Pulaski County's composite score of 73.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 47%, ranking among America's most livable counties. This strong performance rests primarily on exceptional housing affordability.
2 / 5
Well above Georgia's average rank
Pulaski County scores 73.3 against Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it firmly in the upper quartile of Georgia counties. The county consistently outperforms most of its peers statewide.
3 / 5
Unmatched housing affordability nationwide
Pulaski County boasts the highest cost score among these counties at 85.5, offering remarkable affordability with median homes at $144,300 and rent at $789/month. A competitive tax score of 76.6 and 0.912% effective tax rate amplify the value proposition.
4 / 5
Low incomes are the primary constraint
The county's income score of 14.5—the lowest among these eight counties—reflects a median household income of just $47,688, indicating limited employment prospects. Data unavailable for safety, health, schools, and environmental factors limit fuller assessment.
5 / 5
Ideal for budget-first, minimal-income households
Pulaski County suits fixed-income retirees, part-time workers, and families where affordability is the paramount concern. The county's exceptional housing costs and low taxes make it America's most economical option among these eight counties.
Pulaski County's composite score of 73.3 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 47%, ranking among America's most livable counties. This strong performance rests primarily on exceptional housing affordability.
Well above Georgia's average rank
Pulaski County scores 73.3 against Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it firmly in the upper quartile of Georgia counties. The county consistently outperforms most of its peers statewide.
Unmatched housing affordability nationwide
Pulaski County boasts the highest cost score among these counties at 85.5, offering remarkable affordability with median homes at $144,300 and rent at $789/month. A competitive tax score of 76.6 and 0.912% effective tax rate amplify the value proposition.
Low incomes are the primary constraint
The county's income score of 14.5—the lowest among these eight counties—reflects a median household income of just $47,688, indicating limited employment prospects. Data unavailable for safety, health, schools, and environmental factors limit fuller assessment.
Ideal for budget-first, minimal-income households
Pulaski County suits fixed-income retirees, part-time workers, and families where affordability is the paramount concern. The county's exceptional housing costs and low taxes make it America's most economical option among these eight counties.
Score breakdown
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🏛76.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Pulaski County's effective tax rate of 0.912% remains well below the national median, and its median property tax of $1,316 is less than half the national median of $2,690. This favorable comparison reflects both lower property values and the county's modest tax rate.
Above Georgia average, middle of pack
Pulaski County's 0.912% effective rate slightly exceeds Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it squarely in the middle range of Georgia's 159 counties. The median tax bill of $1,316 is $213 below the state median of $1,529.
Similar rates to Pierce and Putnam
Pulaski County's 0.912% rate closely mirrors neighboring Pierce County's 0.915%, though Pulaski's lower home values ($144,300 vs. Pierce's $132,100) yield slightly higher tax bills. Compared to lower-taxed Polk County (0.799%), Pulaski charges moderately more.
Annual tax bill averages $1,316
On Pulaski County's median home value of $144,300 with an effective rate of 0.912%, the typical homeowner pays $1,316 annually in property taxes. Adding mortgage escrow costs brings the total to roughly $1,414, remaining affordable by state standards.
Appeal your assessment if overvalued
Pulaski County homeowners should confirm their assessed values match recent comparable sales in their neighborhoods. If your home was assessed high relative to nearby sales, filing an appeal with the tax assessor can recover money paid in excess taxes.
Pulaski County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds the national standard, signaling housing pressure on residents earning $47,688—far below the nation's $74,755 median. Even at $789 monthly rent, the income-to-cost mismatch means Pulaski households dedicate nearly a fifth of earnings to housing.
Above-average rent burden in Georgia
Pulaski's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks above Georgia's 18.6% state average, placing the county among the state's less affordable rental markets. With a $47,688 median income and $789 monthly rent, Pulaski residents face tighter budgets than most Georgia peers.
Pulaski less affordable than peers
Pulaski's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio surpasses neighboring Pierce (16.8%) and Pike (15.1%), despite offering competitive $789 monthly rent. The challenge lies in Pulaski's lower median income of $47,688, which strains the rent burden compared to better-earning neighbors.
Low income defines Pulaski's challenge
Pulaski residents earning just $47,688 dedicate 19.9% to $789 rent, while homeowners pay $577 monthly on $144,300 homes. The income shortfall—not high rents—drives Pulaski's affordability challenge; even modest housing costs feel substantial on limited earnings.
Pulaski demands careful budget planning
Consider Pulaski only if your income aligns closely with the county's $47,688 median; otherwise, housing costs will consume more than typical. Its 19.9% rent-to-income ratio runs 1.3 percentage points above Georgia's state average, so compare carefully with higher-earning neighbors like Pike before relocating.
Pulaski County's median household income of $47,688 falls 36% below the national median of $74,755, representing one of the larger income disparities in the region. This gap underscores significant economic challenges and limited earning opportunities in the county.
Lowest earner in its county cluster
Pulaski's $47,688 median household income ranks 21% below Georgia's state average of $60,488, placing it well into the lower quartile statewide. Per capita income of $24,849 also trails the state average of $31,115 by 20%.
Struggling within its economic region
Pulaski County's median income underperforms all surrounding counties, falling $8,000–10,000+ behind Pierce and Polk, and nearly $37,000 below Pike County. The county represents the weakest economic performer in its immediate geography.
Housing costs burden tight budgets
Pulaski's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% significantly exceeds the 15% affordability threshold, meaning housing consumes nearly one-fifth of household earnings. The median home value of $144,300 creates additional pressure on already-constrained household finances.
Incremental steps build long-term security
Limited income demands disciplined budgeting, but even small moves—like employer matches on retirement plans or opening a low-fee savings account—create pathways forward. Community resources and financial counseling services can help households maximize limited earnings.
Pulaski County's 75.2-year life expectancy exceeds the U.S. average of 76.4 years by nearly a year, suggesting longer-living residents. Yet 23.3% report poor or fair health—well above the 16.8% national average—revealing a disconnect between longevity and actual health perception.
Live longer but feel less healthy
At 75.2 years, Pulaski County leads Georgia's 73.3-year average, ranking among the state's highest life expectancies. Paradoxically, the 23.3% poor/fair health rate is the worst in this county group, suggesting older age or chronic disease burden despite longer lifespans.
Longest life, hardest health
Pulaski County's 75.2-year life expectancy bests all neighbors including Putnam (74.0) and Rabun (74.3), yet its 23.3% poor health rate exceeds theirs. This unusual pattern may reflect an aging population living longer with chronic conditions rather than enjoying robust health.
Excellent primary care, limited mental health
Pulaski County offers 61 primary care providers per 100K—among the highest in the region—but only 30 mental health providers per 100K. With 16.0% uninsured, slightly above Georgia's 15.0%, the county's strong primary care infrastructure is a bright spot.
Leverage strong primary care access
Pulaski County's robust primary care network is an asset for managing chronic diseases and preventive health. If you're among the 16% uninsured, pair that access with coverage by exploring healthcare.gov options or county health services.
Pulaski County's composite risk score of 18.16 places it in the Very Low category, sitting comfortably below the national average for multi-hazard exposure. The county benefits from geography that limits simultaneous risk from multiple disaster types.
Well Below Georgia Average
Pulaski County's 18.16 score runs less than half of Georgia's 39.49 average, positioning it among the state's safer counties for natural disasters. This favorable risk profile reflects the county's mid-state location away from major hazard zones.
Safer Than Surrounding Counties
Pulaski County (18.16) maintains lower risk than nearby Putnam County (53.31) and Rabun County (45.29), though it's comparable to Pike County (8.05) and Pierce County (22.68). The county's central location provides natural buffers against extreme coastal and mountain-related hazards.
Hurricane Risk and Wildfire Concern
Pulaski County's primary hazards are hurricane exposure (74.26) and wildfire risk (56.17), representing the county's highest-scoring risk categories. Tornado risk remains moderate at 27.93, making it less of an immediate concern.
Insurance Priorities for Pulaski
Focus homeowners insurance on hurricane protection given the 74.26 hurricane risk rating, and consider wildfire coverage if your property borders forested areas. Standard policies often exclude wind and fire damage, so review your declarations page for specific coverage limits.