countyscore
35.4
County Score
Income & Jobs 77.1Water Quality 60.1Weather & Climate 58.7

County Report Card

About Newton County, Georgia

Newton County Faces Livability Headwinds

Newton County holds a composite score of 35.4, trailing the national median of 50.0. This ranking suggests the county struggles to keep pace with national standards for cost and safety.

Ranking Below the Georgia Average

The county's 35.4 score is lower than the Georgia state average of 46.7. While it benefits from some suburban growth, it faces steeper challenges than many other counties in the state.

High Income Potential and Infrastructure

Newton County boasts a strong income score of 75.0, supported by a median household income of $73,732. Its water score of 60.1 also shows a stable foundation for residential utilities.

Rising Costs and Safety Concerns

The cost score of 12.7 is remarkably low, driven by a median gross rent of $1,331 that strains local budgets. A safety score of 21.7 further indicates that the county has room to improve in public security.

A Hub for Suburban Earners

Newton County is best for middle-income professionals who can leverage the $73,732 median income to offset high housing costs. It appeals to those prioritizing career growth over immediate affordability or safety metrics.

2040608010044.211.921.734.749.577.149.460.158.7Tax44.2Cost11.9Safety21.7Health34.7Schools49.5Income77.1Risk49.4Water60.1Weather58.735.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average3 below average

Newton County DNA

Foverall

How Newton County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Newton County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Cost of Living (11.9/100), though Income (77.1/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
44.2
Cost
11.9-36.1
Safety
21.7-33.3
Health
34.7-15.299999999999997
Schools
49.5
Income
77.1+26.099999999999994
Risk
49.4
Water
60.1
Weather
58.7
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$265,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,439/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$265,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$57,560/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,179/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

7.8

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

Rockdale County
Georgia
46.3
Jasper County
Georgia
47.8
Henry County
Georgia
35.1
Butts County
Georgia
47.1
Walton County
Georgia
46.6
Morgan County
Georgia
56.1
DeKalb County
Georgia
30.3
Clayton County
Georgia
22.1

Deep Dives

Newton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

Safety in Newton County

via CrimeByCounty

Newton County stays below national rates

Newton County's total crime rate of 2,014.2 per 100K stays below the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.8, indicating a moderate level of security.

Navigating state averages in Newton

While Newton's safety score is slightly below the state average of 97.8, its total crime rate is higher than the state average of 1,412.9. Six agencies contribute data to these local safety metrics to ensure comprehensive reporting.

Comparing Newton to its Georgia neighbors

Newton County shows a higher crime rate than nearby Paulding County, which sits at 1,310.8 per 100K. However, it remains safer than more urbanized neighbors closer to the metropolitan Atlanta area.

Analyzing violent and property crime

Violent crime in Newton County is 432.5 per 100K, which is slightly above the national average of 369.8. Property crime accounts for 1,581.7 incidents per 100K, which is notably lower than the national figure of 2,015.7.

Proactive measures for Newton residents

Securing entry points and using smart monitoring systems can help drive the local property crime rate down even further. Newton's safety depends on proactive residents and consistent reporting from its six local law enforcement agencies.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Weather & Climate in Newton County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Humid Climate

Newton County maintains an average annual temperature of 62.1°F, which sits above the national median. The county receives 50.5 inches of annual precipitation, typical for the humid South.

Tracking with State Averages

Newton is slightly cooler than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. Its 50.5 inches of rainfall closely tracks the state average of 51.4 inches.

Standard North-Central Georgia Weather

Newton shares similar climate patterns with nearby Oconee and Oglethorpe counties. However, its 1.3 inches of annual snowfall is slightly higher than its immediate eastern neighbors.

Moderate Summers and Dustings of Snow

Summers bring 52 extreme heat days with July temperatures averaging 79.9°F. Winter is distinct but manageable, averaging 45.2°F with a light dusting of snow each year.

Cooling Systems and Winter Prep

Residents should plan for 52 days of 90-degree heat with regularly serviced air conditioning units. The modest 1.3 inches of snow means a simple shovel is usually enough for winter.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Newton County

via SoilByCounty

Mapping Newton County's Soil Profile

Specific taxonomic and pH data for Newton County is currently unrecorded in this dataset. Most Piedmont region soils are naturally acidic compared to the national 6.5 pH median. Understanding your soil's chemical identity is the first step to successful land management.

Understanding Local Texture and Workability

While sand and clay percentages are missing, the surrounding region is known for clay-heavy loams. These soils can be challenging to work when dry but offer excellent mineral wealth. Adding compost helps break up heavy textures for easier gardening.

Potential for High Nutrient Retention

Data for organic matter and water capacity is not currently available for this county. Gardeners should note the state average organic matter is 1.83% and strive to match or exceed it. Healthy soil fertility supports robust plant growth and drought resistance.

Navigating Regional Water Movement

Without specific drainage class data, residents should look for signs of pooling after rain. Proper drainage ensures that plant roots have access to oxygen and that structures remain stable. Observing your land's hydrology helps you place gardens and buildings effectively.

Gardening Success in Zone 8b

Newton County resides in Zone 8b, providing a mild climate for year-round gardening. This zone supports a vast range of plants from camellias to robust vegetable crops. Start your backyard project today to take advantage of the long growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Newton County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Growth in Newton County

Newton County's lawn difficulty score of 39.8 makes it one of the easier places in Georgia to maintain turf, beating the state average of 35.8. Though it still trails the national median of 50.0, the conditions in zone 8b are relatively favorable for southern grasses. Homeowners here benefit from a climate that is slightly more forgiving than the state's more southern reaches.

Consistent Rain and Sustained Warmth

The county receives 50.5 inches of rain annually, perfectly matching the ideal lawn precipitation range of 30-50 inches. With 52 extreme heat days and 5,197 growing degree days, the environment supports a robust and active growing season. This balance helps minimize the need for supplemental irrigation during the peak of summer.

Prioritize Your Soil Health

Data on soil pH and texture is currently unavailable for Newton County, so a professional soil test should be your first step. Most of the Piedmont region features heavy clay that requires aeration to prevent compaction. Understanding your specific drainage class will help you tailor your watering schedule and avoid root rot.

Preparing for Frequent Dry Spells

The county has experienced 22 weeks of drought over the last year, with 100% of the area currently in a severe drought stage. While annual rainfall is healthy, these concentrated dry periods can quickly brown a lawn. Adopting water conservation habits, such as raising mower heights to shade the soil, is critical for survival.

Start Strong in Late March

Bermuda and Zoysia are the top recommendations for zone 8b, as they recover quickly from the drought conditions common here. Plan your seeding or sodding for late March, once the threat of the March 22 frost has passed. You have a long window for growth before the first fall frost typically arrives on November 14.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Newton County's county score?
Newton County, Georgia has a composite county score of 35.4 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 Newton County rank among counties in Georgia?
Newton County ranks #140 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 Newton County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Newton County is $2,348, with an effective tax rate of 0.89%. This earns Newton County a tax score of 44.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Newton County?
The median household income in Newton County, Georgia is $77,179 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Newton County earns an income score of 77.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Newton County, Georgia a good place to live?
Newton County scores 35.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #140 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Newton 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 Newton County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, 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.