CountyScore

Oconee County

Georgia · GA

#13 in Georgia
72.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Oconee County, Georgia

Oconee County far exceeds national livability standard

Oconee County's composite score of 68.3 towers 37% above the national median of 50.0, demonstrating strong livability across multiple dimensions. Its income score of 59.0—the highest among peers—reflects a median household income of $115,925, a hallmark of affluent communities.

Slightly below Georgia average despite wealth

At 68.3, Oconee County scores just below Georgia's state average of 70.9, a position that underscores the outsized role of housing costs in the composite index. Despite exceptional income levels, higher home prices and rents pull down the overall livability score.

High incomes and favorable taxes

Oconee County leads in income (59.0) with a median household income of $115,925 and boasts a strong tax score of 82.0 supported by a 0.719% effective tax rate. This combination signals a prosperous, tax-efficient community where wealth-building accelerates.

Premium housing costs moderate affordability

The cost score of 60.4 reflects substantial housing expenses: median home values of $425,100 and gross rent of $1,347 price out most middle-income households. Safety, health, school, and environmental metrics remain unmeasured, leaving gaps in the livability portrait.

Premium choice for high-income households

Oconee County is built for affluent families and executives seeking upscale living, strong schools, and tax efficiency in a Georgia exurban setting. This county rewards six-figure earners and retirees with substantial assets who prioritize premium housing over affordability.

Score breakdown

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

Tax82Cost60.4SafetyComing SoonHealth79.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome59Risk80.6WaterComing Soon
🏛82
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠60.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼59
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤79.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡80.6
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 Oconee County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Chilton County
Alabama
72.2
Median income: $61,873
Baker County
Florida
72.2
Median income: $70,833
Dade County
Georgia
72.2
Median income: $58,936
Dearborn County
Indiana
72.2
Median income: $82,693
Buchanan County
Iowa
72.2
Median income: $78,430

Deep Dives

Oconee County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Oconee County

via TaxByCounty

Oconee County's wealth brings high taxes

Oconee County's 0.719% effective tax rate falls in the bottom 35% nationally, yet the median property tax of $3,056 is 13% above the national median of $2,690. This apparent contradiction reflects Oconee's exceptional median home value of $425,100—the wealth is in the properties, not the rate.

Below-average rate, above-average bills

Oconee County's 0.719% effective rate sits well below Georgia's average of 0.898%, yet households pay $1,527 more than the state median annually. This county attracts affluent homeowners who benefit from a relatively low rate applied to high-value properties.

Affluent enclave with favorable rates

Oconee County's 0.719% rate is substantially lower than all neighboring and comparable counties, including Newton (0.914%), Pickens (0.661%), and Muscogee (0.837%). The combination of low rates and high home values makes Oconee an attractive option for wealthy buyers prioritizing quality of life.

Premium homes mean premium taxes

A homeowner with a median-value property of $425,100 in Oconee County pays approximately $3,056 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that amount increases to $3,118; without one, it drops to $2,924, reflecting the county's high-value real estate market.

High-value homes warrant careful review

Oconee County homeowners with high-value properties should request a detailed assessment review, as even small percentage errors translate to substantial annual savings. Many affluent counties see overassessment disputes resolved through formal appeals to the county assessor.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oconee County

via CostByCounty

Oconee County: wealth meets affordability

Oconee County's 13.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, even though median rent and ownership costs are substantial. The county's elevated median household income of $115,925 means residents easily absorb housing costs that would burden lower-income households elsewhere.

Georgia's most affluent, most affordable county

Oconee County boasts Georgia's lowest rent-to-income ratio at 13.9%—beating the state average of 18.6%—and the highest median household income at $115,925. This combination of high earnings and measured housing costs creates exceptional affordability for residents.

Premium homes, premium incomes make math work

Oconee County's $1,347 rent and $425,100 median home value are the region's highest, yet its 13.9% rent-to-income ratio remains the best. The county's wealth concentration means residents shoulder similar absolute costs as neighbors but with considerably more income cushion.

High costs, higher incomes equals balance

While Oconee residents spend $1,347 on rent and $1,530 on ownership monthly—the region's steepest absolute costs—their $115,925 median income handles this easily. Just 13.9% of income goes to rent, leaving substantial room for savings and lifestyle spending.

Oconee for those seeking affluent stability

If you earn $100,000+, Oconee County's premium housing stock and 13.9% rent-to-income ratio offer luxury living without the affordability squeeze felt elsewhere. The county delivers an enviable combination of high-quality homes and household financial breathing room.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oconee County

via IncomeByCounty

Oconee County far exceeds national wealth

Oconee County's median household income of $115,925 towers 55% above the national median of $74,755, reflecting one of Georgia's wealthiest communities. This ranks Oconee among the nation's most affluent counties, driven by educated professionals and successful entrepreneurs.

Georgia's wealthiest suburban county

Oconee County's $115,925 median household income nearly doubles Georgia's state average of $60,488, placing it in the top 1% of Georgia counties. The county's per capita income of $55,741—the highest among these eight counties—signals exceptional concentration of high earners.

Wealth far exceeds surrounding counties

Oconee County's $115,925 income dwarfs nearby Pickens County ($75,293), Newton County ($73,732), and Madison County. This reflects Oconee's transformation into an exclusive exurban enclave north of Atlanta, attracting Atlanta's professional and executive class.

Housing costs easily affordable

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 13.9%, Oconee County residents allocate minimal income to housing despite median home values reaching $425,100. High incomes provide ample capacity for luxury homeownership while maintaining substantial discretionary spending.

Build generational wealth in Oconee County

Oconee County's exceptional incomes create opportunities for sophisticated wealth strategies: diversified investment portfolios, estate planning, and private education funding. Residents should work with financial advisors on tax-efficient strategies, charitable giving, and wealth preservation for future generations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Oconee County

via HealthByCounty

Oconee County leads Georgia in life expectancy

At 79.8 years, Oconee County residents live more than a year longer than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. Only 12.7% report poor or fair health—among the lowest rates nationally—reflecting strong preventive care and healthy community habits.

Georgia's longest-living county

Oconee County's 79.8-year life expectancy far exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year state average, a 6.5-year gap that ranks it among the nation's healthiest counties. This distinction reflects a highly educated, affluent population with robust healthcare access and engagement.

Outpaces surrounding counties significantly

Oconee County's 79.8-year life expectancy towers over nearby Madison and Clarke counties, which average 74-76 years. The wealth and healthcare infrastructure in this Athens-area county create a health advantage that compounds across generations.

High insurance coverage enables preventive care

With only a 7.4% uninsured rate—lowest in the state—nearly all Oconee County residents have health coverage. The county boasts 114 primary care providers and 303 mental health providers per 100,000, ensuring residents access specialist care without delay.

Support community health through coverage

Even in Oconee County, ensuring everyone has coverage strengthens the whole community's health. If you're uninsured or know someone who is, marketplace enrollment is available year-round—visit healthcare.gov to compare plans.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oconee County

via RiskByCounty

Oconee County enjoys very low disaster risk

Oconee County scores 19.43 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and earning a "very low" risk rating. This score represents just half of Georgia's state average of 39.49, making Oconee one of the safer counties in the state. The county experiences below-average exposure across most natural hazard categories.

Among Georgia's lowest-risk counties

Oconee County ranks in the bottom tier—among the safest—of Georgia's 159 counties for natural disaster risk. Its composite score of 19.43 is substantially below the state average, placing it in a protected cohort. The county's geographic and demographic profile contribute to this favorable risk standing.

Safest county in its immediate region

Oconee County (19.43) is significantly safer than nearby Murray County (51.46), Newton County (50.64), and Pickens County (34.80). Even compared to the safer Peach County (22.49) and Oglethorpe County (8.11), Oconee remains among the lowest-risk areas. This favorable profile makes Oconee one of the most protected communities in north-central Georgia.

Hurricane exposure is the relative outlier

While Oconee County enjoys very low overall risk, hurricane exposure (58.61) is its most notable hazard category, though still moderate relative to other Georgia counties. Flood risk (34.99) and earthquake risk (56.68) present secondary concerns. Tornado risk (40.49) and wildfire risk (25.89) remain well-controlled.

Standard coverage meets most needs

Oconee County's low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate protection for most residents. Focus on routine maintenance—clearing gutters, trimming trees, and securing outdoor items—to prepare for the county's minimal weather threats. Review your policy annually and maintain an emergency kit as general best practice, even in this lower-risk environment.

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.