CountyScore

Oglethorpe County

Georgia · GA

#10 in Georgia
72.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Oglethorpe County, Georgia

Oglethorpe County well above national livability median

Oglethorpe County's composite score of 73.7 runs 47% higher than the national median of 50.0, placing it solidly in the top tier of livable U.S. counties. This strong performance rests on exceptional tax and housing affordability paired with moderate incomes.

Above average for Georgia communities

At 73.7, Oglethorpe County exceeds Georgia's state average composite score of 70.9, ranking it among the better-positioned counties in the state. This advantage reflects consistent strength across tax, cost, and income dimensions.

Low taxes and affordable housing lead

Oglethorpe County shines with a cost score of 80.4 (median home value $198,700, gross rent $832) and tax score of 79.7 backed by a 0.804% effective tax rate. These dual strengths make the county highly attractive for budget-conscious households seeking value.

Income growth opportunities limited

The income score of 28.9 reflects a median household income of $69,784, modest compared to wealthier Georgia counties. School, health, safety, and environmental data remain unavailable, preventing a complete livability assessment.

Ideal for thrifty, value-seeking families

Oglethorpe County suits retirees, young families, and working professionals prioritizing low housing costs and tax efficiency over high incomes. This is an excellent choice for those building savings and seeking a stable, affordable Georgia community.

Score breakdown

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

Tax79.7Cost80.4SafetyComing SoonHealth61.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome28.9Risk91.9WaterComing Soon
🏛79.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤61.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡91.9
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 Oglethorpe County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Butler County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $44,881
Choctaw County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $44,483
Hale County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $41,325
Pike County
Alabama
72.3
Median income: $47,961
Gilchrist County
Florida
72.3
Median income: $61,070

Deep Dives

Oglethorpe County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.