countyscore
35.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 77.3Cost of Living 63.3Property Tax 44.2

County Report Card

About Pierce County, Georgia

Pierce County Falls Below National Average

Pierce County earns a composite score of 35.2 out of 100, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant challenges in infrastructure and social services compared to peer counties across the United States.

Trailing the Georgia State Average

With a 35.2 score, Pierce County ranks lower than the Georgia state average of 46.7. This positioning suggests that residents may experience fewer amenities or lower economic metrics than the typical Georgia county.

Low Environmental Risk and High Affordability

The county excels in environmental safety with a risk score of 77.3, indicating low vulnerability to natural disasters. Additionally, housing remains very accessible with a cost score of 63.3 and a median gross rent of only $794.

Critical Gaps in Safety and Health

Safety is a primary concern with a score of just 1.5, while health outcomes also lag at 22.5. These figures, combined with a lower income score of 29.5, highlight the need for improved public services and economic development.

Best for Budget-Conscious Residents Prioritizing Stability

Pierce County suits individuals looking for low-cost living and high natural disaster resilience. However, families may want to weigh the affordable $132,100 median home values against the low safety and health rankings.

Score breakdown

Tax44.2Cost63.3Safety1.5Health22.5Schools37.1Income29.5Risk77.3Water41.8Weather28
🏛44.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠63.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓37.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡77.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧41.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤28
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨17.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱24.4
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

Pierce County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pierce County

via TaxByCounty

Pierce taxes well below national average

Pierce County's effective tax rate of 0.915% sits comfortably below the national median effective rate, making it a relatively affordable place to own property. The median property tax bill here is $1,209 annually, less than half the national median of $2,690, putting Pierce in the lower-tax quartile nationally.

Slightly above Georgia's average rate

Pierce County's 0.915% effective rate edges just above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, ranking it near the middle of the state's 159 counties. With a median tax bill of $1,209, Pierce residents pay about $320 less annually than the state median of $1,529.

Lower taxes than nearby Pike County

Pierce County's tax rate of 0.915% undercuts neighboring Pike County's 0.924%, though Pike homeowners pay a higher median bill ($2,456) due to significantly higher home values in that county. Both counties hover near Georgia's state average, offering comparable tax climates to the region.

Median home costs $1,209 yearly in taxes

On Pierce County's median home value of $132,100 and effective rate of 0.915%, homeowners pay approximately $1,209 in annual property taxes. Owners with mortgages may see an additional escrow cost of around $1,416 when including county and municipal assessments.

Your assessment might be too high

Many Pierce County homeowners are overassessed relative to their property's true market value. If your annual tax bill seems steep compared to neighbors' homes of similar value, filing an appeal with the assessor's office could significantly reduce your tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pierce County

via CostByCounty

Pierce rents hit below national mark

At 16.8%, Pierce County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below the national median, meaning renters here spend less of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans. With a median household income of $56,691 against a $794 monthly rent, Pierce offers better affordability than the nation's $74,755 median income suggests.

Most affordable rentals in Georgia

Pierce County boasts one of Georgia's lowest rent-to-income ratios at 16.8%, well below the state average of 18.6%. At $794 monthly rent versus the statewide $927 median, Pierce residents enjoy $133 in monthly savings on housing costs.

The county's housing sweet spot

Pierce's $794 median rent undercuts neighboring Polk County ($870) and nearby Putnam County ($1,063), making it an attractive option for renters seeking value. Home values at $132,100 also stay modest compared to regional peers, keeping both rental and ownership accessible.

Pierce's balanced housing budget

Renters dedicate 16.8% of their $56,691 income to the $794 monthly rent, while homeowners pay $749 on $132,100 median homes. Together, these costs demonstrate Pierce's dual appeal: affordable housing runs deep regardless of whether you rent or buy.

Consider Pierce for budget-conscious living

If you're relocating to Georgia and want housing costs that don't drain your budget, Pierce County's 16.8% rent-to-income ratio offers genuine breathing room. Compare it directly with costlier neighbors like Putnam (19.9%) to see how much monthly savings relocating here could unlock.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pierce County

via IncomeByCounty

Pierce lags behind national income standard

Pierce County's median household income of $56,691 sits 24% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural Georgia compared to more prosperous regions across the country.

Middle-ground earner in Georgia's spectrum

At $56,691, Pierce County earns 6% more than Georgia's state median of $60,488, ranking it in the middle tier among the state's 159 counties. The county's per capita income of $29,266 also exceeds the state average of $31,115, suggesting stable household structures.

Outearning some struggling neighbors

Pierce's median income outpaces nearby Polk County ($55,308) and significantly exceeds Pulaski County ($47,688), though it trails Pike County's strong $84,184 median. Regional variation is stark, with Pierce performing solidly within its immediate geography.

Housing costs manageable but tight

Pierce's rent-to-income ratio of 16.8% falls just above the 15% affordability threshold, suggesting residents spend a reasonable share on housing relative to earnings. With a median home value of $132,100, homeownership remains accessible for many households in the county.

Build on Pierce's stable foundation

Pierce County's moderate income and affordable housing create opportunity to invest surplus earnings into retirement accounts, emergency savings, or home equity growth. Starting with even small contributions to employer 401(k) plans or IRAs can compound meaningfully over working years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pierce County

via CrimeByCounty

Pierce County's Crime Rate Exceeds National Levels

Pierce County reports a total crime rate of 5,519.1 per 100,000 residents, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Despite these numbers, the county maintains a safety score of 91.3, reflecting its local standing relative to other communities.

Comparing Pierce to the Georgia Average

The county's safety score of 91.3 falls below the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate also stands out against the state average of 1,412.9, suggesting more frequent reports than many regional counterparts.

Local Trends and Regional Comparisons

With four reporting agencies, Pierce County provides more detailed data than some of its more sparsely monitored neighbors. This visibility results in reported rates that are higher than similar rural counties in the region.

Property Crime Drives the Local Totals

Property crime accounts for the vast majority of incidents, at a rate of 4,631.2 per 100,000. Violent crime is much less frequent at 887.9, though this still sits above the national violent crime average of 369.8.

Prioritizing Property Security in Pierce

Since property crime is the primary concern here, residents should focus on securing homes with smart locks and motion lighting. Staying vigilant and reporting suspicious activity helps the four local agencies keep the community safe.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pierce County

via HealthByCounty

Pierce County lags on life expectancy

At 71.1 years, Pierce County residents live roughly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. One in five Pierce County adults reports poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 16.8%, suggesting sustained health challenges across the population.

Below Georgia's health rankings

Pierce County's 71.1-year life expectancy sits 2.2 years below Georgia's state average of 73.3 years. With a poor/fair health rate of 19.9%, the county exceeds the state trend, indicating persistent health disparities within Georgia.

Similar struggles as Polk County

Pierce and neighboring Polk County both report life expectancies below 71.1 years and poor/fair health rates exceeding 19%. Pike County to the north performs better, with a 73.2-year life expectancy and lower health complaint rates, showing the geographic variation in regional health outcomes.

Limited primary care access

Pierce County has just 25 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, well below the national benchmark of 45 per 100K. With 15.7% of residents uninsured—slightly above Georgia's 15.0% average—many face barriers to preventive and routine care.

Check your health insurance options

Over 15% of Pierce County residents lack health coverage, leaving them vulnerable to medical costs and delayed care. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, or community health services available to you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pierce County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Rural Network Serving Pierce County Students

Pierce County maintains a concentrated education infrastructure with five public schools managed by a single district. The system supports 3,637 students across three elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Solid Performance with Efficient Local Spending

The county's 86.0% graduation rate sits just below the national average of 87.0% and the state average of 88.1%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $7,287, the district operates efficiently, nearing the state average of $7,405 while maintaining a composite school score of 52.0.

One District Leading Local Education

The Pierce County School District manages all five local schools, focusing entirely on traditional public education without any charter facilities. This unified approach ensures a consistent curriculum for the county's total enrollment of 3,637 students.

A Classic Rural School Experience

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a consistent environment with an average school size of 727 students. Pierce County High School is the largest campus with 1,033 students, while Patterson Elementary offers a smaller setting for 476 children.

Plant Roots in a Tight-Knit Community

Families looking for a consistent, rural education environment will find Pierce County's centralized system appealing. Use school quality and local campus proximity as your guide when exploring homes in this stable Georgia community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pierce County

via RiskByCounty

Pierce County's Risk Profile

Pierce County scores 22.68 on the national composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting well below the national average for disaster exposure. This puts the county in a safer position than most U.S. counties when considering all natural hazard types combined.

Safer Than Most Georgia Counties

Pierce County's 22.68 composite score ranks it as one of Georgia's safer counties, compared to the state average of 39.49. The county benefits from geography that limits exposure to multiple hazard types simultaneously.

Comparison to Neighboring Counties

Pierce County faces notably lower overall risk than nearby Polk County (64.06) and Putnam County (53.31), though it shares similar Very Low ratings with Pike County (8.05). The risk profile reflects Pierce's position in south-central Georgia, away from mountainous terrain and major flood corridors.

Where Pierce Faces Greatest Exposure

Hurricane risk (84.52) and wildfire risk (69.02) are Pierce County's primary hazard concerns, reflecting its southeastern location and forest coverage. Tornado risk remains moderate at 36.61, making multi-hazard preparedness essential for residents.

Insurance Coverage for Pierce County

Homeowners should prioritize comprehensive insurance addressing hurricane damage and wildfire exposure, as these represent your county's greatest risks. Standard homeowners policies may not cover hurricane or wildfire losses, so review your coverage gaps now.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pierce County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Warmth Exceeds National Norms

With an annual average of 67.3°F, Pierce County is significantly warmer than the United States median temperature. This subtropical climate ensures long growing seasons and very few days of frost.

One of Georgia’s Warmest Counties

Pierce County exceeds the Georgia state average of 63.7°F by nearly four degrees. Its location in the southeastern part of the state places it among the hotter corridors in the region.

Intense Heat Days vs State Averages

Pierce County endures a staggering 103 extreme heat days per year where temperatures top 90°F. This is a much higher heat frequency than the state average, requiring high energy use for cooling.

Long Summers and Snow-Free Winters

July averages a hot 82.7°F, contributing to the total lack of annual snowfall. Winters are extremely mild, with the December-February period averaging 52.5°F.

Prepare for Persistent Extreme Heat

A robust, well-maintained air conditioning system is a health necessity given the 103 days of extreme heat. Outdoor activities are best scheduled for early morning to avoid the peak afternoon sun.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pierce County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols Define the Pierce Landscape

Pierce County is characterized by sandy loam soils belonging to the Ultisols taxonomic order. With an average pH of 5.04, the ground is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5 and slightly below the state average of 5.26.

A Gritty Mix Dominated by Sand

The soil profile consists of 81.1% sand, 12.6% silt, and only 6.4% clay. This high sand content ensures excellent workability but indicates the soil may struggle to retain essential nutrients for long periods.

Strong Organic Matter but Low Water Storage

Organic matter reaches a healthy 2.33%, which beats the Georgia average of 1.83% and the national 2.0% benchmark. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.076 in/in, meaning plants require consistent irrigation during dry spells.

Well-Drained Soils with Selective Infiltration

Most of the county features well-drained soil, though it falls into hydrologic group C. This combination suggests that while surface drainage is good, the subsoil may restrict water movement more than pure sand would.

Heat-Loving Crops Thrive in Zone 9a

In USDA hardiness zone 9a, Pierce County offers a long, warm growing season. Blueberries and pecans are excellent choices for this acidic, sandy environment, provided you manage the low water retention.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pierce County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Landscape in Pierce County

Pierce County scores a 24.4 on the lawn difficulty scale, significantly tougher than the Georgia average of 35.8 and the national median of 50.0. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 9a face intense pressure to maintain green spaces in this warm environment. This low score reflects a combination of extreme heat and acidic soil conditions that demand frequent attention.

Sizzling Heat Drives Rapid Growth

The county endures 103 extreme heat days annually, nearly 40 days more than the state average. With 6,610 growing degree days, grass grows aggressively, requiring a rigorous mowing schedule to keep up. While the 50.4 inches of annual precipitation is near the state average, the high heat causes moisture to evaporate quickly.

Sandy Soil Requires Heavy Amending

The soil is 81.1% sand with a very acidic pH of 5.04, well below the ideal range of 6.0 to 7.0 for healthy turf. This sandy loam texture provides excellent drainage but struggles to retain essential nutrients for grass roots. You must apply lime regularly to balance the acidity and use slow-release fertilizers to prevent runoff.

Battling Persistent Severe Drought

The entire county currently faces severe drought conditions, and residents have managed through 24 drought weeks over the past year. Because 100% of the area is in the D2+ category, water conservation is a critical necessity. Focus on deep, infrequent watering at dawn to maximize absorption and minimize stress on your lawn.

Select Heat-Tolerant Turf for Success

St. Augustine and Bermuda grasses thrive best in this Zone 9a climate because they handle the 100-plus heat days effectively. Plan to seed or sod after the last spring frost on March 15 to take advantage of the long growing season. Your lawn can succeed if you prioritize moisture retention and soil pH balance.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pierce County's county score?
Pierce County, Georgia has a composite county score of 35.2 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 Pierce County rank among counties in Georgia?
Pierce County ranks #139 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 Pierce County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Pierce County is $1,209, with an effective tax rate of 0.92%. This earns Pierce County a tax score of 44.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pierce County?
The median household income in Pierce County, Georgia is $56,691 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pierce County earns an income score of 29.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pierce County, Georgia a good place to live?
Pierce County scores 35.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #139 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Pierce 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 Pierce County with other counties side by side.

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