CountyScore

Pickens County

Georgia · GA

#41 in Georgia
69.6
County Score

County Report Card

About Pickens County, Georgia

Pickens County well above national livability standard

Pickens County's composite score of 71.9 rises 44% above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of livable U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects exceptional tax efficiency and moderate housing costs supporting consistent livability.

Just above Georgia's county average

At 71.9, Pickens County slightly exceeds Georgia's state average composite score of 70.9, earning a place among the better-performing Georgia counties. This edge reflects strong fundamentals across multiple livability dimensions.

Taxes and moderate housing costs shine

Pickens County boasts a tax score of 83.7 supported by a 0.661% effective tax rate—among Georgia's lowest—and a cost score of 72.9 with median home values of $289,600. These scores create excellent value for homebuyers seeking tax efficiency.

Income growth remains modest

The income score of 32.5 reflects a median household income of $75,293, respectable but not exceptional compared to wealthier peers. School, health, safety, and environmental data are not yet available, leaving gaps in the livability assessment.

Balanced choice for tax-conscious professionals

Pickens County suits mid-career professionals and growing families seeking a balance of low taxes, reasonable housing costs, and solid middle-class incomes. This is an excellent option for those wanting Georgia livability without exurban price premiums or rural limitations.

Score breakdown

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

Tax83.7Cost72.9SafetyComing SoonHealth65SchoolsComing SoonIncome32.5Risk65.2WaterComing Soon
🏛83.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠72.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼32.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡65.2
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 Pickens County with another county →

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Kosciusko County
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Deep Dives

Pickens County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pickens County

via TaxByCounty

Pickens County among lowest-tax counties

Pickens County's 0.661% effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 20% nationally, roughly 26% lower than the national median rate of 0.898%. The median property tax of $1,914 falls 29% below the national median of $2,690, despite Pickens's median home value of $289,600 being close to the national median.

Second-lowest tax rate in Georgia

Pickens County's 0.661% effective rate ranks second-lowest in Georgia, trailing only Murray County at 0.641%, and sits well below the state average of 0.898%. Households here pay roughly $868 less annually than the state median, a substantial savings.

Mountain county with mountain savings

Pickens County's 0.661% rate is the second-lowest in the region, just above Murray County (0.641%) and well below Newton County (0.914%), Paulding County (0.846%), and Muscogee County (0.837%). This positions Pickens as a tax-friendly destination in North Georgia.

Low rate on higher-value homes

A homeowner with a median-value property of $289,600 in Pickens County pays approximately $1,914 annually in property taxes—a low rate applied to relatively high-value homes. With a mortgage, that amount increases to $1,980; without one, it drops to $1,790, delivering strong tax efficiency.

Verify low assessments are accurate

Pickens County's low rate makes it attractive, but homeowners should still verify their property assessment is correct, not undervalued in a way that could lead to sudden increases. Requesting an assessment review ensures your tax bill reflects fair market value.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pickens County

via CostByCounty

Pickens County near national affordability baseline

At 17.2%, Pickens County's rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below the national average, indicating residents manage housing costs reasonably well compared to most Americans. Monthly rent of $1,079 against a $75,293 median income aligns closely with national affordability norms.

Slightly better than Georgia's state average

Pickens County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio slightly undercuts Georgia's 18.6% state average, and its $1,079 median rent sits above the state's $927 average by about 16%. The county occupies a comfortable position within Georgia's housing market.

Mountain region with moderate pricing

Pickens County's $1,079 rent and $289,600 median home value reflect its mountain-county appeal near Atlanta, striking a balance between rural affordability and metro accessibility. Costs exceed rural neighbors like Murray ($828) but remain below deepest exurban areas like Paulding ($1,622).

Just over 17% of income to housing

Pickens County renters spend 17.2% of their $75,293 income on rent, while owners commit $1,045 monthly, totaling moderate housing burdens. These proportions leave residents with a healthy discretionary income cushion relative to higher-cost regions.

Pickens balances mountain appeal with value

Pickens County's 17.2% rent-to-income ratio and mountain location make it attractive for those seeking outdoor lifestyle without exurban price tags. The county delivers reasonable housing costs and regional access, appealing to families wanting both natural beauty and financial stability.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pickens County

via IncomeByCounty

Pickens County matches national income

Pickens County's median household income of $75,293 virtually matches the national median of $74,755, positioning it squarely in the American middle class. This performance reflects Pickens' appeal to Atlanta commuters seeking mountain amenities with suburban convenience.

Well above Georgia's median income

At $75,293, Pickens County's median household income exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by over $14,800 annually. The county ranks in Georgia's upper quarter by income, benefiting from its scenic location and growing professional population.

Leading income growth in north Georgia

Pickens County's $75,293 median income ranks second among these eight counties, trailing only Oconee County ($115,925) and outpacing nearby Murray County ($67,880). The county's elevated per capita income of $38,359 suggests growing concentration of higher-earning residents.

Rising housing costs test affordability

Pickens County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.2% reflects manageable housing costs, though median home values of $289,600 command significant household resources. Strong incomes support homeownership but leave less discretionary income than lower-cost mountain counties.

Invest for the future in Pickens County

Pickens County's solid incomes and scenic appeal create opportunities for wealth building through real estate appreciation and long-term investing. Residents should explore homeownership, retirement account optimization, and education savings to build generational wealth in this growing community.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pickens County

via HealthByCounty

Pickens County approaches national health standards

At 75.1 years, Pickens County residents live about 3.8 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With only 16.0% reporting poor or fair health, the county performs better than national averages, suggesting solid chronic disease management.

Above Georgia's average health outcomes

Pickens County's 75.1-year life expectancy exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year state average by 1.8 years, placing it solidly in the upper-middle tier. The county's health profile mirrors many successful Georgia communities.

Comparable to surrounding North Georgia

Pickens County's 75.1-year life expectancy aligns with nearby Cherokee and Forsyth counties in the North Georgia region. Mountain communities here benefit from similar healthcare infrastructure and demographic patterns.

Moderate coverage with adequate providers

Pickens County's 15.9% uninsured rate sits slightly above the state average, affecting access for some families. With 44 primary care providers per 100,000, the county offers decent local care options; residents typically find routine care without excessive travel.

Strengthen health security with coverage

If you're uninsured or underinsured in Pickens County, exploring marketplace plans ensures access to local primary care and preventive services. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a community health center for enrollment assistance and plan comparisons.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pickens County

via RiskByCounty

Pickens County faces low disaster risk

Pickens County scores 34.80 on the composite risk scale, placing it near the national median and earning a "very low" risk rating. This score is below Georgia's state average of 39.49, indicating slightly better-than-average protection from natural hazards. The county experiences moderate, well-distributed hazard exposure.

Lower-middle tier among Georgia counties

Pickens County ranks in the lower-middle range of Georgia's 159 counties for natural disaster risk. Its composite score of 34.80 sits slightly below the state average, placing it in a protected cohort. The county's geographic position in north Georgia contributes to this favorable standing.

Safer than some neighbors, riskier than others

Pickens County (34.80) is safer than nearby Murray (51.46), Newton (50.64), and Paulding (69.97) counties, but riskier than Oconee (19.43), Oglethorpe (8.11), and Peach (22.49). Its risk profile places it in the moderate-to-low range for the region. The county represents a balanced risk environment compared to surrounding communities.

Wildfire and tornado are primary concerns

Wildfire risk (59.83) and tornado risk (62.44) are Pickens County's most notable hazards, both moderately above state averages. Flood risk (45.26) and earthquake risk (59.03) present secondary concerns, while hurricane risk (41.26) remains below state norms. The county faces moderate exposure to mountain-region weather phenomena.

Prepare for wildfire and tornado threats

Pickens County residents should prioritize wildfire preparedness by creating defensible space around their homes, clearing roof gutters, and maintaining adequate water access. Tornado safety planning—including shelter identification and emergency supplies—is also important given moderate tornado risk. Standard homeowners insurance typically suffices, but verify coverage for wind and wildfire damage aligns with your property's exposure.

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.