countyscore
45.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 81.9Cost of Living 76

County Report Card

About Pulaski County, Georgia

Pulaski County Below National Median

Pulaski County holds a composite score of 45.1, placing it slightly behind the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the lower mid-tier of counties across the country.

Keeping Pace Near State Average

With a 45.1 score, Pulaski County is just below the Georgia state average of 46.7. This suggests a quality of life that is roughly typical for the rural Georgia region.

Excellent Housing Affordability and Safety

The county shines in housing costs with a score of 76.0 and a low median rent of $789. It also provides a safe environment for residents, with an environmental risk score of 81.9 and a water score of 86.0.

Economic Growth and Safety Concerns

Pulaski struggles with a very low income score of 10.6, reflecting a median household income of $47,688. Safety also scores low at 18.4, indicating areas where local law enforcement and social services could improve.

Best for Retirees Seeking Affordability

Pulaski County is a strong candidate for those on a fixed income who want to maximize their housing dollar. The high environmental resilience makes it a stable choice for those less concerned about local job markets.

Score breakdown

Tax44.4Cost76Safety18.4Health27.9Schools52Income10.6Risk81.9Water86Weather41.1
🏛44.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠76
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼10.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤27.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱29.2
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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Nearby counties

Bleckley County
Georgia
46.6
Dodge County
Georgia
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Dooly County
Georgia
54.9
Wilcox County
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Houston County
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Twiggs County
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Peach County
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Crisp County
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Deep Dives

Pulaski County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Pulaski County

via TaxByCounty

Pulaski taxes far below national rates

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Pulaski County

via CostByCounty

Pulaski's rents strain modest incomes

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Pulaski County

via IncomeByCounty

Pulaski faces substantial income gap

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Pulaski County

via CrimeByCounty

Safety Score and National Benchmarks

Pulaski County maintains a safety score of 96.6, which is quite high. Its total crime rate of 2,164.4 per 100,000 is slightly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Pulaski Compared to Georgia Averages

The county's safety score of 96.6 falls just below the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 2,164.4 is higher than the statewide average of 1,412.9.

Single-Agency Data Insights

Safety data for Pulaski County currently comes from a single reporting agency, which may not capture every incident in the region. This limited reporting means residents should interpret the local rates as a snapshot rather than a complete picture.

Violent and Property Crime Split

Violent crime sits at 384.3 per 100,000, which is slightly above the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more common, occurring at a rate of 1,780.1 per 100,000 residents.

Proactive Protection in Pulaski

Focusing on property security, such as deadbolts and outdoor sensor lights, is recommended for local homeowners. Staying connected with local law enforcement ensures better awareness of neighborhood trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Pulaski County

via HealthByCounty

Strong life expectancy masks health challenges

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Pulaski County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Streamlined Education System in Pulaski

Pulaski County operates a efficient three-school system that guides students from kindergarten through graduation. Total enrollment remains intimate at 1,330 students across one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

High Graduation Success with Lean Funding

Pulaski County delivers a strong 92.0% graduation rate, exceeding the state's 88.1% and the national 87.0% benchmarks. This academic success is achieved with a per-pupil spend of $6,938, which is lower than the Georgia state average.

Local Commitment to Hawkinsville Students

The Pulaski County district manages all local education needs with no charter alternatives. The elementary school is the largest campus in the system, currently enrolling 633 students to provide a strong early foundation.

Centralized Schools in a Town Setting

All schools are located in town locales, giving the district a centralized and accessible feel. With an average school size of 443 students, the environment is personal, particularly at Pulaski County Middle School where only 309 students are enrolled.

Join a Community That Values Graduation

For families seeking a close-knit town environment with proven academic results, Pulaski County is a standout choice. Consider the high graduation rates and small school sizes when touring homes in this area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Pulaski County

via RiskByCounty

Pulaski County Ranks Very Low

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Pulaski County

via WeatherByCounty

A Warm Subtropical National Outlier

Pulaski County’s 64.5°F annual average temperature is significantly higher than the national median. This warm profile is typical of the Deep South, where winters are short and summers dominate.

Warmer and Drier Than State Norms

The county is roughly one degree warmer than the Georgia average of 63.7°F. Interestingly, it is slightly drier than the state average, receiving 48.5 inches of rain compared to the statewide 51.4-inch norm.

High Heat Frequency in Central Georgia

With 83 days of extreme heat per year, Pulaski faces more 90°F days than many northern Georgia counties. The lack of any annual snowfall further distinguishes it from the state's upland regions.

Lengthy Summers and Gentle Winters

The summer average temperature stays high at 80.1°F, while winter averages remain a comfortable 48.6°F. Snow is non-existent, and January lows rarely stay below freezing for long.

Focus on Sun and Heat Protection

The 83 days of extreme heat require residents to prioritize hydration and sun protection. Landscaping should account for the slightly drier 48.5 inches of annual rain compared to other Georgia counties.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Pulaski County

via SoilByCounty

Awaiting Local Soil Identity Data

Pulaski County lacks specific public data regarding its dominant soil texture and taxonomic order. Because Georgia soils are often acidic, a local test is essential to see how you compare to the 6.5 national pH median.

Composition Details Remain Unmeasured

We do not have current data for sand, silt, or clay percentages in Pulaski County. These factors are the foundation of drainage and nutrient retention, so on-site testing is highly recommended for growers.

Building Healthy Soil Potential

Organic matter and available water capacity data are currently unavailable for this county. Aim to incorporate organic material to reach the Georgia state average of 1.83% for better plant health.

Managing Water on Your Land

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for Pulaski are not currently listed in our dataset. Local gardeners should monitor soil moisture levels manually to prevent root rot or drought stress.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8b

Pulaski County falls into hardiness zone 8b, which features mild winters and long summers. This is a perfect environment for growing citrus in pots or a thriving vegetable patch.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Pulaski County

via LawnByCounty

Steep Challenges for Pulaski Lawns

Pulaski County presents a difficult environment for lawn care with a score of 29.2, well below the Georgia average of 35.8. Homeowners in Hardiness Zone 8b must work harder than most to maintain a lush green space. This difficulty stems largely from extreme heat and recurring drought cycles that stress common turf varieties.

Intense Heat and Moderate Rain

The county experiences 83 extreme heat days annually, significantly higher than the state average of 65 days. With 48.5 inches of annual precipitation, the region receives slightly less rain than the rest of Georgia. These factors combine to create a high-evaporation environment where grass can quickly turn brown without intervention.

Prioritize Your Soil Health

Because specific soil data is unavailable for Pulaski, a local extension office test is your most valuable tool for success. Most regional soils require organic matter to help retain moisture against the 83 days of scorching heat. Improving your soil structure will make your lawn more resilient and reduce your long-term fertilizer needs.

Managing Through Severe Water Shortages

Pulaski is currently under 100% severe drought conditions, having spent 27 weeks in drought over the last year. This prolonged dry period means water conservation must be a central part of your lawn care strategy. Prioritize watering the most visible or high-traffic areas and consider letting less critical zones go dormant.

Tough Grasses for a Hot Climate

Centipede and Bermuda grasses are the most reliable choices for Pulaski County's Zone 8b heat. The last spring frost usually passes by March 20, providing an early start for the long 5,821 growing degree day season. Establishing a strong root system early in the spring is the best way to survive the upcoming summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pulaski County's county score?
Pulaski County, Georgia has a composite county score of 45.1 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 Pulaski County rank among counties in Georgia?
Pulaski County ranks #95 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 Pulaski County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Pulaski County is $1,316, with an effective tax rate of 0.91%. This earns Pulaski County a tax score of 44.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Pulaski County?
The median household income in Pulaski County, Georgia is $47,688 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Pulaski County earns an income score of 10.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Pulaski County, Georgia a good place to live?
Pulaski County scores 45.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #95 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Pulaski 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 Pulaski County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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