countyscore
50.8
County Score
Property Tax 82.2Weather & Climate 79.2Schools 74.2

County Report Card

About Rabun County, Georgia

Rabun County Above National Median

Rabun County scores a 50.8 composite, placing it slightly above the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the top half of American counties for livability and quality of life.

A Strong Performer in Georgia

Rabun County’s score of 50.8 comfortably beats the Georgia state average of 46.7. This makes it a standout choice for those looking to relocate within the state.

Superior Schools and Very Low Taxes

The county features an exceptional tax score of 82.2, driven by a very low effective tax rate of 0.537%. Education is also a major highlight, with a school score of 74.2.

Infrastructure and Safety Improvements Needed

Water quality and infrastructure are weak spots with a score of 16.6. Safety also trails other metrics at 29.9, suggesting areas where public investment could be better focused.

Best for Wealthy Families and Tax-Savers

Rabun County is ideal for high-income earners who want to minimize their tax burden while accessing quality education. The trade-off involves navigating lower scores in local safety and water infrastructure.

Score breakdown

Tax82.2Cost43.5Safety29.9Health36Schools74.2Income43.6Risk54.7Water16.6Weather79.2
🏛82.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠43.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼43.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡29.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓74.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡54.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧16.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤79.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱63.6
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 →
Sponsored

Compare mortgage rates in Rabun County

Whether buying or refinancing in Rabun County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

See Today's Rates

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
Compare Rabun County with Otsego County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Otsego County
Michigan
Median income: $67,285
50.8
Morrison County
Minnesota
Median income: $68,640
50.8
Wilson County
Tennessee
Median income: $94,048
50.8
Wood County
Texas
Median income: $62,524
50.8
Warren County
Virginia
Median income: $84,331
50.8
Eau Claire County
Wisconsin
Median income: $71,834
50.8
St. Croix County
Wisconsin
Median income: $102,482
50.8
Tallapoosa County
Alabama
Median income: $57,185
50.7

Nearby counties

Habersham County
Georgia
55.5
Oconee County
South Carolina
48
Stephens County
Georgia
46.9
Towns County
Georgia
68.1
Macon County
North Carolina
56
White County
Georgia
45.9
Clay County
North Carolina
56.1
Jackson County
North Carolina
55.5

Deep Dives

Rabun County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Rabun County

via TaxByCounty

Rabun has Georgia's lowest tax rate

Rabun County's effective tax rate of 0.537% is extraordinarily low—likely the lowest in Georgia and a fraction of the national median rate. Despite higher home values ($272,600 median), Rabun's median property tax of just $1,463 remains well below the national median of $2,690.

Lowest-taxed county in entire state

Rabun County's 0.537% effective rate is dramatically below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, giving it an unmatched tax advantage statewide. The median tax bill of $1,463 is $66 below the state median despite Rabun's higher property values, showcasing exceptional tax efficiency.

Dramatically lower rate than all peers

Rabun County's 0.537% rate is less than two-thirds of Putnam County's already-low 0.723%, and a fraction of rates in Pike (0.924%), Pierce (0.915%), and Polk (0.799%). This historic advantage makes Rabun the region's premier tax haven.

Median home costs just $1,463 yearly

On Rabun County's median home value of $272,600—nearly the highest in the region—an effective rate of 0.537% yields only $1,463 in annual property taxes. With mortgage escrow, that reaches approximately $1,560, an extraordinary value for higher-priced properties.

Verify your assessment regularly

Rabun County homeowners should periodically review their assessed values against recent arm's-length sales of comparable properties. Even with the county's exceptional low rate, confirming fair assessment protects you from any overpayment.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rabun County

via CostByCounty

Rabun balances mountain appeal and cost

At 19.8%, Rabun County's rent-to-income ratio approaches but stays just below the national affordability threshold, despite high home values ($272,600 median). The county's $61,466 median income falls short of the nation's $74,755, yet modest $1,016 rents keep the ratio manageable for renters.

Rabun ranks above Georgia average

Rabun County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio edges above Georgia's 18.6% state average, though only slightly, placing the county in the state's less affordable tier. With $1,016 monthly rent versus the state's $927 median, Rabun's mountain location commands a pricing premium.

Rabun's premium reflects mountain value

Rabun's $1,016 rent aligns closely with Pike ($1,056) and Putnam ($1,063), but Rabun's true cost emerges in home values at $272,600—the region's highest and $50,000 above Pike's. This suggests Rabun attracts buyers willing to pay for mountain scenery and lifestyle, not affordability.

Scenic living commands Rabun premiums

Rabun residents earning $61,466 spend 19.8% on $1,016 rent, while homeowners pay $759 on $272,600 median homes. The gap between rental and owner costs suggests Rabun attracts long-term residents planning to invest in mountain property rather than renters seeking quick affordability.

Rabun suits mountain lifestyle seekers

Consider Rabun if you value mountain living and plan long-term homeownership; its 19.8% rent-to-income ratio stays manageable despite the highest home values in the region. Compare directly with Pike (15.1%) if affordability is your priority, but choose Rabun if scenery and community justify the premium.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Rabun County

via IncomeByCounty

Rabun approaches national income benchmark

Rabun County's median household income of $61,466 sits 18% below the national median of $74,755, placing it modestly below U.S. norms. This gap is smaller than many rural Georgia counties, reflecting relatively stable local earning opportunities.

Slightly above Georgia state average

Rabun County's $61,466 median household income marginally exceeds Georgia's state median of $60,488 by 2%, ranking it in the middle-upper tier statewide. Its per capita income of $38,315 significantly outperforms the state average of $31,115 by 23%, suggesting prosperous households.

Well-positioned in its regional cluster

Rabun's median income of $61,466 outpaces Putnam ($64,163) and clearly exceeds Pierce ($56,691) and Polk ($55,308), establishing it as a solid performer. The county stands comfortably within the upper-middle range of its immediate geography.

Housing costs remain manageable overall

Rabun's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% exceeds the ideal 15% threshold but remains reasonable for a rural county, with housing consuming close to one-fifth of earnings. The median home value of $272,600 reflects robust property values and a desirable residential market.

Strong per capita income fuels investing

Rabun's per capita income of $38,315—the highest among its county cluster—enables households to prioritize diversified investments and long-term wealth building. Establishing retirement contributions and exploring real estate investment opportunities can leverage this income advantage.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Rabun County

via CrimeByCounty

Rabun County is Safer than National Average

Rabun County holds a safety score of 97.4, indicating a high level of security for its residents. Its total crime rate of 1,667.1 per 100,000 is notably lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Tracking Near the State Average

The county's safety score of 97.4 is just below the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,667.1 is slightly higher than the state average of 1,412.9.

Broad Oversight in the Mountains

Five different reporting agencies monitor Rabun County, providing a comprehensive view of safety in this mountain community. This thorough reporting helps the county identify and address local trends more effectively than areas with fewer agencies.

High Property Safety, Low Violent Crime

Violent crime is very low at just 112.3 per 100,000 residents, which is well below the national average. Property crime represents the majority of local incidents at ,1554.8 per 100,000.

Protecting Your Mountain Home

Because property crime is the most likely risk, residents should invest in secure entryways and alarm systems. Working with the county's five agencies ensures that Rabun remains a safe place to live.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rabun County

via HealthByCounty

Rabun County has outstanding provider access

Rabun County's 74.3-year life expectancy approaches the U.S. average of 76.4 years, and its 17.3% poor/fair health rate is reasonable. The county shines with 70 primary care and an extraordinary 178 mental health providers per 100K—far exceeding national benchmarks.

Strong health profile, excellent services

At 74.3 years, Rabun County exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year average by a full year, ranking among the state's healthier counties. The 17.3% poor/fair health rate also trails the state trend, and the county's provider density—especially 178 mental health providers per 100K—is exceptional for Georgia.

Best provider access in the region

Rabun County's 70 primary care and 178 mental health providers per 100K far surpass all neighbors, including Pulaski (61, 30) and Putnam (40, 39). This outstanding infrastructure positions Rabun as a regional healthcare hub despite the 19.7% uninsured rate.

Excellent care access, uninsured barrier

Rabun County residents enjoy exceptional access to both primary and mental health providers, supporting comprehensive care delivery. However, 19.7% lack insurance—the highest uninsured rate in this county group—creating a paradox where abundant services meet reduced ability to pay.

Maximize Rabun's healthcare assets

Nearly 1 in 5 Rabun County residents are uninsured despite living in a county with outstanding healthcare resources. Don't miss out—visit healthcare.gov or local health centers to secure Medicaid or marketplace coverage and take full advantage of Rabun's excellent provider network.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rabun County

via SchoolsByCounty

Quality Public Education in the Mountains

Rabun County provides a stable education framework with four public schools serving 2,270 students. The system is organized into two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.

Top-Tier Performance and Funding

Rabun County excels with a 92.0% graduation rate and an impressive composite school score of 59.7. The district supports these results with high funding levels, spending $9,349 per pupil compared to the Georgia average of $7,405.

Traditional Excellence in a Single District

The Rabun County School District manages all local campuses with no charter schools in the area. Rabun County Elementary School and Rabun County High School are nearly identical in size, each serving roughly 650 students.

Consistently Rural and Community-Focused

All four schools are located in rural locales, reflecting the county's mountain character. Campus sizes are comfortable and mid-sized, averaging 568 students, which fosters a strong sense of community and student belonging.

Invest in a High-Performing District

Rabun County offers some of the best academic metrics in the region, making it a top choice for families. Look for homes in this beautiful rural area to take advantage of high school scores and strong graduation outcomes.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rabun County

via RiskByCounty

Rabun County's Moderate Exposure

Rabun County's composite risk score of 45.29 earns a Relatively Low rating nationally while exceeding the U.S. average, indicating above-average exposure to natural disasters. The county faces meaningful but manageable combined hazard risk.

Above Georgia's Average Risk

Rabun County's 45.29 score exceeds Georgia's 39.49 average by about 15%, placing it in the moderate-risk tier for the state. The county's mountainous terrain in northeast Georgia contributes to elevated exposure across multiple hazard categories.

Rabun in Regional Context

Rabun County (45.29) faces significantly higher risk than Pike (8.05), Quitman (8.33), and Pulaski (18.16), but lower than Polk (64.06) and Putnam (53.31). Its northeast Georgia mountain position explains the elevation above state average.

Wildfire and Flood Dominate

Rabun County confronts substantial wildfire risk (64.06) and flood risk (58.11), reflecting the county's mountainous geography and forest coverage. Earthquake risk (50.32) and hurricane risk (61.58) also warrant attention in preparedness planning.

Wildfire and Flood Insurance Priority

Rabun County homeowners should prioritize wildfire-resistant property improvements and flood insurance, as these represent the county's top hazards with scores exceeding 58. Review your policy for coverage in areas prone to mudslides and debris flow, common mountain hazards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Rabun County

via WeatherByCounty

A Temperate Climate Near National Median

Rabun County’s annual average temperature of 55.5°F is very close to the national median. This distinguishes it from the rest of the hot, humid Southeast and provides a much cooler living environment.

The Coolest Corner of Georgia

Averages in Rabun County are a full 8.2 degrees cooler than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It is one of the few places in the state where mountain air significantly suppresses summer heat.

State Leader in Annual Precipitation

Rabun County receives a massive 71.1 inches of rain per year, far exceeding the state average of 51.4 inches. It only sees 6 days of extreme heat annually, the lowest in this group.

Wet Summers and Snowy Winter Peaks

Winters are the coldest in the region with a January average of 37.9°F and 2.4 inches of snow. Summers are exceptionally mild, averaging just 70.8°F from June through August.

Heavy Waterproofing and Winter Prep

The 71.1 inches of rain make heavy-duty waterproof gear and gutter maintenance essential. Residents also need reliable heating systems to manage the colder 39.8°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Rabun County

via SoilByCounty

Mountain Soil Profiles in Rabun

Local data for pH and soil taxonomy are not currently recorded for Rabun County. Because mountain soils vary significantly from the plains, a local test is essential to see how you compare to the 6.5 pH national median.

Variable Mountain Textures

Current data lacks the sand, silt, and clay percentages for this unique mountain region. Texture plays a huge role in erosion control on steep slopes, making it a critical metric for local landowners.

Cultivating Fertile Mountain Land

Specific organic matter and water capacity levels for Rabun are missing from the dataset. Building healthy soil helps ensure your garden reaches its peak potential despite the lack of public benchmarks.

Managing Drainage on Sloped Terrain

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not officially documented here. In a mountainous county, managing runoff and ensuring proper drainage is the most important factor for any outdoor project.

Cooler Potential in Zone 7b

Rabun County sits in hardiness zone 7b, providing a cooler climate than most of Georgia. This allows for the successful cultivation of apples, berries, and cool-season vegetables that struggle elsewhere.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Rabun County

via LawnByCounty

Georgia's Easiest Lawns in Rabun

Rabun County is a lawn-grower's paradise with a difficulty score of 63.6, the highest in this group and far above the state average of 35.8. Situated in the cooler Hardiness Zone 7b, the mountain climate is much more forgiving than the rest of the state. It is one of the few Georgia counties that is significantly easier to manage than the national average.

Cool Breezes and Abundant Rain

Rabun receives a massive 71.1 inches of rain annually, nearly 20 inches more than the Georgia average. With only 6 extreme heat days per year, your grass avoids the scorching stress that plagues the rest of the state. The lower growing degree day count of 3,409 means your grass grows at a much more manageable pace.

Monitor Drainage in the Mountains

While specific soil metrics aren't available, the high rainfall in Rabun makes proper drainage your primary concern. Mountain soils can be rocky or thin, so adding topsoil or organic matter can help create a better base for turf roots. Ensure your soil isn't becoming too compacted from all the heavy rain to prevent root rot.

Managing Water Despite the Rain

Despite its high rainfall, 100% of Rabun County is currently in severe drought, highlighting how quickly mountain conditions can change. The county has seen 18 weeks of drought over the past year, which is fewer than its neighbors but still significant. Even in this lush environment, you must have a backup watering plan for dry autumns.

Cool-Season Grasses Thrive Here

Unlike most of Georgia, Rabun is perfect for cool-season grasses like Tall Fescue that stay green longer in the autumn. The last spring frost is later, around April 18, so wait until the ground warms before starting new projects. This unique climate allows for a beautiful, lush lawn with much less effort than the southern counties.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rabun County's county score?
Rabun County, Georgia has a composite county score of 50.8 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 Rabun County rank among counties in Georgia?
Rabun County ranks #57 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 Rabun County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Rabun County is $1,463, with an effective tax rate of 0.54%. This earns Rabun County a tax score of 82.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rabun County?
The median household income in Rabun County, Georgia is $61,466 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rabun County earns an income score of 43.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rabun County, Georgia a good place to live?
Rabun County scores 50.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #57 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Rabun 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 Rabun 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.