CountyScore

Pike County

Georgia · GA

#35 in Georgia
70
County Score

County Report Card

About Pike County, Georgia

Pike County beats national livability median

Pike County's composite score of 68.9 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by nearly 38%, demonstrating strong fundamentals in tax and cost efficiency. The county ranks solidly above the typical American county for overall livability.

Slightly trailing Georgia's average

Pike County scores 68.9 against Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it just below the middle of Georgia's county rankings. The county remains competitive statewide despite this modest gap.

Higher incomes paired with low taxes

Pike County's income score of 38.3 is notably strong, backed by a median household income of $84,184—well above many peer counties. The county also maintains competitive tax efficiency with an effective rate of 0.924% and a tax score of 76.3.

Housing costs cut into affordability gains

While Pike County offers strong incomes, a cost score of 70.9 reflects higher housing expenses, with median home values of $265,700 and gross rent of $1,056/month. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable, preventing a fuller livability picture.

Best for middle-to-upper income households

Pike County appeals to established professionals and families with solid incomes who value tax efficiency alongside suburban living. The county rewards those seeking a balance between earning potential and reasonable tax burden over lowest-cost housing.

Score breakdown

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

Tax76.3Cost70.9SafetyComing SoonHealth65.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome38.3Risk92WaterComing Soon
🏛76.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠70.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼38.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤65.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡92
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 Pike County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

St. Clair County
Alabama
70
Median income: $78,993
Sumter County
Alabama
70
Median income: $37,981
Sitka City and Borough
Alaska
70
Median income: $101,207
Lee County
Arkansas
70
Median income: $36,860
Nez Perce County
Idaho
70
Median income: $71,466

Deep Dives

Pike County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pike County

via TaxByCounty

Pike taxes remain below national median

Pike County's effective rate of 0.924% is well below the national median, and at $2,456 annually, Pike's median property tax bill nearly matches the national median of $2,690. This near-parity masks Pike's higher home values—the county's median of $265,700 approaches the national median of $281,900.

Pike ranks above Georgia average

Pike County's 0.924% effective rate is slightly above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it in the middle-to-upper range of the state's counties. The median tax bill of $2,456 is $927 higher than Georgia's state median of $1,529, driven by higher property values.

Higher-priced homes than Pierce County

Pike County's median home value of $265,700 substantially exceeds neighboring Pierce County's $132,100, which explains why Pike's median tax bill ($2,456) more than doubles Pierce's ($1,209). Both counties maintain similar tax rates, but Pike's wealthier housing market produces considerably higher tax payments.

Expect $2,456 annually on median home

On Pike County's median home value of $265,700 with an effective rate of 0.924%, the typical property owner pays $2,456 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, that climbs to around $2,606, making Pike's tax burden one of the highest among comparable Georgia counties.

Review your assessment this year

Pike County homeowners, particularly those in higher-value properties, should verify their assessments against recent sales of comparable homes. A formal appeal can be filed if your assessed value exceeds the county's estimate of fair market value, potentially saving thousands over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pike County

via CostByCounty

Pike earns high income, keeps rents low

Pike County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's best, beating the national standard by staying well below typical affordability thresholds. With median household income reaching $84,184—above the national $74,755—Pike residents enjoy above-average earnings paired with moderate housing costs of $1,056 monthly.

Top-tier affordability in Georgia

Pike County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks it among Georgia's most affordable counties, significantly below the state's 18.6% average. This combination of higher incomes and controlled rents positions Pike as a housing sweet spot within the state.

Pike leads regional affordability race

Pike County's $1,056 monthly rent and $84,184 income create superior affordability compared to nearby Putnam County ($1,063 rent, $64,163 income). Even Rabun County, with its high home values, can't match Pike's balanced rent-to-income equation at 15.1%.

High income powers Pike's advantage

Pike residents earning $84,184 annually allocate just 15.1% to $1,056 rent, while homeowners spend $1,206 monthly on $265,700 median homes. This income-to-cost ratio means Pike offers genuine buying power: homeownership remains accessible without overwhelming monthly payments.

Pike County attracts earners seeking value

Moving to Pike? You'll find above-average incomes paired with below-average rent-to-income ratios—a rare combination in Georgia's housing market. Compare Pike's 15.1% ratio against state average 18.6% to see how relocating here protects your paycheck.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pike County

via IncomeByCounty

Pike County rises above national average

Pike County's median household income of $84,184 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 13%, placing it among stronger-earning counties nationwide. This performance signals robust local economic opportunity and household earning power in the region.

Top earner among Georgia counties

At $84,184, Pike County ranks significantly above Georgia's state median of $60,488—nearly 39% higher—putting it in the upper tier statewide. Its per capita income of $36,105 also surpasses the state average of $31,115 by 16%, indicating broad-based prosperity.

Economic powerhouse of the region

Pike County substantially outearns surrounding counties, with median incomes $28,000+ higher than Polk ($55,308) and $36,500+ above Pulaski ($47,688). It stands as a clear economic leader in its immediate geography.

Strong income supports living costs

Pike's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% sits at the acceptable affordability threshold, meaning housing costs claim a reasonable share of household earnings. The median home value of $265,700 reflects the county's elevated property values and strong real estate market.

Pike's earnings enable wealth building

With income 13% above the national median, Pike County households have meaningful capacity to invest in diversified portfolios, higher education, or business ventures. Establishing a systematic investment strategy now can leverage this advantage into long-term generational wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Pike County

via HealthByCounty

Pike County exceeds national health benchmarks

At 73.2 years, Pike County's life expectancy nearly matches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, positioning it above many rural Georgia counties. With only 16.6% reporting poor or fair health—below the national 16.8% average—the county shows stronger-than-typical health outcomes for its region.

On par with Georgia average

Pike County's 73.2-year life expectancy essentially mirrors Georgia's state average of 73.3 years, placing it in the middle tier of Georgia counties. The 16.6% poor/fair health rate is competitive within the state, suggesting more favorable health trends than many neighbors.

Outperforming Pierce and Polk

Pike County's 73.2-year life expectancy and 16.6% poor health rate both exceed Pierce (71.1 years, 19.9%) and Polk (71.0 years, 21.6%) counties to the south. This advantage may reflect better healthcare infrastructure or population demographics, making Pike a relative health success story in the region.

Mental health resources outpace primary care

Pike County offers 64 mental health providers per 100K—double the national average—but only 21 primary care physicians per 100K, creating an imbalance in access. At 12.7% uninsured, the county performs better than Georgia's 15.0% average, easing some barriers to care.

Continue strong coverage rates

Pike County's uninsured rate of 12.7% is among Georgia's better rates, but 1 in 8 residents still lack coverage. Ensure your family's protected by verifying your health plan at healthcare.gov or connecting with Pike County health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pike County

via RiskByCounty

Pike County Is Among Safest

Pike County's composite risk score of 8.05 places it in the Very Low category nationally, significantly outperforming the U.S. average for natural disaster exposure. This county ranks among the safest locations in America for multi-hazard risk.

Georgia's Safest County

Pike County scores 8.05 compared to Georgia's state average of 39.49, making it one of the state's most protected counties from natural hazards. The county's low-risk profile reflects its geography and distance from high-hazard zones.

Surrounded by Lower-Risk Counties

Pike County's 8.05 score ties it with Quitman County (8.33) as Georgia's lowest-risk counties, both significantly safer than nearby Putnam County (53.31) and Rabun County (45.29). This advantageous positioning makes Pike County a particularly resilient location.

Pike's Manageable Hazard Exposure

Hurricane risk (50.23) represents Pike County's largest single hazard concern, though all risk categories remain in the low range. Even tornado risk (29.74) and wildfire risk (33.65) stay well below state averages.

Smart Coverage for Pike County

While Pike County's overall risk is low, homeowners should still carry hurricane coverage given its 50.23 hurricane risk rating and distance from coastal protections. Standard homeowners policies provide a strong baseline here; check for any exclusions in your plan.

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.