CountyScore

Rabun County

Georgia · GA

#47 in Georgia
69.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Rabun County, Georgia

Rabun County is a national livability leader

Rabun County's composite score of 74.8 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 50%, ranking among the top-performing counties in America for livability. The score reflects exceptional tax efficiency balancing moderate costs.

Georgia's best performer in this group

Rabun County scores 74.8 against Georgia's state average of 70.9, ranking highest among these eight counties and in the upper echelon statewide. The county clearly leads this peer group.

Lowest tax burden in the entire group

Rabun County achieves a remarkable tax score of 87.2 with a 0.537% effective tax rate—the absolute lowest here—while maintaining a cost score of 78.4. Median home values of $272,600 and rent of $1,016/month reflect scenic mountain appeal at moderate premiums.

Higher housing prices limit entry for some

While taxes are exceptional, Rabun County's median home values exceed many peer counties, creating affordability barriers for lower-income households. Data remains unavailable for safety, health, schools, and environmental factors.

Prime for tax-minimizing affluent households

Rabun County suits established professionals, wealthy retirees, and families with solid incomes seeking maximum tax savings in a desirable mountain setting. The county rewards those who can afford higher home prices in exchange for America's lowest tax burden in this group.

Score breakdown

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

Tax87.2Cost78.4SafetyComing SoonHealth59.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome23.5Risk54.7WaterComing Soon
🏛87.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠78.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼23.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡54.7
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 Rabun County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Colbert County
Alabama
69.3
Median income: $56,736
Jackson County
Alabama
69.3
Median income: $49,454
Chugach Census Area
Alaska
69.3
Median income: $88,565
Sharp County
Arkansas
69.3
Median income: $42,950
Upson County
Georgia
69.3
Median income: $50,904

Deep Dives

Rabun County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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