CountyScore

Paulding County

Georgia · GA

#144 in Georgia
62.1
County Score

County Report Card

About Paulding County, Georgia

Paulding County exceeds national livability baseline

Paulding County's composite score of 63.5 outpaces the national median of 50.0 by 27%, indicating above-average livability despite ranking below its Georgia peers. The county balances moderate incomes and reasonable taxes against elevated housing costs.

Below Georgia's typical county profile

At 63.5, Paulding County trails Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it in the lower-middle tier of state counties. This gap reflects the mounting housing cost pressures that increasingly characterize exurban Atlanta communities.

Income growth and stable taxes

Paulding County's income score of 45.1 reflects a median household income of $94,557—above-average for most Georgia counties—while its tax score of 78.5 indicates an effective rate of 0.846%. These strengths appeal to growing professional households.

Housing costs strain affordability

The cost score of 56.8 masks escalating pressures: median home values of $289,000 and gross rent of $1,622 per month rank among the county's highest. Health, safety, schools, and environmental data gaps limit comprehensive livability evaluation.

Growing families accepting suburban costs

Paulding County attracts dual-income families and professionals earning solid incomes who accept premium exurban housing to access Atlanta-area opportunities. This county suits those trading affordability for convenience and income potential.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.5Cost56.8SafetyComing SoonHealth69SchoolsComing SoonIncome45.1Risk30WaterComing Soon
🏛78.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠56.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼45.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤69
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡30
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 Paulding County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Butte County
California
62.1
Median income: $68,574
Yuba County
California
62.1
Median income: $73,313
Genesee County
Michigan
62.1
Median income: $60,673
Linn County
Oregon
62.1
Median income: $73,396
Hopkins County
Texas
62.1
Median income: $64,725

Deep Dives

Paulding County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Paulding County

via TaxByCounty

Paulding County near national average

Paulding County's 0.846% effective tax rate sits in the 45th percentile nationally, roughly 5% below the national median rate of 0.898%. The median property tax of $2,444 is nearly identical to the national median of $2,690, though Paulding's median home value of $289,000 is higher than the national median of $281,900.

Slightly below Georgia average

Paulding County's 0.846% effective rate sits just below the Georgia state average of 0.898%, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's tax landscape. Households here pay roughly $915 less annually than the state median, a modest advantage.

Suburban rates for suburban growth

Paulding County's 0.846% rate sits between Muscogee County (0.837%) and Newton County (0.914%), reflecting its position as a growing suburban area. The rate undercuts Peach County (1.124%) by a significant margin to the south.

Growing homes in Paulding

A homeowner with a median-value property of $289,000 in Paulding County pays approximately $2,444 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that amount increases to $2,567; without one, it drops to $1,885, reflecting the county's higher property values and moderate tax rate.

Assess your assessment

Paulding County's rapid growth means some properties may be reassessed above current market value; requesting a formal assessment review could identify overpayment. The county assessor's office can clarify how your property was valued.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Paulding County

via CostByCounty

Paulding County exceeds national rent burden

At 20.6%, Paulding County's rent-to-income ratio trails the national average, placing housing costs as a meaningful burden on local households. Monthly rent of $1,622 against a $94,557 median income reflects the county's premium positioning as an Atlanta exurb.

Above Georgia's affordability average

Paulding County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's 18.6% state average, and its $1,622 median rent significantly outpaces the state's $927 average by 75%. The county's exurban location commands a substantial affordability premium.

Metro sprawl means steeper housing costs

Paulding County's $1,622 rent and $289,000 median home value are among the region's highest, substantially outpacing rural neighbors like Murray ($828) or Oglethorpe ($832). The county's rapid growth and Atlanta proximity drive these premium costs.

One-fifth of income dedicated to housing

Paulding renters spend 20.6% of their $94,557 income on the $1,622 monthly rent, while owners commit $1,429 monthly. These substantial housing costs leave less discretionary income than lower-cost regional alternatives, despite the county's relatively strong median income.

Paulding appeals to metro-adjacent seekers

Paulding County's 20.6% rent-to-income ratio reflects its appeal as an exurban alternative to closer Atlanta suburbs—you're trading affordability for access. If metro proximity justifies the higher costs ($1,622 rent), Paulding suits your needs; otherwise, rural counties offer substantially better value.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Paulding County

via IncomeByCounty

Paulding County exceeds national income standards

Paulding County's median household income of $94,557 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 26%, placing it in the nation's upper-income tier. This strong performance reflects Paulding's success as a booming Atlanta suburb attracting middle and upper-middle class families.

Among Georgia's highest-income counties

At $94,557, Paulding County's median household income exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by over $34,000 annually, ranking it in Georgia's top 10%. The county's per capita income of $36,776 further underscores broad-based prosperity across the population.

Northwest Georgia's wealthiest county

Paulding County's $94,557 median income surpasses all neighbors except Oconee County ($115,925), outpacing Pickens County ($75,293), Murray County ($67,880), and Bartow County. The county represents Atlanta's most successful suburban expansion northwest of the metro area.

Housing affordable despite rapid growth

Paulding County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.6% remains within affordability limits despite median home values of $289,000 and explosive population growth. Strong incomes allow households to manage housing costs while investing in other priorities.

Maximize wealth in Paulding County

Paulding County's strong incomes and affordable housing create excellent conditions for wealth building through homeownership, retirement planning, and education investment. Residents should prioritize maximizing employer retirement benefits, exploring investment opportunities, and planning for long-term financial goals.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Paulding County

via HealthByCounty

Paulding County exceeds U.S. life expectancy

At 76.9 years, Paulding County residents live about 2 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years, though the gap is narrower than many Georgia counties. Only 17.8% report poor or fair health, below the national average and indicating solid community health management.

Well above Georgia's state average

Paulding County's 76.9-year life expectancy exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year state average by 3.6 years, placing it in the upper tier statewide. The county consistently ranks among Georgia's healthier regions, particularly in the Atlanta metro area.

Thriving suburban health outcomes

Paulding County's 76.9-year life expectancy aligns with nearby Cobb and Douglas counties in the Atlanta suburbs, all showing strong health indicators. Suburban infrastructure and access drive better preventive care and disease management across this region.

Good coverage with growing provider base

Paulding County's 11.4% uninsured rate sits well below the state average of 15.0%, ensuring most families have healthcare coverage. With 14 primary care providers per 100,000, access is moderate; residents can find local care, though wait times may vary.

Keep your family's coverage strong

Paulding County's strong health outcomes reflect high insurance rates—if you're among the uninsured, marketplace plans offer affordable options. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local navigator to review plans and ensure your coverage supports preventive and routine care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Paulding County

via RiskByCounty

Paulding County faces elevated disaster risk

Paulding County scores 69.97 on the composite risk scale, placing it well above the national average and earning a "relatively low" risk rating. This score substantially exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, indicating above-typical exposure to natural hazards. Tornado (88.93) and flood (73.86) risks are the primary drivers.

Higher-risk tier in Georgia

Paulding County ranks in the upper-middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties for natural disaster risk. Its composite score of 69.97 is 77% above the state average, placing it in a notably higher-risk cohort. The county's tornado and flood exposure are the primary factors in this elevated ranking.

Significantly riskier than nearby communities

Paulding County (69.97) faces substantially higher risk than neighbors Pickens (34.80), Oconee (19.43), and Oglethorpe (8.11). Its tornado risk of 88.93 ranks among Georgia's highest, and flood risk (73.86) far exceeds surrounding areas. The county presents a notably more hazardous environment than most nearby communities.

Tornadoes and flooding dominate threat profile

Tornado risk (88.93) is Paulding County's most acute hazard, ranking among the state's highest and demanding serious preparedness attention. Flood risk (73.86) is the secondary major concern, while wildfire (65.27) and earthquake (67.11) risks remain elevated. The county faces compound exposure to multiple severe weather threats.

Tornado and flood preparedness is critical

Paulding County residents must prioritize tornado safety: identify a reinforced shelter area, practice drills, and maintain emergency supplies including a NOAA weather radio. Flood insurance is essential given the county's significant flood risk; understand your property's elevation and proximity to flood zones. Consider impact-resistant windows and a roof designed to resist high winds, given the county's tornado exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

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