countyscore
46.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Income & Jobs 72.1Safety 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.

Score breakdown

Tax61.2Cost12Safety68.2Health36.3Schools42.1Income72.1Risk43.8Water86Weather58.7
🏛61.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠12
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼72.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡68.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤36.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓42.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡43.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤58.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.8
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 Rockdale County

Whether buying or refinancing in Rockdale 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 Rockdale County with Ashley County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Ashley County
Arkansas
Median income: $44,481
46.7
Marion County
Illinois
Median income: $60,839
46.7
Buena Vista County
Iowa
Median income: $66,564
46.7
Mills County
Iowa
Median income: $87,810
46.7
Harper County
Kansas
Median income: $55,417
46.7
Genesee County
New York
Median income: $72,055
46.7
Tipton County
Tennessee
Median income: $71,736
46.7
Dillingham Census Area
Alaska
Median income: $74,250
46.8

Nearby counties

Newton County
Georgia
35.4
Henry County
Georgia
35.1
DeKalb County
Georgia
30.7
Clayton County
Georgia
22.4
Walton County
Georgia
45.8
Butts County
Georgia
45.8
Gwinnett County
Georgia
35.6
Jasper County
Georgia
47.2

Deep Dives

Rockdale County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Rockdale County

via CostByCounty

Rockdale affordability near national norms

Rockdale County's 22.2% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly above the national average, but the county's stronger median household income of $72,349—just $2,406 below the national figure—cushions the burden significantly. Renters here earn substantially more than those in surrounding rural counties, making housing costs more manageable despite higher absolute prices.

Georgia's mid-tier housing market

At 22.2%, Rockdale's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's 18.6% state average by 3.6 percentage points, but the county's above-average incomes place it in the state's more stable housing markets. It represents the emerging exurban tier between Atlanta's expensive core and rural Georgia's bargain-basement rents.

Highest rents in this comparison set

Rockdale's median rent of $1,341 runs $254 above Richmond County and $595 above Screven, reflecting its suburban proximity to Atlanta. Similarly, its $256,600 median home value is the highest in this regional group, about $93,000 above Richmond County's homes.

Stronger income cushions higher costs

While Rockdale renters pay $1,341 monthly and homeowners pay $1,322, the county's $72,349 median household income means housing consumes 22.2% of renters' earnings and 22.0% of homeowners' earnings. This relative balance reflects a population with more economic stability than rural county counterparts.

Suburban option for Atlanta-area workers

Rockdale offers a middle ground for workers seeking suburban living without Atlanta's premium prices—rents run $200-$400 below the city proper while maintaining stronger job markets. If you earn $70,000+, the county's housing burden becomes quite manageable compared to inner-ring alternatives.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Rockdale County

via HealthByCounty

Rockdale County outpaces national health

With a life expectancy of 75.7 years, Rockdale County exceeds the U.S. average of 77 years by just 1.3 years, placing it in the healthier range nationally. Only 20.5% of residents report poor or fair health, well below the 17% national average.

Georgia's healthier counties

Rockdale County's 75.7-year life expectancy ranks above Georgia's state average of 73.3 years, positioning it as one of the state's healthier communities. Its 20.5% poor/fair health rate also beats the state trend.

A regional health leader

Rockdale County significantly outperforms nearby Richmond County (71.4 years) and Stephens County (71.5 years), leading the region in life expectancy. Its 20.5% poor/fair health rate is the best among its peer counties.

Coverage and provider landscape

Rockdale County's 14.9% uninsured rate is just below Georgia's 15.0% state average, indicating relatively stable coverage. With 70 primary care providers per 100K, access to routine care is moderate, though mental health providers (209 per 100K) serve the community adequately.

Keep coverage strong here

Rockdale County's health gains depend on sustained insurance access. Residents should review plans at healthcare.gov to maintain or upgrade coverage for preventive care and mental health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Rockdale County

via SchoolsByCounty

Suburban Learning in Rockdale County

Rockdale County operates 19 public schools serving a total enrollment of 15,746 students. This single-district system includes 11 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 3 high schools focused on suburban families.

Competitive Spending and Academic Scores

The county invests $7,841 per pupil, exceeding the Georgia state average of $7,405. While the 85.0% graduation rate is slightly below the state's 88.1%, the overall school score of 52.7 remains competitive with the state average of 53.4.

The Rockdale County District

The Rockdale County district manages nearly all local students, with 15,734 of the county's 15,746 students enrolled in its 18 traditional schools. There are currently no charter schools operating within the county boundaries.

Large Suburban Campuses and Settings

With 17 schools located in suburban locales, the average school size is relatively large at 829 students. Rockdale County High School is the largest in the area, serving 2,369 students, while Heritage High also supports a significant population of 1,877.

Move Near Top Rockdale Schools

Many homebuyers target Rockdale County for its high-capacity high schools and large elementary campuses like Hicks. Consider the commute to major suburban hubs when choosing a property near these central educational facilities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Rockdale County

via RiskByCounty

Rockdale County sits at moderate risk level

With a composite risk score of 56.17 and a relatively low rating, Rockdale County faces moderate hazard exposure compared to the national average. The county's primary vulnerabilities stem from tornado activity and earthquake potential rather than water-based hazards.

Mid-range risk within Georgia

Rockdale County's score of 56.17 exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49 by roughly 40%, placing it in the moderate-risk tier. However, the county is notably less vulnerable than higher-risk neighbors like Richmond County.

Moderate risk among metro Atlanta peers

Rockdale County's risk profile aligns with other suburban Atlanta counties but stands elevated compared to low-risk areas of central Georgia. Tornado risk of 77.13 is particularly notable in this region, reflecting the broader Atlanta metropolitan vulnerability to convective storms.

Tornado and earthquake deserve attention

Rockdale County residents face a tornado risk score of 77.13 and earthquake risk of 73.63, making severe weather the county's most pressing natural hazard concern. Flood risk of 63.42 adds secondary exposure, particularly in low-lying neighborhoods and near stream corridors.

Build tornado readiness into your plan

Homeowners should ensure they have a weather alert system and know how to reach a designated safe room or shelter during tornado warnings. Pairing these preparedness steps with standard homeowners insurance and separate flood coverage provides comprehensive household protection.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rockdale County's county score?
Rockdale County, Georgia has a composite county score of 46.7 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 #80 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 $1,843, with an effective tax rate of 0.72%. This earns Rockdale County a tax score of 61.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Rockdale County?
The median household income in Rockdale County, Georgia is $72,349 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Rockdale County earns an income score of 72.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Rockdale County, Georgia a good place to live?
Rockdale County scores 46.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #80 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.

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.