CountyScore

Schley County

Georgia · GA

#4 in Georgia
72.7
County Score

County Report Card

About Schley County, Georgia

Schley scores well above national median

Schley County's composite score of 72.5 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 45%, ranking it in the upper quarter of U.S. counties. This strong performance reflects excellent affordability and moderate tax burdens.

Top tier among Georgia counties

Schley ranks above Georgia's state average with a score of 72.5 versus 70.9, making it one of the more livable counties in the state. Its position reflects consistent strength across measured livability dimensions.

Exceptional housing affordability and low taxes

Schley shines with a cost score of 81.4 and median home values of just $152,900, plus rent averaging an affordable $746 monthly. The tax score of 77.3 and effective rate of 0.887% further enhance the value proposition.

Lower median incomes offset affordability gains

The income score of 22.3 reflects a median household income of $59,647, which lags behind more developed regions. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors are not yet available.

Perfect for budget-conscious families seeking space

Schley County is ideal for families prioritizing affordable housing and low taxes over premium incomes and urban amenities. Retirees and young families building equity will find exceptional value in this rural Georgia county.

Score breakdown

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

Tax77.3Cost81.4SafetyComing SoonHealth64.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome22.3Risk99.4WaterComing Soon
🏛77.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠81.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤64.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡99.4
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 Schley County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Marion County
Alabama
72.7
Median income: $50,714
Polk County
Arkansas
72.7
Median income: $49,252
Yuma County
Colorado
72.7
Median income: $60,051
Wheeler County
Georgia
72.7
Median income: $45,262
Jennings County
Indiana
72.7
Median income: $68,476

Deep Dives

Schley County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.