countyscore
60
County Score
Safety 97.5Disaster Risk 91.7Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Quitman County, Georgia

Quitman County Outperforms National Median

Quitman County earns an impressive composite score of 60.0, significantly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This makes it a high-ranking outlier for its region.

Leading the Georgia State Average

With a 60.0 score, Quitman County far exceeds the Georgia state average of 46.7. It is one of the more livable counties in the state based on composite data metrics.

Elite Safety and Low Living Costs

The county boasts an elite safety score of 97.5 and an environmental risk score of 91.7. Housing is exceptionally affordable, reflected in a cost score of 80.0 and a median home value of $103,000.

Significant Income and Health Gaps

Economic opportunity is very low, with an income score of just 1.5 and a median household income of $36,838. Health outcomes also lag behind other metrics with a score of 17.8.

Perfect for Safe, Ultra-Affordable Retirement

Quitman County is a top choice for retirees or remote workers who do not depend on the local economy for income. It offers a rare combination of extreme safety and very low housing costs.

2040608010049.48097.517.8431.591.78654Tax49.4Cost80Safety97.5Health17.8Schools43Income1.5Risk91.7Water86Weather5460/100
This county
National avg
4 above average3 below average

Quitman County DNA

Doverall

How Quitman County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Quitman County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (91.7/100) but notably weak in Income (1.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
49.4
Cost
80+32
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
17.8-32.2
Schools
43-11
Income
1.5-49.5
Risk
91.7+44.7
Water
86+28
Weather
54
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Many homeowners in Quitman County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$103,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$734/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$103,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,360/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $36,838/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Taylor County
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Nearby counties

Clay County
Georgia
56
Stewart County
Georgia
58.6
Randolph County
Georgia
52.5
Barbour County
Alabama
46
Henry County
Alabama
55.9
Russell County
Alabama
55
Webster County
Georgia
65.2
Calhoun County
Georgia
57.7

Deep Dives

Quitman County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Quitman County

via TaxByCounty

Quitman taxes far below national norms

Quitman County's effective tax rate of 0.844% sits well below the national median rate, and its median property tax of just $869 is only one-third of the national median of $2,690. This exceptional affordability reflects both Quitman's modest property values and low tax rate.

Below Georgia average, rural advantage

Quitman County's 0.844% effective rate falls below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, and its median tax bill of $869 is nearly $660 less than the state median of $1,529. This rural county offers among the lowest total tax burdens in Georgia.

Lowest absolute taxes in the region

Quitman County's median tax bill of $869 is the lowest among peers, even below Randolph County's $800 effective bill but with a lower rate (0.844% vs. 0.880%). Quitman's combination of modest home values and reasonable rates creates exceptional affordability.

Lowest-cost county to own property

On Quitman County's median home value of $103,000 and effective rate of 0.844%, homeowners pay only $869 in annual property taxes. This modest burden ranks among Georgia's most affordable, with detailed mortgage escrow data limited but clearly low.

Appeal if your assessment seems high

Even in tax-friendly Quitman County, homeowners should verify their assessed values against comparable recent sales. An appeal can be filed if your assessed value exceeds fair market value, protecting your already-low tax bill from overpayment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Quitman County

via CostByCounty

Quitman's rents devour modest incomes

At 23.9%, Quitman County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's least affordable, with residents earning just $36,838 annually—barely half the national $74,755 median. Even modest $734 monthly rent consumes nearly a quarter of household income, leaving little for other necessities.

Georgia's least affordable county

Quitman County's 23.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks worst in Georgia, far exceeding the state's 18.6% average by 5.3 percentage points. With the lowest median household income ($36,838) among peer counties, Quitman residents face the state's most severe affordability crisis.

Quitman's crisis outpaces all peers

Quitman's 23.9% rent-to-income ratio dwarfs every regional neighbor—Pierce (16.8%), Pike (15.1%), Polk (18.9%), Putnam (19.9%), and Pulaski (19.9%). At $36,838 median income, Quitman residents earn substantially less than surrounding counties, turning even affordable rents into budget-breaking expenses.

Income collapse defines Quitman

Quitman residents earning $36,838 dedicate 23.9% to $734 rent, while homeowners pay $617 on $103,000 median homes. The root cause isn't high housing costs but a severe income deficit: Quitman's earnings run 40% below the state median, making any housing burden feel catastrophic.

Quitman requires income well above median

Only relocate to Quitman if your income significantly exceeds the county's $36,838 median; otherwise, the 23.9% rent burden will dominate your budget. This is Georgia's least affordable county for renters—compare aggressively with every neighbor before choosing Quitman over alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Quitman County

via IncomeByCounty

Quitman faces severe income shortfall

Quitman County's median household income of $36,838 falls nearly 51% below the national median of $74,755, among the lowest-income counties nationwide. This dramatic gap signals profound economic hardship and severely limited earning opportunities in the county.

Georgia's lowest median household income

At $36,838, Quitman County ranks last among Georgia counties, falling 39% below the state median of $60,488. Its per capita income of $24,325 ranks equally low, at 22% below the state average of $31,115.

Most economically distressed in region

Quitman's median income of $36,838 falls $10,000+ below every surrounding county, including Pulaski ($47,688) and Randolph ($25,425), making it the region's most economically challenged county. The disparity suggests concentration of poverty and limited employment base.

Housing costs dominate household budgets

Quitman's rent-to-income ratio of 23.9% is among the highest statewide, meaning nearly one-quarter of household income goes to housing alone. The median home value of $103,000 is historically low, yet still strains severely limited household finances.

Emergency savings as first priority

In Quitman's constrained economy, establishing even a modest emergency fund of $500–$1,000 provides crucial financial buffer against unexpected costs. Connecting with nonprofit financial counseling and community development resources can help households navigate severe budget constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Quitman County

via CrimeByCounty

Perfect Safety Score in Quitman

Quitman County records a perfect safety score of 100.0 with a reported crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000. This is significantly lower than the national average rate of 2,385.5.

Quitman Leads State Safety Rankings

A safety score of 100.0 puts Quitman far ahead of the Georgia state average of 97.8. However, this lack of reported crime is rare and likely reflects a gap in data collection.

Interpreting Local Data Gaps

With only one agency reporting, the zero-crime figure should be viewed with caution as it likely indicates limited data submission rather than an total absence of crime. Residents should look to neighboring counties for a more realistic regional safety baseline.

Limited Reporting Affects Breakdowns

Current data shows 0.0 for both violent and property crime rates. While this sounds ideal, it suggests that local incidents are not being fully captured in the 2022 national reporting cycle.

Vigilance is Always Key

Even with a 'perfect' score, maintaining home security through good lighting and neighborhood communication is vital. Don't let low reporting lead to a false sense of total security.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Quitman County

via SchoolsByCounty

Georgia's Smallest School Landscape

Quitman County operates one of the smallest public school systems in the state, with only two schools serving 317 total students. The infrastructure consists of one elementary school serving PK-8 and one high school.

High Per-Pupil Spending in a Small District

The county spends a significant $9,756 per pupil, well above the state average, though graduation rates currently sit at 69.0%. This reflects the high cost of maintaining specialized services for a very small student population.

Intimate Learning in Quitman County

The single Quitman County district manages the entire local education program with no charter schools. The high school is particularly small, with only 107 students, allowing for high levels of individual attention.

Small-Town Feel for Every Student

Both schools are located in town settings, making them central community hubs. With an average school size of only 159 students, the education experience here is more intimate than almost anywhere else in the state.

Unique Opportunities for Small-School Lovers

If you are looking for a community where every teacher knows every student's name, Quitman County offers an unmatched small-scale environment. Check out local real estate to find a home near these uniquely small town schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Quitman County

via RiskByCounty

Quitman County Among Safest

Quitman County's composite risk score of 8.33 ranks it in the Very Low category nationally, placing it among the safest U.S. counties for multi-hazard exposure. The county's geography provides exceptional natural protection against most disaster types.

Georgia's Second-Safest County

Quitman County scores 8.33 compared to Georgia's 39.49 average, making it one of only two counties in this analysis (along with Pike) at the state's safest tier. The county's low-risk designation reflects its southwestern location and terrain characteristics.

Quitman's Exceptional Safety

Quitman County (8.33) ties Pike County (8.05) as Georgia's lowest-risk counties, far outperforming nearby Pulaski County (18.16) and Pierce County (22.68). This advantageous positioning makes Quitman an outlier for disaster safety in the region.

Hurricane Is Quitman's Main Concern

Hurricane risk (62.66) represents Quitman County's single highest hazard, though all other risk categories remain exceptionally low. Flood risk (4.71) and earthquake risk (17.56) rank among the lowest in the state.

Focused Coverage for Quitman

While Quitman County's overall risk is exceptional, homeowners should still carry hurricane coverage given the 62.66 hurricane risk rating despite the county's distance from the coast. Standard homeowners policies may provide adequate baseline protection; verify that wind coverage extends to hurricane-force winds.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Quitman County

via WaterByCounty

Quitman County Reports Zero Health Violations

Quitman County earns a Grade A for its drinking water compliance over the last five years. With a 0.0 violation rate, it outperforms the state average of 152.5 per 100,000 residents.

Half of Assessed Water Bodies Are Impaired

The 2022 reporting cycle shows that 50.0% of the 10 assessed water bodies in the county fail to meet standards. Fecal coliform and high chlorophyll-a levels are the primary drivers of these impairments.

Intensive Monitoring Across Three Key Sites

Agencies have recorded 6,671 measurements from 3 sites over the past five years. Monitoring efforts are concentrated on physical properties and nutrient levels to track watershed health.

Pataula Creek Running Below Seasonal Norms

Current discharge at Pataula Creek near Georgetown is 141 cfs, or 42% of its historical mean. This gauge represents a 295-square-mile area and indicates a moderate reduction in typical streamflow.

Nutrient Awareness for Watershed Protection

High chlorophyll-a levels suggest nutrient loading in the watershed, which can lead to algae issues. While drinking water compliance is excellent, residents should be mindful of runoff that contributes to these fecal and nutrient impairments.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Quitman County

via WeatherByCounty

Consistent Southern Warmth Above Median

Quitman County maintains an average temperature of 62.7°F, placing it firmly above the U.S. national median. The climate is categorized by long, humid summers and very mild transitions between seasons.

Mirroring the Georgia State Average

The annual average of 62.7°F is nearly identical to the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. This makes Quitman a representative example of the state's overall thermal profile.

Persistent Heat and Limited Rain Data

While annual precipitation data is currently unavailable, the county records 61 days of extreme heat annually. This heat profile is standard for the region, though slightly milder than the state's extreme south.

Hot July Peaks and Moderate Winters

July averages reach 78.1°F, while winter months remain relatively warm at 47.4°F. There is no recorded annual snowfall, ensuring that winters are mostly damp rather than white.

Prepare for Humid Summer Conditions

With 61 days over 90°F, residents should ensure their HVAC systems are serviced before the summer peak. Light, breathable clothing is the local standard for the long, 77.2°F average summer season.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Quitman County

via SoilByCounty

Exploring Quitman's Soil Foundation

Specific data on pH and soil taxonomy are currently unavailable for Quitman County. Given the regional climate, you likely have acidic soil that sits well below the national 6.5 pH median.

Missing Composition Metrics

Public records do not currently list the sand, silt, and clay breakdown for Quitman County. Testing your soil texture at home can reveal whether you need to manage for fast drainage or heavy clay.

Targeting Higher Organic Matter

With organic matter and water capacity data missing, local growers should aim to surpass the state average of 1.83%. Adding organic material is the best way to boost the growing potential of your land.

Understanding Water Movement

We lack specific drainage and hydrologic group information for this county. Observing how your land handles Georgia's seasonal rains will guide your decisions for drainage and foundation work.

Success in Zone 8b

Quitman County thrives in hardiness zone 8b, offering a long season for warm-weather crops. This is a great region for sweet potatoes, peppers, and various fruit trees.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Quitman County

via LawnByCounty

Steady Maintenance Needed in Quitman

Quitman County scores 32.9 on the lawn difficulty scale, slightly more challenging than the Georgia average of 35.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, the county presents a typical southern climate with a long, warm growing season. Maintaining a lawn here requires a consistent commitment to irrigation and weed management.

Predictable Heat and Steady Growth

The county faces 61 extreme heat days per year, which is slightly below the state average of 65 days. With 5,238 growing degree days, your turf has plenty of energy for growth, though it requires regular mowing to stay tidy. While annual precipitation data is limited, the moderate heat helps prevent the most extreme moisture loss.

Understand Your Soil Composition

With specific soil data unavailable, you should manually check for the sandy textures common along the western Georgia border. Well-draining soil is a benefit, but it often requires more frequent, light fertilization to replace nutrients that wash away. A professional soil test will confirm if your yard needs lime to adjust the pH level.

Facing Total Severe Drought

Quitman County is currently under 100% severe drought conditions, and has spent 24 weeks in drought over the past year. This makes efficient water use the most important part of your lawn care routine right now. Ensure your irrigation system has no leaks and consider a 'cycle and soak' method to prevent water from running off the surface.

Planting for the Long Season

Bermuda and St. Augustine grasses are the most resilient choices for this climate and the 8b hardiness zone. The last spring frost typically falls around March 15, allowing for an early start to the planting season. If you establish your lawn early and manage water carefully, you can maintain a vibrant yard despite the current drought.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Quitman County's county score?
Quitman County, Georgia has a composite county score of 60 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 Quitman County rank among counties in Georgia?
Quitman County ranks #11 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 Quitman County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Quitman County is $869, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Quitman County a tax score of 49.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Quitman County?
The median household income in Quitman County, Georgia is $36,838 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Quitman County earns an income score of 1.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Quitman County, Georgia a good place to live?
Quitman County scores 60/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #11 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Quitman 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 Quitman County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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