countyscore
39
County Score
Safety 78.7Water Quality 69Property Tax 46.6

County Report Card

About Richmond County, Georgia

Richmond Trails the National Median

Richmond County holds a composite score of 39.0, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This score reflects significant room for growth compared to peers across the country. Residents experience a lower overall quality of life index than many mid-sized American counties.

Falling Short of Georgia's Average

The county's 39.0 score sits nearly eight points behind the Georgia state average of 46.7. This gap suggests that Richmond struggles to keep pace with the state's more competitive locales. Local leaders face challenges in aligning the county with Georgia's broader economic and social benchmarks.

High Safety and Reliable Infrastructure

Safety is a notable highlight, with a score of 78.7 outpacing many urban areas. The county also benefits from a solid water quality score of 69.0. These foundational infrastructure and security metrics provide a stable base for the community.

High Environmental Risk and Social Hurdles

A low risk score of 12.6 indicates significant vulnerability to natural disasters or environmental factors. Schools and health also lag behind, with scores of 20.8 and 21.0 respectively. Low median household incomes of $53,197 further pressure local social mobility.

Best for Secure, Urban Living

Richmond County suits individuals who prioritize personal safety and urban amenities over school rankings or high income potential. It is an affordable option for those with stable external income sources. The combination of low housing costs and high safety scores attracts budget-conscious urbanites.

Score breakdown

Tax46.6Cost26.6Safety78.7Health21Schools20.8Income21.1Risk12.6Water69Weather35
🏛46.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼21.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡78.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤21
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓20.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡12.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧69
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨13.1
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱30.1
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 Richmond County

Whether buying or refinancing in Richmond 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 Richmond County with Monterey County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Monterey County
California
Median income: $94,486
39
Hall County
Georgia
Median income: $77,430
39
Oneida County
New York
Median income: $68,819
39
Rockingham County
North Carolina
Median income: $55,796
39
Delaware County
Oklahoma
Median income: $55,114
39
Erie County
Pennsylvania
Median income: $61,476
39
Greenwood County
South Carolina
Median income: $50,635
39
Meriwether County
Georgia
Median income: $56,458
38.9

Nearby counties

Columbia County
Georgia
51.5
Aiken County
South Carolina
44.5
Burke County
Georgia
49.8
McDuffie County
Georgia
46.4
Edgefield County
South Carolina
59
Jefferson County
Georgia
45.8
Glascock County
Georgia
55.1
Warren County
Georgia
58.4

Deep Dives

Richmond County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Richmond County

via TaxByCounty

Richmond taxes well below national average

Richmond County's effective tax rate of 0.882% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.92%, placing the county in the lower half of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax here is $1,440 annually—roughly half the national median of $2,690—thanks partly to lower median home values of $163,300 compared to the national $281,900.

Nearly identical to Georgia's county average

Richmond County ranks right at Georgia's state average with an effective rate of 0.882% versus the statewide average of 0.898%. Its median tax bill of $1,440 falls slightly below Georgia's county median of $1,529, making it a moderate-tax jurisdiction within the state.

Lower taxes than most regional peers

Richmond County's 0.882% rate beats Spalding County (0.965%) and Screven County (1.181%) nearby. Only Rockdale County (0.718%) and Stephens County (0.830%) in the broader region offer notably lower effective rates.

Median home costs about $1,440 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median property value of $163,300 can expect to pay roughly $1,440 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to approximately $1,695 once additional county and school levies apply.

Check if your assessment is fair

Many Georgia homeowners discover their properties are overassessed during market downturns or after home improvements are misvalued. If you believe your tax assessment doesn't match current market conditions or comparable homes nearby, filing an appeal with Richmond County's assessor's office could lower your annual bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Richmond County

via CostByCounty

Richmond rents strain household budgets

At 24.5%, Richmond County's rent-to-income ratio runs 6 percentage points higher than the national norm, meaning renters here spend roughly a quarter of their earnings on housing. The county's median household income of $53,197 falls $21,558 below the national average, widening the affordability gap significantly.

Above Georgia's housing pressure line

Richmond County's 24.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's state average of 18.6% by nearly 6 points, placing it among the state's more strained housing markets. Only the most expensive metro counties in Georgia face comparable affordability pressures for renters.

Pricier than surrounding rural counties

Richmond's median rent of $1,087 runs $140-$499 above neighboring rural counties like Screven ($629) and Schley ($746), though it remains below Rockdale County's $1,341. The county's median home value of $163,300 sits squarely between its rural neighbors and the more developed Rockdale County's $256,600.

Housing consumes nearly a quarter of income

Richmond renters spend $1,087 monthly on housing while homeowners pay $991, leaving limited room in a $53,197 median household income for other essentials. Together, these housing costs represent 24.5% of renters' income and 22.3% of homeowners' income, both above comfort thresholds.

Consider rural neighbors for lower costs

If you're weighing a move to this region, comparing Richmond to nearby Screven County could save you $458 monthly in rent with similar community amenities. Homebuyers might also explore the $152,900 median value in Schley County—roughly $11,000 less than Richmond's comparable properties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Richmond County

via IncomeByCounty

Richmond falls short of national income mark

Richmond County's median household income of $53,197 lags 29% behind the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it in the lower-income tier nationally. Residents here earn roughly $21,600 less per household than the typical American family, a gap that compounds over time.

Below Georgia's average across the board

At $53,197, Richmond County's median household income trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by about 12%. The county ranks in the lower half of Georgia's 159 counties, suggesting limited high-wage employment opportunities locally.

Competing with similar rural Georgia counties

Richmond County earns slightly more than neighboring Screven County ($53,017) but significantly less than nearby Spalding County ($60,217). Among comparable counties in its region, Richmond sits in the middle tier, with stronger income than Stewart County but weaker than Rockdale.

Rent consumes a manageable share here

Richmond County's rent-to-income ratio of 24.5% exceeds the recommended 30% threshold by a modest margin, though some households struggle more. With a median home value of $163,300, homeownership remains within reach for dual-income families but tight for single-earner households.

Build savings habits to close the gap

Richmond residents earning $53,197 should prioritize emergency savings and low-cost index funds to build wealth over time. Even modest monthly contributions—$100 to $200—can compound significantly, narrowing the income gap between Richmond and higher-earning counties.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Richmond County

via CrimeByCounty

Richmond County Outperforms National Safety Averages

Richmond County maintains a strong safety score of 99.2, signaling a secure environment for residents. Its total crime rate of 505.9 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

A Leader in Georgia Safety Rankings

The county's crime rate sits far below the Georgia state average of 1,412.9 per 100K. Richmond's safety score of 99.2 also beats the state average of 97.8.

Comparing Regional Safety Trends

Richmond's crime rate of 505.9 is more favorable than neighbor Screven County, which reports 720.1 per 100K. Seven local reporting agencies work together to keep these numbers consistently low.

Low Violent Crime Defines Local Safety

Violent crime is rare here, occurring at a rate of just 61.6 per 100K compared to the national 369.8. Property crime makes up the bulk of local incidents at 444.3 per 100K.

Staying Vigilant in Richmond County

While rates are low, proactive home security remains the best defense against property theft. Investing in smart locks or cameras helps maintain the county's impressive safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Richmond County

via HealthByCounty

Richmond County lags on national health

At 71.4 years, Richmond County's life expectancy falls 5.6 years below the U.S. average of 77 years, signaling health challenges that demand attention. Nearly a quarter of residents (23.7%) report poor or fair health, compared to 17% nationally.

Below average for Georgia

Richmond County's 71.4-year life expectancy ranks below Georgia's 73.3-year state average, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. The 23.7% poor/fair health rate also exceeds the state trend.

Similar struggles across the region

Richmond County performs slightly better than nearby Screven County (70.9 years) and Stewart County (71.0 years), but trails Rockdale County (75.7 years) by over 4 years. Mental health providers here (359 per 100K) exceed most neighboring counties, a notable bright spot.

Uninsured rate and provider gaps

Richmond County's 12.4% uninsured rate beats the state average of 15.0%, showing progress in coverage. Yet with only 89 primary care providers per 100K residents, access remains constrained for routine preventive care.

Check your coverage today

Even with strong mental health provider availability, many residents still lack insurance. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Georgia's health department to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, or employer coverage options.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Richmond County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Large Urban School System

Richmond County manages a robust educational infrastructure with 55 public schools serving 30,597 students. The system is split across two districts and features a diverse mix of 32 elementary, 8 middle, and 12 high schools.

Evaluating Graduation and Investment Gains

The county reports a 77.0% graduation rate, trailing both the Georgia average of 88.1% and the national mark of 87.0%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,871, which is below the state average of $7,405 and significantly less than the national median of $13,000.

Spotlighting Major Districts and Charters

The Richmond County district dominates the landscape with 52 schools and 29,589 students. The county also hosts the Georgia School for Innovation and the Classics, a state charter school serving 969 students.

City-Centered Schools and Campus Life

Education here is primarily urban, with 46 of the 55 schools located in city settings and an average enrollment of 556 students. Richmond Hill K-8 is the largest campus with 1,174 students, while high schools like Academy of Richmond County maintain large student bodies over 1,100.

Finding Your Home Near Richmond Schools

Families looking for city-based education often prioritize homes near established high schools like Cross Creek or Hephzibah. Research local school scores and enrollment trends to find the right neighborhood for your student's needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Richmond County

via RiskByCounty

Richmond County faces above-average risk

Richmond County's composite risk score of 87.40 places it well above the national baseline, indicating substantially elevated exposure to multiple hazards. This relatively moderate rating reflects serious tornado and earthquake vulnerabilities that demand attention from residents and planners.

Among Georgia's highest-risk counties

Richmond County ranks as one of Georgia's most hazard-prone areas, with a composite score of 87.40 compared to the state average of 39.49. This two-to-one ratio underscores the county's disproportionate vulnerability compared to most of its neighbors.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Richmond County's risk profile stands apart from adjacent counties like Aiken and Burke, which face lower overall exposure. The county's elevated tornado risk (95.20) and earthquake risk (90.04) are particularly acute compared to regional peers.

Tornadoes and earthquakes pose greatest threat

Tornado risk dominates Richmond County's hazard profile at 95.20—an exceptionally high score that warrants robust emergency preparedness planning and shelter awareness. Earthquake risk of 90.04 and flood risk of 86.48 compound the threats, requiring households to prepare for multiple disaster scenarios.

Prioritize comprehensive disaster coverage now

Given Richmond County's elevated multi-hazard exposure, homeowners should secure both standard homeowners insurance and separate flood coverage, as floods remain excluded from most policies. Consider reinforcing your roof and identifying or building a tornado shelter—these steps, combined with appropriate insurance, provide essential protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Richmond County

via WeatherByCounty

High Heat and Lower National Precipitation

Richmond County's 66.3°F annual average is significantly warmer than the national median. It also receives just 44.4 inches of rain, which is lower than many of its Eastern U.S. peers.

Hotter and Drier Than Georgia Average

Richmond is nearly 3 degrees warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It is also notably drier, receiving about 7 inches less precipitation than the state average of 51.4 inches.

Prolonged Heat in the Savannah River Basin

The county faces 83 days of extreme heat annually, making it one of the hotter urban areas in the state. Snow is negligible at 0.8 inches, often melting as soon as it hits the ground.

Sweltering Summers and Mild Winters

The July average hits a high 83.4°F, while the total summer average remains a warm 82.0°F. Winters are short and gentle, with January temperatures averaging 48.2°F.

Plan for High Cooling Costs

With 83 extreme heat days, high-efficiency HVAC and home insulation are critical for managing utility bills. The drier 44.4-inch annual rainfall suggests a need for drought-tolerant landscaping.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Richmond County

via SoilByCounty

Richmond’s Acidic Inceptisol Identity

Richmond County features Inceptisols with a silt loam texture that provides a sturdy base for development. The average pH of 5.20 is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This acidity is common for the region but often requires lime to support a wider range of crops.

Sandy Texture with Silt Loam Character

The soil contains 69.0% sand, 19.9% silt, and 11.0% clay, balancing workability with structure. This mix provides moderate drainage and is easier to till than the heavier clays found in northern Georgia. The silt content helps hold onto nutrients better than purely sandy coastal soils.

Lower Organic Matter and Standard Water Retention

Organic matter sits at 1.48%, which falls below the state average of 1.83%. Available water capacity is 0.110 in/in, aligning closely with the state benchmark of 0.114 in/in. These figures suggest a need for regular compost additions to boost natural fertility and moisture holding.

Well-Drained Land in Hydrologic Group B

This county is classified as well drained and falls into hydrologic group B. These conditions indicate a moderate infiltration rate even when the soil is thoroughly wet. This profile is ideal for both agriculture and residential building because it avoids chronic waterlogging.

Productive Gardening in Zone 8b

Sitting in USDA hardiness zone 8b, Richmond County supports a long growing season for heat-loving crops. With its silt loam texture, blueberries and pecans perform exceptionally well here. Start your garden today with acid-loving ornamentals like azaleas to see immediate success.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Richmond County

via LawnByCounty

Richmond County Faces Steep Lawn Challenges

Richmond County earns a lawn difficulty score of 30.1, placing it well below the national median of 50.0. This Zone 8b environment is more demanding than the Georgia state average of 35.8, requiring dedicated effort to maintain green space.

Sizzling Summers and Aggressive Growing Cycles

With 83 extreme heat days annually, Richmond surpasses the state average of 65 days of scorching weather. The 6,351 growing degree days signal a long, active season that requires frequent mowing between the March 23 frost and the December 4 freeze.

Acidic Silt Loam Needs Heavy Buffering

Local soil is notably acidic with a pH of 5.20, far from the 6.0-7.0 ideal for turf. The high 69.0% sand content provides good drainage, but the low pH means homeowners must apply lime regularly to unlock essential nutrients.

Recovering from Thirty Weeks of Drought

The county endured 30 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100.0% of the area remains abnormally dry. To survive these dry spells, residents should focus on deep watering cycles that reach the root zone of their well-drained soil.

Tough Turf for the Savannah River Valley

Bermuda and Zoysia are top picks for this 8b climate due to their superior heat tolerance and recovery speed. Plan your major seeding or sodding projects for late March to take advantage of the long growing window before the July heat hits.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Richmond County's county score?
Richmond County, Georgia has a composite county score of 39 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 Richmond County rank among counties in Georgia?
Richmond County ranks #126 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 Richmond County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Richmond County is $1,440, with an effective tax rate of 0.88%. This earns Richmond County a tax score of 46.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Richmond County?
The median household income in Richmond County, Georgia is $53,197 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Richmond County earns an income score of 21.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Richmond County, Georgia a good place to live?
Richmond County scores 39/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #126 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Richmond 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 Richmond 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.