32
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 77.5Income & Jobs 62.6

County Report Card

About Peach County, Georgia

Peach County Trails National Median

Peach County earns a composite score of 32.0, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score highlights the need for improvement in safety and public health.

Below the Georgia Average

The county's score of 32.0 is significantly lower than the Georgia state average of 46.7. It faces socioeconomic challenges that are more pronounced than in the surrounding middle Georgia region.

Reliable Utilities and Environmental Safety

Peach County performs well in infrastructure with a water score of 86.0 and a risk score of 77.5. These numbers indicate a stable environment for housing and utility services.

Public Safety and Tax Burdens

With a safety score of 13.2 and a tax score of 29.7, the county struggles with high crime and a heavy 1.124% effective tax rate. The health score of 21.1 also indicates a lack of adequate medical resources.

A County for Resilient Local Earners

Peach County is best suited for those who work locally and value stable utilities and low environmental risk. Its $901 median rent makes it accessible, though safety and taxes remain important considerations.

Score breakdown

Tax29.7Cost35Safety13.2Health21.1Schools31.1Income62.6Risk77.5Water86Weather41.3
🏛29.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠35
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼62.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡13.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
21.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓31.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
77.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤41.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱
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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Deep Dives

Peach County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Peach County

via TaxByCounty

Peach County among highest-tax counties

Peach County's 1.124% effective tax rate ranks in the top 25% of U.S. counties, roughly 25% higher than the national median rate of 0.898%. The median property tax of $2,092 falls below the national median of $2,690, thanks to Peach's lower median home value of $186,100.

Georgia's highest effective rate

Peach County has the highest effective property tax rate in Georgia at 1.124%, significantly exceeding the state average of 0.898%. Homeowners here pay roughly $563 more annually than the state median, reflecting strong local investment in schools and services.

Peach stands alone, taxing high

Peach County's 1.124% rate dramatically exceeds all surrounding counties: Paulding (0.846%), Newton (0.914%), Muscogee (0.837%), and Pickens (0.661%). This makes Peach the region's highest-taxing jurisdiction by a significant margin.

High rate on modest values

A homeowner with a median-value property of $186,100 in Peach County pays approximately $2,092 annually in property taxes—the highest rate in the state applied to relatively modest home values. With a mortgage, that amount increases to $2,408; without one, it drops to $1,577.

Appeal essential in high-tax county

Given Peach County's state-leading tax rate, homeowners should particularly scrutinize their assessment for accuracy, as any overvaluation compounds the financial impact. Filing a formal challenge with the county assessor is a prudent step to ensure fair valuation.

Cost of Living in Peach County

via CostByCounty

Peach County maintains solid affordability

At 15.8%, Peach County's rent-to-income ratio sits below the national average, indicating residents spend a reasonable share of earnings on housing. The county's $901 monthly rent against a $68,365 median income delivers better affordability than most American households experience.

Moderate affordability within Georgia

Peach County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio beats Georgia's 18.6% state average, though its $901 median rent sits slightly below the state's $927 average. The county occupies the comfortable middle ground of Georgia's housing market.

Reasonably priced for central Georgia

Peach County's $901 rent and $186,100 median home value position it between rural affordability counties like Murray ($828) and higher-cost areas like Newton ($1,331). The county offers a balanced blend of cost and convenience for central Georgia families.

Under 16% of income goes to housing

Peach County renters dedicate 15.8% of their $68,365 income to the $901 monthly rent, while owners commit $1,036 monthly. This moderate housing burden leaves reasonable room for savings and discretionary spending.

Peach offers balanced value and access

Peach County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio and $901 median rent make it an appealing option for families seeking affordability without sacrificing regional access. The county delivers solid value compared to metro-area alternatives while maintaining reasonable services and employment options.

Income & Jobs in Peach County

via IncomeByCounty

Peach County slightly below national income

Peach County's median household income of $68,365 falls $6,390 below the national median of $74,755, placing it modestly below U.S. average income levels. The county reflects central Georgia's economic reliance on agriculture, manufacturing, and military-related industries.

Exceeds Georgia average by healthy margin

At $68,365, Peach County's median household income surpasses Georgia's state average of $60,488 by nearly $8,000 annually. The county ranks in Georgia's upper-middle tier, benefiting from Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) military payroll and stable regional employment.

Stable income among central Georgia peers

Peach County's $68,365 median income ranks between Murray County ($67,880) and Oglethorpe County ($69,784), making it competitive within central Georgia. It trails the wealthier metro-Atlanta counties but outpaces rural Georgia communities, reflecting its strategic location.

Manageable housing costs support stability

Peach County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% indicates healthy housing affordability, with median home values of $186,100 well-aligned with median household earnings. The affordable cost of living allows households to balance housing payments with other financial priorities.

Build financial security in Peach County

Peach County's stable incomes and affordable housing provide a platform for wealth building through homeownership and retirement saving. Households should establish emergency funds, take advantage of employer benefits, and explore investment strategies suited to middle-class incomes.

Safety in Peach County

via CrimeByCounty

Peach County tracks near national averages

Peach County has a total crime rate of 2,509.5 per 100K, slightly above the national average of 2,385.5. The county maintains a safety score of 96.0.

Peach County's rank in Georgia

The county's total crime rate of 2,509.5 per 100K is higher than the Georgia state average of 1,412.9. Four reporting agencies contribute to a safety score that sits just below the state average of 97.8.

Safety comparison with Muscogee County

Peach County is notably safer than neighboring Muscogee County, where the crime rate reaches 3,326.0 per 100K. However, its violent crime rate is higher than many other rural Georgia counties.

Evaluating the crime breakdown

Property crime at 1,942.7 per 100K is just below the national average of 2,015.7. Violent crime is more prominent at 566.8 per 100K, which exceeds the national rate of 369.8.

Home security is key in Peach

Residents can enhance their safety score by securing homes and being vigilant in public spaces. Understanding that property crime is near the national average highlights the importance of residential security systems.

Health in Peach County

via HealthByCounty

Peach County faces significant health challenges

At 71.4 years, Peach County residents live more than 7 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health at 20.9%, reflecting high rates of chronic disease and limited preventive care infrastructure.

Among Georgia's lowest life expectancy counties

Peach County's 71.4-year life expectancy falls nearly 2 years below Georgia's 73.3-year state average, ranking it in the bottom tier statewide. This gap signals entrenched health disparities tied to poverty and healthcare access.

Trailing surrounding central Georgia counties

Peach County's 71.4-year life expectancy lags behind neighboring Houston and Bibb counties, which report 72-73 years. The county's lower health outcomes suggest weaker healthcare infrastructure relative to regional peers.

Coverage gaps compound access challenges

Peach County's 15.5% uninsured rate sits above the state average, leaving many families without consistent healthcare coverage. With 21 primary care providers per 100,000, resident access is limited; rural geography compounds travel burdens for specialty care.

Breaking barriers to healthcare coverage

If you're uninsured in Peach County, marketplace plans and Medicaid enrollment are available year-round through special exceptions. Contact your local health department or call 211 for free enrollment help and to explore plans that fit your budget.

Schools in Peach County

via SchoolsByCounty

Cozy Schooling in the Heart of Georgia

Peach County operates 6 public schools through a single school district, serving 3,866 students. The system is composed of three elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.

Meeting State Benchmarks with Efficiency

The graduation rate stands at 88.0%, effectively matching the Georgia state average of 88.1%. Peach County operates with a per-pupil expenditure of $6,381, aiming to provide quality education while maintaining a school score of 51.1.

A Traditional Public School District

Peach County's single district manages all 3,866 students without the presence of charter or alternative schools. Peach County High School acts as the focal point for secondary education, housing 1,107 students on its campus.

A Rural Feel with Suburban Access

Four of the county's six schools are located in rural areas, while two serve the growing suburban population. With an average school size of 644 students, campuses like Byron Elementary provide a personal learning environment for younger children.

Discover Rural Living in Peach County

Peach County offers a slower pace of life with a school system that is deeply rooted in the community. Prospective residents often look for homes near Fort Valley or Byron to stay close to the county's central campuses.

Disaster Risk in Peach County

via RiskByCounty

Peach County enjoys very low disaster risk

Peach County scores 22.49 on the composite risk scale, placing it well below the national average and earning a "very low" risk rating. This score is less than 57% of Georgia's state average of 39.49, indicating substantially below-average exposure to natural hazards. The county represents one of the safer regions in Georgia.

Among Georgia's lowest-risk counties

Peach County ranks in the bottom tier of Georgia's 159 counties for natural disaster risk, placing it among the state's safest communities. Its composite score of 22.49 is less than three-fifths of the state average. The county's favorable geographic positioning contributes to this protected status.

Safer than most surrounding areas

Peach County (22.49) is notably safer than nearby Muscogee (81.55), Newton (50.64), and Paulding (69.97) counties. It compares favorably to Oconee County (19.43) and significantly exceeds the safety of Pickens County (34.80). Peach represents one of the lower-risk counties in central Georgia.

Hurricane exposure is the main outlier

Peach County's most notable hazard is hurricane risk (70.76), which stands above state norms despite the county's overall low-risk profile. Wildfire risk (56.33) is secondary, while flood (22.71), tornado (27.04), earthquake (51.56) risks remain well-controlled. The county's primary exposure stems from tropical weather systems.

Standard insurance with hurricane awareness

Peach County residents typically need only standard homeowners insurance, as the county's overall risk remains minimal. Ensure your policy includes windstorm coverage given the elevated hurricane risk, and verify your roof meets current wind-resistance standards. Maintain gutters and trim tree branches to minimize wind-damage vulnerability during hurricane season.

Soil Quality in Peach County

via SoilByCounty

The Foundations of Peach County Soil

Specific soil taxonomy and pH values for Peach County are not available in the current dataset. In this central Georgia region, soils are often more acidic than the 6.5 national median. Local testing is recommended to ensure your soil pH is balanced for your specific crops.

Loamy Textures of the Fall Line

Data on sand, silt, and clay percentages remains unlisted for the county. Situated near the Fall Line, Peach County typically features diverse textures that are famous for supporting orchards. Adding organic matter can help stabilize any soil type for better performance.

Striving for State Fertility Benchmarks

Organic matter and water capacity data are currently missing for this county. For comparison, the Georgia state average for organic matter is 1.83%, a helpful target for local land improvement. Healthy organic levels are the secret to the county's agricultural heritage.

Observing Water Flow and Drainage

While we lack official drainage class data, the local topography influences how water moves across the land. Assessing your own drainage is essential before planting trees or starting construction. Good drainage is a hallmark of the region's best agricultural sites.

Farming the Famous Zone 8b

Peach County resides in Zone 8b, the heart of Georgia's orchard country. This zone is world-renowned for peaches, but it also supports pecans and a variety of summer vegetables. Put down roots today and continue the county's rich growing tradition.

Lawn Care in Peach County

via LawnByCounty

Gardening in the Heart of Georgia

Peach County sits in hardiness zone 8b, a region known for its long, warm growing seasons and mild winters. While specific difficulty scores are currently unavailable, being in the state's center usually means dealing with higher-than-average heat. Maintaining a lawn here requires a focus on heat-tolerant species that can thrive in a typical Georgia summer.

Navigating Middle Georgia Weather

Though specific climate averages for Peach County are missing, the surrounding region typically sees high humidity and significant summer heat. Gardeners should prepare for a very long growing season that demands consistent maintenance and irrigation. Keep an eye on local forecasts, as heat stress is the most likely culprit for lawn decline here.

Test Your Soil Foundation

Soil data for Peach County is currently limited, making a home test kit your best friend. Most central Georgia soils are slightly acidic and may feature a mix of sand and clay that requires different watering approaches. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 to ensure your turfgrass can access the nutrients it needs to grow.

Moderate Drought Resilience Required

Peach County experienced 21 weeks of drought over the past year, with about 19.3% of the county currently in severe drought. While this is less severe than some northern neighbors, 100% of the county is still abnormally dry. Prioritize water conservation by using smart controllers and choosing grasses that go dormant rather than dying during dry spells.

Thriving in Zone 8b

The warm climate of zone 8b is perfect for heat-loving grasses like Centipede, Zoysia, or Bermuda. Because specific frost dates are not provided, watch for consistent nighttime temperatures above 60 degrees before seeding. Central Georgia's long summers give you an extended window to establish a thick, healthy lawn.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Peach County's county score?
Peach County, Georgia has a composite county score of 32 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 Peach County rank among counties in Georgia?
Peach County ranks #149 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 Peach County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Peach County is $2,092, with an effective tax rate of 1.12%. This earns Peach County a tax score of 29.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Peach County?
The median household income in Peach County, Georgia is $68,365 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Peach County earns an income score of 62.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Peach County, Georgia a good place to live?
Peach County scores 32/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #149 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Peach 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 Peach County with other counties side by side.