported by an effective tax rate of 0.914%. These dual strengths indicate a county where working professionals can build wealth without excessive tax drains.

Housing affordability pressures rising

The cost score of 64.4 masks escalating housing expenses: median home values of $233,300 and gross rent of $1,331 per month create affordability pressure for median earners. Schools, health, safety, and environmental data gaps prevent fuller evaluation of quality-of-life factors.

Suits professionals accepting higher costs

Newton County attracts college-educated professionals and dual-income families earning above-median income who accept premium housing costs. This county works for those prioritizing strong incomes and reasonable taxes over maximum affordability.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax76.6Cost64.4SafetyComing SoonHealth63.1SchoolsComing SoonIncome31.5Risk49.4WaterComing Soon
🏛76.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠64.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼31.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤63.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡49.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Newton County with another county →

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Clinton County
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Median income: $82,314
Scott County
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Median income: $67,788
Hardin County
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Median income: $72,532

Deep Dives

Newton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Newton County

via TaxByCounty

Newton County slightly above US average

Newton County's 0.914% effective tax rate sits just above the national median, placing it in the 55th percentile across U.S. counties. The median property tax of $2,133 falls slightly below the national median of $2,690, thanks to Newton's median home value of $233,300.

Among Georgia's higher-tax counties

Newton County's effective rate of 0.914% exceeds the Georgia state average of 0.898%, ranking it in the upper-middle tier statewide. Households here pay roughly $604 more annually than the state median, reflecting stronger school funding and local services.

Newton leads the local pack

Newton County's 0.914% rate is the highest in its immediate region, surpassing Oglethorpe County (0.719%), Pickens County (0.661%), and Muscogee County (0.837%). This reflects Newton's position as a growing suburban county with higher service demands.

Higher value, higher taxes in Newton

A homeowner with a median-value property of $233,300 in Newton County pays approximately $2,133 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that amount increases to $2,276; without one, it drops to $1,678, reflecting the county's above-average effective rate.

Overassessment may justify appeal

Newton County homeowners paying at or above the median should verify their property assessment for accuracy, as overvalued homes in rapidly growing areas are common. Filing a formal challenge with the assessor's office could lower your tax obligation significantly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Newton County

via CostByCounty

Newton County exceeds national rent burden

Newton County's 21.7% rent-to-income ratio surpasses the national average, indicating residents spend a notably larger share of earnings on housing than typical Americans. Monthly rent of $1,331 against a $73,732 household income places affordability pressure well above the national baseline.

Higher costs than Georgia's state average

Newton County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.7% exceeds Georgia's 18.6% state average, and its $1,331 median rent significantly outpaces the state's $927 average. The county sits among Georgia's pricier housing markets, reflecting its position in the Atlanta metro sprawl.

Premium pricing for Atlanta-area proximity

Newton County's $1,331 rent and $233,300 median home value reflect its desirable location between Atlanta and regional neighbors. While higher than rural counties like Murray ($828) or Oglethorpe ($832), Newton's costs remain moderate compared to deepest metro areas like Paulding ($1,622).

One-fifth of income goes to housing

Renters in Newton County dedicate 21.7% of their $73,732 income to rent, while homeowners spend $1,288 monthly, totaling substantial housing commitments. These proportions leave residents with a tighter discretionary budget than counties with lower affordability ratios.

Newton offers metro access at a cost

Newton County's 21.7% rent-to-income ratio reflects its appeal as an Atlanta suburb—you're paying for that proximity and metro-area services. If suburban living near a major job center justifies the higher housing costs, Newton deserves a serious look; otherwise, rural alternatives offer better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Newton County

via IncomeByCounty

Newton County nearly matches national income

Newton County's median household income of $73,732 comes within $1,023 of the national median of $74,755, placing it squarely in the American middle class. This strong performance reflects Newton's growing suburban economy southeast of Atlanta.

Among Georgia's most prosperous counties

At $73,732, Newton County's median household income exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by over $13,200 annually. The county ranks in Georgia's upper quarter by income, driven by its appeal to Atlanta-area commuters and growing professional workforce.

Leading income growth in the metro-Atlanta corridor

Newton County's $73,732 median income outpaces neighboring Henry County and rivals Rockdale County in the suburban southeast. It trails only the wealthier northern suburbs like Paulding ($94,557) and Oconee ($115,925), reflecting Newton's role as an accessible suburban alternative.

Housing costs rising but manageable

Newton County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.7% approaches the affordability threshold, reflecting rising home values of $233,300 in a competitive Atlanta metro market. While housing consumes a meaningful share of household budgets, incomes remain sufficient to cover basic needs and savings.

Invest in your Newton County future

Newton County's solid middle-class incomes provide a foundation for wealth building through homeownership, retirement investing, and education. Households should explore mortgage opportunities, employer 401(k) plans, and college savings accounts to capitalize on their income advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Newton County

via HealthByCounty

Newton County outperforms national averages

Newton County's 74.1-year life expectancy edges above the U.S. average of 78.9 years, though a gap remains. Only 20.3% of residents report poor or fair health, better than the national 17.8% rate, suggesting healthier lifestyle patterns or better chronic disease management.

Slightly above Georgia's health benchmarks

At 74.1 years, Newton County's life expectancy exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year state average by 0.8 years. The county ranks in the middle tier statewide, reflecting more stable health outcomes than many peers.

Competitive health metrics in metro Atlanta region

Newton County's 74.1-year life expectancy compares favorably to neighboring Henry and Rockdale counties in the metro Atlanta area. The county's 20.3% poor/fair health rate mirrors suburban peers, indicating consistent access to primary care and wellness services.

Balanced coverage with moderate provider access

Newton County's 12.9% uninsured rate sits below the state average of 15.0%, meaning most residents have healthcare coverage. With 23 primary care providers per 100,000, access is adequate though not abundant; residents typically find local care without long waits.

Maintain your coverage for long-term health

If you're among Newton County's uninsured, marketplace enrollment happens year-round with special exceptions—don't wait to explore your options. Review your current plan annually to ensure it covers preventive services and matches your family's healthcare needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Newton County

via RiskByCounty

Newton County's moderate disaster risk

Newton County scores 50.64 on the composite risk scale, placing it slightly above the national median and marking it as relatively low-risk. This score moderately exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, indicating above-average exposure to natural hazards. Flood (61.77) and tornado (73.25) risks drive much of the county's overall profile.

Upper-middle tier among Georgia counties

Newton County ranks in the moderate-to-upper range of Georgia's 159 counties for natural disaster risk. Its composite score of 50.64 places it about 28% above the state average, making it a higher-risk area than most peers. The county's ranking reflects significant tornado and flood exposure.

Riskier than Oconee, comparable to Murray

Newton County's risk profile (50.64) closely mirrors Murray County (51.46) but significantly exceeds safer neighbors like Oconee (19.43) and Peach (22.49). The county's flood risk (61.77) stands out as notably higher than nearby Pickens County (45.26). Newton faces greater-than-average hazard exposure relative to surrounding communities.

Tornadoes and flooding are primary threats

Tornado risk (73.25) and flood risk (61.77) are Newton County's most pressing hazards, both substantially above state norms. Earthquake risk (62.25) presents a secondary concern, while hurricane (54.36) and wildfire (40.43) risks remain moderate. The combination of severe weather and water-related hazards requires targeted preparedness.

Prepare for tornadoes and flooding

Newton County homeowners should prioritize tornado safety by identifying a shelter area, securing windows, and keeping emergency supplies accessible. Flood insurance is crucial given the county's elevated flood risk; evaluate your property's elevation and proximity to flood zones with local authorities. Consider wind-resistant roof upgrades and regular maintenance of drainage systems to mitigate both tornado and flood impacts.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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