countyscore
53.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 91.9Schools 76.5Income & Jobs 65.8

County Report Card

About Oglethorpe County, Georgia

Oglethorpe Above the National Median

Oglethorpe County earns a composite score of 53.4, surpassing the national median of 50.0. This indicates a solid overall performance in safety and environmental stability.

Stronger Than the State Average

The county's score of 53.4 is well above the Georgia average of 46.7. It offers a more balanced lifestyle than many of its peers, particularly in the education and risk categories.

Low Risk and Quality Schools

Oglethorpe shines with a risk score of 91.9 and a school score of 76.5, making it a safe haven for education. Income is also respectable, with a dimension score of 65.8 and a median of $69,784.

Critical Water Infrastructure Needs

The water score of 3.5 is a significant outlier that pulls down the overall composite. Additionally, the health score of 37.6 suggests that medical access is not yet on par with the county's academic success.

A Haven for Education-Focused Families

Oglethorpe County is ideal for families who prioritize great schools and low environmental risk in a quiet setting. While water infrastructure is a concern, the low $832 median rent provides excellent value.

Score breakdown

Tax52.8Cost51Safety46.9Health37.6Schools76.5Income65.8Risk91.9Water3.5Weather56.5
🏛52.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠51
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼65.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡46.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤37.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓76.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡91.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧3.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤56.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨22.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Clarke County
Georgia
29.3
Madison County
Georgia
48.3
Oconee County
Georgia
54.7
Greene County
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Wilkes County
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Elbert County
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Taliaferro County
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Morgan County
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Deep Dives

Oglethorpe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Oglethorpe County

via TaxByCounty

Oglethorpe County taxes below US average

Oglethorpe County's 0.804% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 40% nationally, roughly 10% below the national median rate of 0.898%. The median property tax of $1,597 is 41% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's median home value of $198,700.

Below-average taxes in Georgia

Oglethorpe County's effective rate of 0.804% sits comfortably below the Georgia state average of 0.898%, placing it in the lower-middle tier statewide. Homeowners here pay roughly $68 less annually than the state median, contributing to the county's appeal.

Competitive rates in Northeast Georgia

Oglethorpe County's 0.804% rate sits between Pickens County (0.661%) and Muscogee County (0.837%), offering a balanced option in the region. The rate undercuts Newton County (0.914%) and ties closely with Paulding County (0.846%).

Modest properties, modest taxes

A homeowner with a median-value property of $198,700 in Oglethorpe County pays approximately $1,597 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that amount increases to $1,823; without one, it drops to $1,317, making ownership relatively affordable.

Challenge overassessments proactively

Oglethorpe County homeowners who believe their property assessment exceeds fair market value can request a formal review with the county assessor at no cost. Many assessments prove higher than warranted, especially in rural or transitional areas.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Oglethorpe County

via CostByCounty

Oglethorpe County undercuts national housing costs

At 14.3%, Oglethorpe County's rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national average, meaning households here spend substantially less on housing than typical Americans. Monthly rent of $832 against a $69,784 median income delivers exceptional affordability by national standards.

Among Georgia's most affordable counties

Oglethorpe County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the state's best, notably undercutting Georgia's 18.6% average. At $832/month, its median rent falls below the state average of $927, offering clear value for budget-conscious households.

Rural affordability at its finest

Oglethorpe County's $832 rent and $855 monthly ownership costs place it among the region's most accessible options, rivaling nearby Murray County ($828 rent). Both counties offer substantially better affordability than more developed areas like Paulding ($1,622).

Housing takes minimal income share

Oglethorpe residents dedicate just 14.3% of their $69,784 income to rent, leaving 85.7% for other needs—a comfortable margin. Both renters and owners benefit from low costs, with ownership at just $855 monthly against the household median income.

Oglethorpe: budget-friendly rural living

Oglethorpe County's 14.3% rent-to-income ratio and $832 median rent make it an excellent choice if affordability is your priority. The county delivers the financial breathing room of rural Georgia while maintaining reasonable access to services and neighboring employment centers.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Oglethorpe County

via IncomeByCounty

Oglethorpe County exceeds national income average

Oglethorpe County's median household income of $69,784 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by a narrow margin, placing it slightly below national norms. However, the county's per capita income of $32,062 suggests a more balanced income distribution than wealthier U.S. counties.

Strong performer above state average

At $69,784, Oglethorpe County's median household income surpasses Georgia's state average of $60,488 by over $9,200 annually. This places the county in Georgia's upper-middle tier, reflecting its appeal as a rural-suburban hybrid with stable employment.

Holds its own in the northeast region

Oglethorpe County's $69,784 median income sits between Murray County ($67,880) to the west and Pickens County ($75,293) to the north. The county ranks among northeast Georgia's most economically stable communities, though it trails wealthier metro-Atlanta suburbs.

Housing remains accessible and affordable

Oglethorpe County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.3% reflects excellent housing affordability, with median home values of $198,700 easily covered by median incomes. The low cost of living creates room for household savings and financial planning.

Leverage affordability for long-term gains

Oglethorpe County's affordable housing and stable incomes position households to build equity through homeownership and retirement investing. Consider formalizing a savings plan, exploring first-time homebuyer programs, or starting an investment account to turn income into lasting wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Oglethorpe County

via CrimeByCounty

Oglethorpe County stays highly secure

Oglethorpe County is significantly safer than the national average, with a total crime rate of 1,195.4 compared to 2,385.5 per 100K. It holds a solid safety score of 98.1.

Surpassing the Georgia state average

The county's safety score of 98.1 surpasses the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,195.4 per 100K also outperforms the state average of 1,412.9, though only one agency reports data.

Leading the way among neighbors

Oglethorpe maintains a lower total crime rate than neighboring Oconee County, which reports 1,505.5 per 100K. As a single-agency county, these figures provide a reliable snapshot of the local rural safety landscape.

Low property crime defines Oglethorpe

Violent crime sits at 347.3 per 100K, which is just below the national average of 369.8. Property crime is much lower than the national average, at 848.1 compared to the U.S. rate of 2,015.7.

Protect your Oglethorpe property

Maintaining low property crime requires community awareness and basic home security measures. A safety score of 98.1 reflects a secure environment that residents can help preserve through active reporting.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Oglethorpe County

via HealthByCounty

Oglethorpe County's life expectancy holds steady

At 76.0 years, Oglethorpe County residents live nearly 3 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 19.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county sits closer to national norms but shows room for improvement in chronic disease prevention.

Slightly above Georgia's health outcomes

Oglethorpe County's 76.0-year life expectancy exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year state average by 2.7 years, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. The county outperforms many rural Georgia peers in health longevity.

Stronger than nearby rural counties

Oglethorpe County's 76.0-year life expectancy surpasses neighboring Madison and Warren counties, which report lower life expectancy. The county's relatively better outcomes suggest stronger community health infrastructure than surrounding rural areas.

Limited providers strain healthcare access

Oglethorpe County's 16.3% uninsured rate exceeds the state average, leaving many residents without coverage gaps. With only 7 primary care providers and 19 mental health providers per 100,000, families often travel for specialist care, creating barriers to consistent treatment.

Closing the coverage gap matters

If you're uninsured or underinsured in Oglethorpe County, exploring marketplace plans and Medicaid is essential for accessing available local care. Contact your county health department or call 211 to find enrollment assistance and understand your coverage options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Oglethorpe County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Education in Oglethorpe County

Oglethorpe County operates a streamlined system of just 4 public schools, covering one district. This small-scale infrastructure serves 2,211 students with one elementary, one primary, one middle, and one high school.

Superior Outcomes in a Small District

Oglethorpe County achieves a remarkable 97.0% graduation rate, placing it well above the national 87.0% benchmark. The county invests $7,689 per pupil, exceeding state averages and resulting in a strong 58.7 school score.

One District, One Focused Mission

The Oglethorpe County school district manages the entire local student body of 2,211 children. With no charter schools, the district focuses on its core campuses, where Oglethorpe County High School serves as the largest school with 655 students.

A Purely Rural Learning Atmosphere

All students in Oglethorpe County attend rural schools, fostering a close-knit community feel across all grade levels. With an average school size of 553 students, children benefit from a consistent environment from primary school through graduation.

Build a Life in a High-Performing Community

Oglethorpe County is perfect for those seeking a rural home with access to some of the highest graduation rates in Georgia. The small-town feel and excellent school scores make it a prime choice for family-oriented homebuyers.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Oglethorpe County

via RiskByCounty

Oglethorpe County has minimal disaster risk

Oglethorpe County scores just 8.11 on the composite risk scale, placing it among the lowest-risk counties in the nation. This exceptional score is only one-fifth of Georgia's state average of 39.49, earning a "very low" risk rating. Residents here experience below-average exposure to virtually all natural hazard types.

Georgia's safest county for disasters

Oglethorpe County ranks as the safest or near-safest of Georgia's 159 counties for natural disaster risk. Its composite score of 8.11 is exceptionally low, nearly five times better than the state average. This protected status reflects favorable geographic positioning and demographic characteristics.

Significantly safer than surrounding counties

Oglethorpe County (8.11) is substantially safer than nearby Oconee (19.43), Pickens (34.80), and Paulding (69.97) counties. Its risk profile approaches best-case scenarios for Georgia, with all hazard categories below state norms. The county represents one of the most favorable risk environments in the state.

Hurricane risk is the main concern

Oglethorpe County's only notable hazard category is hurricane risk (65.62), though this remains moderate compared to state highs. Flood (13.84) and tornado (28.72) risks are minimal, while wildfire (29.39) and earthquake (44.37) hazards are well below state averages. Overall, the county faces minimal exposure to significant natural disasters.

Focus on routine maintenance and planning

Oglethorpe County's exceptional safety profile means basic homeowners insurance typically provides comprehensive coverage for residents' needs. Maintain gutters, trim tree branches, and keep an emergency kit on hand as standard precautions. Review your policy every few years to ensure coverage aligns with your home's current value.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Oglethorpe County

via WeatherByCounty

Warm and Fairly Humid

Oglethorpe County averages 61.8°F annually, keeping it consistently warmer than the national median. The area experiences 49.5 inches of rainfall, slightly less than the state norm.

Temperate Compared to the State

The county stays about two degrees cooler than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. Its precipitation level of 49.5 inches is just below the statewide 51.4-inch mark.

Higher Heat Exposure Than Neighbors

Oglethorpe is more heat-prone than neighbor Oconee, recording 64 extreme heat days compared to Oconee’s 52. It also sees a trace of snow at 0.5 inches annually.

Hot Summers and Soft Winters

Summers are long with 64 days of 90-degree weather and a July average of 79.9°F. Winters are gentle, averaging 45.3°F with minimal snow accumulation.

Managing a Long Summer Season

Preparing for over two months of extreme heat is the primary climate challenge for local residents. Since only 0.5 inches of snow falls annually, winter weather causes minimal disruption.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Oglethorpe County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Alfisols of Oglethorpe County

Oglethorpe's dominant soil is classified under the Alfisols order with a unique gravelly loam texture. The average pH of 5.50 is acidic compared to the national median of 6.5 but slightly higher than the state average. This acidity level requires careful management for acid-sensitive plants.

Loamy Mix with High Water Retention

The soil contains 55.1% sand, 27.0% silt, and 17.9% clay, creating a balanced but gravelly texture. This mix provides enough clay to hold nutrients while the sand and gravel aid in structural stability. It offers a moderate challenge for workability but rewards the effort with good mineral content.

Superior Water Capacity for Growth

At 1.22%, the organic matter is lower than the 1.83% state average. However, the available water capacity is 0.139 in/in, which is significantly better than the Georgia average of 0.114. This means the soil holds onto moisture remarkably well during dry spells.

Well Drained with Slow Infiltration

Oglethorpe's soil is well drained but belongs to hydrologic group C. Group C indicates a slow infiltration rate when saturated, so runoff can be an issue during heavy storms. Proper site grading is important for preventing water from pooling around foundations.

Bountiful Harvests in Zone 8a

The local climate in Zone 8a supports a huge variety of perennial fruits and annual vegetables. The high water capacity makes this county great for moisture-loving crops like corn or squash. Start a garden today and experience the productivity of Oglethorpe soil.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Oglethorpe County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Lawns in Oglethorpe

Oglethorpe County holds a lawn difficulty score of 38.7, which is better than the state average but still below the national median. As a zone 8a region, it offers a moderately challenging environment for homeowners. Success here depends on balancing high heat days with proper soil management.

Warm Summers and Plentiful Rain

The county sees 64 days of extreme heat, nearly matching the state average and creating significant stress for cool-season grasses. Fortunately, 49.5 inches of annual rain provides the moisture needed to sustain growth during the 5,069 growing degree days. Mowing schedules will need to be aggressive during the peak summer months to keep up with the warmth.

Correcting Acidic Gravelly Loam

The soil in Oglethorpe is a well-drained gravelly loam, but it is moderately acidic with a pH of 5.50. This falls short of the 6.0-7.0 ideal, meaning your grass may struggle to absorb nutrients without lime applications. The 17.9% clay content helps with moisture retention, but the gravelly texture can make for a bumpy seedbed.

Extended Dry Periods are Common

With 25 weeks in drought over the last year and current 100% severe drought coverage, water management is a top priority. Your well-drained soil means water moves through quickly, so you may need to monitor for moisture loss more frequently than in clay-heavy counties. Focus on drought-resistant grass varieties to minimize the impact of these cycles.

Targeting an April Launch

Warm-season varieties like Bermuda are well-suited to Oglethorpe's gravelly loam and zone 8a climate. Wait until after the last frost on March 31 to seed your lawn or install new sod. With a first frost date of November 6, you have a solid seven-month window to get your grass established.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Oglethorpe County's county score?
Oglethorpe County, Georgia has a composite county score of 53.4 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 Oglethorpe County rank among counties in Georgia?
Oglethorpe County ranks #40 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 Oglethorpe County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Oglethorpe County is $1,597, with an effective tax rate of 0.80%. This earns Oglethorpe County a tax score of 52.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Oglethorpe County?
The median household income in Oglethorpe County, Georgia is $69,784 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Oglethorpe County earns an income score of 65.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Oglethorpe County, Georgia a good place to live?
Oglethorpe County scores 53.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #40 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Oglethorpe 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 Oglethorpe County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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