countyscore
46.3
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 77.3Safety 68.2

County Report Card

About Rockdale County, Georgia

Nearing the National Median Score

Rockdale County earns a composite score of 46.7, placing it just under the national median of 50.0. While it performs well in certain metrics, it remains slightly behind the middle of the pack nationally. The ranking suggests a balanced but evolving living environment.

Matching Georgia's Statewide Performance

Rockdale's composite score of 46.7 perfectly mirrors the Georgia state average. This alignment shows the county is a typical representative of the state's economic and social landscape. It remains competitive with neighboring suburban counties in the Atlanta metro periphery.

Strong Incomes and Low Taxes

The county boasts an impressive income score of 72.1, supported by a median household income of $72,349. Taxes are a major draw, with a score of 61.2 and a low effective tax rate of 0.718%. These factors help residents keep more of their earnings compared to state peers.

High Housing Costs Hinder Affordability

The cost score of 12.0 is the county's primary weakness, signaling a lack of affordable housing. Median gross rent sits at $1,341, and home values average $256,600, which is high for the region. Finding entry-level housing in this market proves difficult for new residents.

Ideal for Established Professionals

Rockdale County is a prime choice for high-earning professionals who value low tax burdens and high-quality infrastructure. It attracts those who can afford premium housing in exchange for economic stability. Families benefit from the combination of strong incomes and reliable water systems.

2040608010059.410.168.236.342.177.343.88658.7Tax59.4Cost10.1Safety68.2Health36.3Schools42.1Income77.3Risk43.8Water86Weather58.746.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Rockdale County DNA

Foverall

How Rockdale County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Rockdale County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (10.1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
59.4
Cost
10.1-37.9
Safety
68.2+13.200000000000003
Health
36.3-13.700000000000003
Schools
42.1-11.899999999999999
Income
77.3+26.299999999999997
Risk
43.8
Water
86+28
Weather
58.7
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Compare mortgage rates in Rockdale County

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

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$292,900

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$1,525/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$292,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$61,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $77,247/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

43.5

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Rockdale County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Rockdale County

via TaxByCounty

Rockdale offers Georgia's lowest tax rate

Rockdale County's effective tax rate of 0.718% ranks among the lowest in the nation, well below the national median of 0.92%. Despite higher home values ($256,600 median), the modest rate keeps annual property taxes at $1,843—still 31% below the national median of $2,690.

Lowest effective rate in Georgia

Rockdale County leads all Georgia counties with an effective tax rate of 0.718%, significantly below the state average of 0.898%. This rate advantage persists even as the county's median home value of $256,600 exceeds most other Georgia counties.

Clear tax advantage over surrounding counties

Rockdale's 0.718% rate undercuts Stephens County (0.830%), Richmond County (0.882%), and every other regional peer by a wide margin. The nearest competitor, Stephens County, charges 15% more in effective rate.

Premium homes at modest tax cost

A Rockdale homeowner with the county's $256,600 median home value pays roughly $1,843 annually in property taxes. Factoring in mortgage-related assessments, that bill rises to about $2,055 per year.

Still worth verifying your assessment

Even in low-tax counties, individual properties may be overassessed relative to recent sales of comparable homes. Request a free assessment review from Rockdale's assessor's office to ensure your tax bill reflects your home's actual market value.

Income & Jobs in Rockdale County

via IncomeByCounty

Rockdale nearly matches America's income standard

Rockdale County's median household income of $72,349 comes within 3% of the national median of $74,755, placing it firmly in the middle-income range. This near-parity with national averages signals a healthy, balanced economy relative to the country as a whole.

Georgia's top-earning counties start here

Rockdale County's $72,349 median income exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by nearly 20%, ranking it in the upper quartile statewide. The county's strong income profile reflects a diversified economy and proximity to metro Atlanta's job markets.

Clear income leader in its peer group

Rockdale County significantly outearns most neighboring counties, with a $72,349 median well above Spalding ($60,217) and Richmond ($53,197). Only the wealthiest Atlanta suburbs surpass Rockdale's income levels in the surrounding region.

Strong affordability and homeownership potential

Rockdale's rent-to-income ratio of 22.2% sits comfortably below the 30% benchmark, indicating healthy housing affordability. With a median home value of $256,600 and household income of $72,349, residents achieve solid mortgage qualification capacity and build equity steadily.

Rockdale families primed for wealth building

Rockdale residents should leverage their above-average income to maximize retirement contributions and diversified investments. With $72,349 in median household income, families here can comfortably save 15–20% monthly and benefit from compound growth over decades.

Safety in Rockdale County

via CrimeByCounty

Rockdale County Beats National Crime Statistics

With a total crime rate of 745.4 per 100K, Rockdale County is much safer than the national average of 2,385.5. This low frequency of incidents earns the county a safety score of 98.8.

Rockdale Surpasses Georgia Safety Standards

The county’s crime rate is nearly half of the Georgia state average of 1,412.9 per 100K. It also holds a safety score higher than the statewide average of 97.8.

Strong Safety Performance Near Atlanta

Rockdale's rate of 745.4 per 100K compares favorably to nearby Spalding County, which sees much higher rates at 2,785.8. Only two reporting agencies manage this territory, maintaining high efficiency in public safety.

Analyzing Property and Violent Crime

The violent crime rate stands at 190.1 per 100K, which is well below the national 369.8 average. Property crimes account for 555.3 incidents per 100K, representing the majority of local police activity.

Secure Your Rockdale Residence

Even in safe areas, home security systems provide a critical layer of protection for your family. Residents should focus on securing entry points to deter property-related incidents.

Soil Quality in Rockdale County

via SoilByCounty

An Uncharted Soil Profile

Rockdale County currently lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in national soil surveys. While regional trends suggest acidic Georgia soils, local testing is required to determine the exact identity of your plot. The national median pH of 6.5 serves as a target benchmark for most gardeners.

Variable Soil Components and Texture

Detailed percentages for sand, silt, and clay are unavailable for this county. Soil workability and drainage will vary significantly depending on local topography and history. Observe how water moves through your yard after rain to understand your unique soil mix.

Fertility Levels Awaiting Measurement

Organic matter and available water capacity data are not currently recorded for Rockdale. Georgia's state average of 1.83% organic matter is a useful goal for those looking to improve their land. Adding organic compost remains the safest bet for ensuring productive growing conditions.

Drainage Conditions for Local Land

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups remain unclassified for this county. Property owners should watch for pooling or erosion to gauge how their specific site handles stormwater. Proper site assessment is critical before starting any major construction or farming projects.

Grow Strong in Zone 8b

Rockdale County thrives in hardiness zone 8b, allowing for a wide variety of year-round gardening. Collard greens, sweet potatoes, and peppers are excellent choices for this climate. Grab a shovel and start exploring your local landscape to see what thrives nearby.

Lawn Care in Rockdale County

via LawnByCounty

Rockdale Outperforms the State Lawn Average

Rockdale County maintains a lawn difficulty score of 42.8, making it easier to manage than many other parts of Georgia. While it still trails the national median of 50.0, it offers more favorable conditions for Zone 8b gardening than its southern neighbors.

Ideal Rainfall Meets Moderate Heat

The county receives 50.5 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns perfectly with the upper end of the ideal lawn range. With only 52 extreme heat days, Rockdale avoids the worst of the summer stress seen across the rest of the state.

Local Soil Data and Preparation

Specific soil metrics for Rockdale are currently unavailable, suggesting a need for a local professional soil test. Generally, Georgia Piedmont soils require organic amendments to improve structure and support healthy turf development.

Severe Drought Affects Entire County

Despite good annual rainfall, the entire county is currently experiencing severe drought conditions (D2+). Residents should adhere to strict water conservation practices, as the area has seen 23 weeks of drought in the last year.

Selecting Hardy Grasses for Rockdale

Centipede and Zoysia grasses are excellent choices for the local climate and 8b hardiness zone. Since local frost dates are variable, wait for consistent overnight temperatures above 50 degrees before beginning your spring lawn projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rockdale County's county score?
Rockdale County, Georgia has a composite county score of 46.3 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 Rockdale County rank among counties in Georgia?
Rockdale County ranks #86 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 Rockdale County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Rockdale County is $2,074, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Rockdale County a tax score of 59.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rockdale County?
The median household income in Rockdale County, Georgia is $77,247 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rockdale County earns an income score of 77.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rockdale County, Georgia a good place to live?
Rockdale County scores 46.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #86 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Rockdale 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 Rockdale County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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