countyscore
57.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.4Water Quality 86Safety 75.2

County Report Card

About Schley County, Georgia

Outperforming the National Median

With a composite score of 57.1, Schley County sits comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This ranking places it in the upper tiers of rural American counties for overall livability. Its scores reflect a high level of stability and safety for its residents.

A Top Performer in Georgia

Schley's 57.1 score significantly exceeds the Georgia state average of 46.7. This makes it one of the more desirable rural counties in the state. It outperforms many larger neighbors by maintaining high standards in safety and environmental resilience.

Exceptional Safety and Low Risk

The county shines with a nearly perfect risk score of 99.4, indicating extreme resilience to natural disasters. A safety score of 75.2 further cements its reputation as a secure place to live. Residents also enjoy excellent water quality, which scores an 86.0.

Modest Incomes and Tax Pressures

Income remains a hurdle with a score of 37.9 and a median household income of $59,647. The tax score of 45.9 is also moderate, reflecting a 0.887% effective tax rate. Economic growth is slower here than in Georgia's more urbanized corridors.

Perfect for Quiet Family Life

Schley County is best for families and retirees seeking peace, safety, and a low-risk environment. The high safety and environmental scores make it a standout for long-term residency. It suits those who value security and community stability over high-speed economic growth.

Score breakdown

Tax45.9Cost58.6Safety75.2Health40.2Schools50.5Income37.9Risk99.4Water86Weather46.8
🏛45.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼37.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡75.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓50.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡99.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤46.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱38.1
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 →
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Nearby counties

Marion County
Georgia
53.1
Sumter County
Georgia
32.8
Macon County
Georgia
47.4
Webster County
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Taylor County
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Dooly County
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Chattahoochee County
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Talbot County
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Deep Dives

Schley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Schley County

via TaxByCounty

Schley's taxes run 50% below national norm

Schley County's effective tax rate of 0.887% sits below the national median of 0.92%, while its median property tax of $1,356 is less than half the national median of $2,690. The county's median home value of $152,900 explains much of this advantage—significantly lower than the national $281,900.

Slightly above Georgia's county average

Schley County's effective rate of 0.887% edges just above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it in the middle tier of Georgia counties. Its median tax of $1,356 runs below the state's $1,529 median, reflecting lower home valuations in the county.

Mid-range rates among regional peers

Schley County's 0.887% rate sits between Seminole County's high 1.220% and Rockdale County's low 0.718%. The county offers moderate tax relief compared to nearby Screven (1.181%) but lacks the advantage of top performers like Rockdale or Stephens.

Median bill stays under $1,400 annually

The typical Schley County homeowner with the median property value of $152,900 pays approximately $1,356 in annual property taxes. Adding mortgage-related levies increases that to roughly $1,714 per year.

Appeal if your home's value has dropped

Rural Georgia counties like Schley often see property values fluctuate with economic conditions; if your home is worth less than your assessment suggests, an appeal can reduce your tax burden. Contact Schley County's assessor's office about a free reassessment if you suspect overvaluation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Schley County

via CostByCounty

Schley stands out as genuinely affordable

At 15.0%, Schley County's rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's most affordable, sitting 3.6 percentage points below the state average and nearly 9 points below the national norm. The county achieves this rare combination through low absolute rents ($746) paired with above-average incomes ($59,647 median household income).

Georgia's affordability sweet spot

Schley County's 15.0% rent-to-income ratio places it well below Georgia's 18.6% state average, ranking among the state's most accessible housing markets. This exceptional affordability applies to both renters and homeowners, making it a standout in rural Georgia.

Lowest rents among peer counties

Schley's median rent of $746 undercuts Richmond County by $341 and Seminole County by $73, offering rural peace without rural poverty wages. Its $152,900 median home value also runs below most regional peers, combining affordability with modest housing stock quality.

Housing takes minimal income share

Schley renters allocate just $746 monthly (15.0% of income) to housing, while homeowners spend $896 (18.0%), leaving healthy margin for savings and other expenses. This represents the most balanced housing-to-income relationship in this eight-county comparison.

Remote workers' affordable haven

If you work remotely and prioritize affordability over urban amenities, Schley County delivers exceptional value—rent at 15% of income versus 20%+ in neighboring counties. A $50,000 annual income stretches considerably further here than across Georgia's other rural markets.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Schley County

via IncomeByCounty

Schley's income trails the national median

Schley County's median household income of $59,647 falls 20% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, reflecting a rural economy with limited high-wage sectors. The $15,100 per-household gap highlights regional income disparities common in rural Georgia.

Slightly above Georgia's midpoint

At $59,647, Schley County edges out Georgia's state average of $60,488 by a narrow margin—nearly at parity. The county ranks in Georgia's middle-income band, avoiding the lower tiers while missing the upper-tier prosperity of metro areas.

Solid footing among rural peers

Schley County's $59,647 income comfortably exceeds Seminole ($49,559) and Stephens ($52,264) counties but trails Spalding ($60,217). Within its region of smaller, agriculture-focused counties, Schley maintains a respectable middle position.

Best-in-group rent affordability

Schley County boasts the region's lowest rent-to-income ratio at just 15.0%, well below the 30% threshold, signaling excellent housing affordability. A median home value of $152,900 paired with $59,647 in household income makes homeownership highly accessible here.

Capitalize on low housing costs for investing

Schley residents benefit from exceptional housing affordability, freeing up cash flow for retirement and investment accounts. By directing monthly savings into diversified funds, families can close the income gap with wealthier counties over 15–20 years.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Schley County

via CrimeByCounty

Schley County Maintains Exceptional Safety Score

Schley County earns a safety score of 99.1, reflecting a very low risk to the public. Its total crime rate of 591.4 per 100K is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Schley Outshines Georgia Averages

The county's crime rate of 591.4 is significantly better than the Georgia average of 1,412.9 per 100K. This places Schley among the safer regions in the state, exceeding the 97.8 state average safety score.

Comparing Schley to its Neighbors

Schley’s crime rate is lower than neighboring Screven County’s 720.1 per 100K. Two reporting agencies provide comprehensive coverage for this tight-knit community.

Understanding the Local Crime Mix

Violent crime is low at 109.5 per 100K, while property crime is slightly higher at 481.9. Most residents will rarely encounter serious crime in their daily lives.

Keep Schley County Safe

Local safety begins with home awareness and basic security measures like exterior lighting. Use these tools to protect your property and support the county's low crime trends.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Schley County

via HealthByCounty

Schley County close to national health

At 75.4 years, Schley County's life expectancy approaches the U.S. average of 77 years, suggesting reasonable population health. Just 20.5% report poor or fair health, matching national performance at 17%.

Above Georgia's health average

Schley County's 75.4-year life expectancy exceeds Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 2.1 years, ranking it among the state's healthier counties. The 20.5% poor/fair health rate also outpaces the state trend.

A small-county health leader

Schley County matches Rockdale County (75.7 years) as the region's top performer, substantially outpacing Richmond County (71.4 years) and Screven County (70.9 years). Its strong life expectancy is notable given its small population.

Insurance coverage, limited providers

Schley County's 12.3% uninsured rate beats Georgia's state average of 15.0%, showing good coverage progress. However, with only 22 primary care providers per 100K, residents face significant barriers to routine care, and mental health provider data is limited.

Secure and maintain coverage

Strong life expectancy here reflects good baseline health, but gaps in primary care access require sustained insurance enrollment. Check healthcare.gov or local clinics to explore coverage options and preventive care programs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Schley County

via SchoolsByCounty

Focused Rural Education Infrastructure

Schley County operates a streamlined education system consisting of just 2 public schools. The district serves 1,231 students through one elementary school and one combined middle-high school campus.

Strong Graduation Rates and Performance

Academic results are impressive here, with a graduation rate of 92.0% that far exceeds the state average of 88.1%. Despite a lower per-pupil expenditure of $6,843, the county achieves a school score of 54.2, which is higher than the Georgia average.

Small-Scale District Excellence

The Schley County district manages both local schools and all 1,231 students. There are no charter schools in the county, maintaining a traditional and community-focused public school structure.

The Intimate Rural School Experience

Both schools in the county are situated in rural locales, creating an average school size of 616 students. Schley Middle High School is the largest facility with 663 students, offering a tight-knit environment for grades 6 through 12.

Rural Living Near Quality Schools

For families seeking a quiet rural lifestyle without sacrificing academic quality, Schley County is a standout choice. Real estate near the central school complex in Ellaville offers direct access to these high-performing campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Schley County

via RiskByCounty

Schley County enjoys very low risk profile

Schley County's composite risk score of just 0.60 places it among the safest areas in the nation, with a very low risk rating across most hazard categories. This exceptional safety reflects minimal exposure to the full spectrum of natural disasters.

Georgia's safest county for disasters

Schley County's score of 0.60 dramatically undercuts Georgia's average of 39.49, making it the state's most protected area from natural hazards. Residents enjoy risk levels that are roughly 65 times lower than the state mean.

Standout safety among surrounding counties

Schley County's minimal hazard exposure contrasts sharply with nearby areas, making it a notable refuge from Georgia's typical disaster pressures. Even its highest-scoring risk category—hurricane at 51.65—remains below state average.

Hurricane risk is only meaningful exposure

While Schley County faces remarkably low overall risk, hurricane exposure of 51.65 remains its primary concern due to Gulf Coast storm potential. Flood, tornado, and earthquake risks all remain minimal, making the county exceptionally resilient.

Standard insurance provides solid protection

Schley County's low-risk environment means standard homeowners insurance offers adequate coverage for most residents, though flood and hurricane riders deserve consideration during Atlantic storm season. Basic tornado awareness and a weather radio complete a practical household preparedness strategy.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Schley County

via SoilByCounty

Awaiting Local Soil Data

Schley County currently has no recorded soil taxonomic order or pH measurements in the central database. Most Georgia counties average a pH of 5.26, which is more acidic than the national median of 6.5. Residents should conduct private soil tests to identify their specific pH levels.

Undetermined Soil Mix and Texture

Specific sand, silt, and clay proportions are not currently available for Schley County. The texture dictates how well the soil drains and how easily it can be farmed. Without this data, checking for a gritty or slick feel can help you estimate your sand-to-clay ratio.

Estimating Growth Potential Without Data

Organic matter and water capacity figures are missing for this county. For context, the state average organic matter is 1.83% and available water capacity is 0.114 in/in. Local farmers typically amend their soil with mulch and manure to ensure these benchmarks are met.

Navigating Local Water Movement

No dominant drainage class or hydrologic group is recorded for Schley County. Understanding how your land absorbs water is essential for building stable foundations and choosing crops. Always check for low-lying areas that might collect water during Georgia’s heavy rain events.

Endless Opportunities in Zone 8b

Hardiness zone 8b provides Schley County with a warm climate perfect for long-season vegetables. Watermelons and okra are local favorites that handle the summer heat with ease. Don't let the lack of data stop you from planting a beautiful home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Schley County

via LawnByCounty

Managing Turf in the Heart of Georgia

Schley County scores a 38.1 on the lawn difficulty scale, placing it slightly above the Georgia state average. This Zone 8b region offers a moderate challenge for homeowners compared to the more difficult conditions found in the southern coastal plain.

Plentiful Rain Fuels Growing Seasons

Annual precipitation of 52.0 inches exceeds the state average and provides ample moisture for thirsty lawns. However, 66 extreme heat days mean that despite the rain, grass can still suffer from mid-summer thermal stress.

Navigating Limited Soil Information

While specific pH and texture data are not available for Schley County, most regional soils tend toward acidity. Homeowners should perform a standard soil test to determine if lime or phosphorus is needed to prep their lawn's foundation.

Severe Drought Impacts Every Acre

Currently, 100.0% of the county is under severe drought (D2+), creating a difficult environment for established grass. With 23 weeks of drought over the past year, investing in smart irrigation controllers can help maximize water efficiency.

Reliable Varieties for Schley Homeowners

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are the most resilient options for this region’s heat profile. These warm-season varieties should be established in late spring to ensure they have deep roots before the peak of the 66 heat days.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Schley County's county score?
Schley County, Georgia has a composite county score of 57.1 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 Schley County rank among counties in Georgia?
Schley County ranks #20 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 Schley County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Schley County is $1,356, with an effective tax rate of 0.89%. This earns Schley County a tax score of 45.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Schley County?
The median household income in Schley County, Georgia is $59,647 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Schley County earns an income score of 37.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Schley County, Georgia a good place to live?
Schley County scores 57.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #20 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Schley 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 Schley 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.