countyscore
49.9
County Score
Cost of Living 83.5Safety 69.3Disaster Risk 56.1

County Report Card

About Screven County, Georgia

Meeting the National Median

Screven County earns a composite score of 49.9, placing it almost exactly at the national median. This indicates a balanced quality of life that is representative of many rural American communities. It maintains a competitive standing relative to its peers across the country.

Leading the Georgia State Average

The county's score of 49.9 is higher than the Georgia average of 46.7. Screven performs well within the state by offering a specific blend of affordability and safety. It stands out as a reliable choice for those looking to relocate within Georgia.

Outstanding Affordability and Safety

Cost is a massive strength here, with a score of 83.5 and median gross rent at just $629. Safety is also high, scoring 69.3, which is excellent for a county with such low living costs. Home values remain accessible with a median price of $122,300.

Health and Tax Concerns

Health scores are a major challenge at 14.9, indicating limited access to medical care or poor health outcomes. Taxes are also higher than desired, with a score of 26.6 and an effective rate of 1.181%. These factors can weigh on residents despite the low housing prices.

A Haven for Budget-Minded Renters

Screven County is ideal for individuals or retirees who need to maximize their housing dollar. The extremely low rent and strong safety ratings make it a practical choice for those on a fixed income. It provides a quiet, secure lifestyle for those who don't require frequent medical services.

Score breakdown

Tax26.6Cost83.5Safety69.3Health14.9Schools46.1Income20.7Risk56.1Water51.8Weather44.5
🏛26.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡69.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓46.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡56.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧51.8
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤44.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨20.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱23.7
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

Allendale County
South Carolina
43.9
Hampton County
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39.2
Jenkins County
Georgia
48.5
Bulloch County
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Effingham County
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Burke County
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Barnwell County
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Candler County
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Deep Dives

Screven County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Screven County

via TaxByCounty

Screven charges Georgia's highest rate

Screven County's effective tax rate of 1.181% stands roughly 28% above the national median of 0.92%, making it one of the highest-taxed counties analyzed. However, the median property tax of $1,444 remains 46% below the national median of $2,690 because Screven homes are valued much lower at $122,300 median versus the national $281,900.

Second-highest rate in Georgia

Screven County's 1.181% effective rate ranks among Georgia's highest, trailing only Stewart County's 1.711%. The rate exceeds Georgia's state average of 0.898% by 31%, signaling a heavy tax burden for county residents.

Noticeably higher than most regional counties

Screven's 1.181% rate substantially exceeds nearby Richmond (0.882%), Spalding (0.965%), and Stephens (0.830%) counties. Only Stewart County in the region approaches Screven's rate, at 1.711%.

Median bill around $1,444 yearly

A homeowner with Screven's median property value of $122,300 pays approximately $1,444 in annual property taxes. With mortgage assessments factored in, the total rises to roughly $1,669 per year.

High rates make appeals especially valuable

Given Screven's elevated tax rate, overassessments hit harder on household budgets—making a property tax appeal particularly worthwhile. If your home's market value has declined or your assessment seems inflated compared to recent sales, filing an appeal with Screven County could deliver meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Screven County

via CostByCounty

Screven offers deep rural affordability

Screven County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable, sitting 4.4 percentage points below Georgia's average and nearly 10 points below the national figure. At just $629 monthly median rent, Screven offers the lowest absolute housing costs in this eight-county group despite a modest $53,017 median household income.

Georgia's most affordable rental market

Screven County's 14.2% rent-to-income ratio represents the lowest in this comparison and well below Georgia's 18.6% state average, making it one of the state's genuinely accessible housing markets. The county's $629 median rent runs $298 below Georgia's state average of $927.

Cheapest rents in the region

Screven's $629 median rent is the lowest across all eight counties, undercutting Schley County by $117 and Richmond County by $458. The $122,300 median home value also ranks among the region's cheapest, alongside Stewart County's historic low of $53,000.

Minimal housing burden, modest wages

Screven renters spend just $629 monthly (14.2% of their $53,017 median income) on housing, while homeowners pay $679 (15.3%), the lowest percentages in this group. This exceptional affordability reflects genuinely low housing costs rather than strong incomes, limiting overall household financial capacity.

Best for budget-conscious rural movers

Screven County offers unbeatable housing costs if you prioritize rock-bottom rent or mortgage payments in a quiet, rural setting. However, job opportunities and service availability remain limited compared to more developed counties, so ensure remote work or portable income before relocating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Screven County

via IncomeByCounty

Screven lags behind national income standards

Screven County's median household income of $53,017 sits 29% below the national median of $74,755, placing it among lower-income U.S. counties. This substantial gap reflects a rural economy dependent on agriculture and limited professional-wage employment.

Bottom third of Georgia's income ladder

Screven County's $53,017 trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by 12%, ranking it in the state's lower-income cohort. The county's modest per-capita income of $29,121 underscores persistent economic challenges in rural eastern Georgia.

Among the lower-income rural counties

Screven County's income matches Richmond ($53,197) closely but significantly lags Spalding ($60,217) and Schley ($59,647). Only Seminole ($49,559) and Stewart ($35,000) counties earn notably less in this regional comparison.

Housing costs remarkably manageable

Screven County's rent-to-income ratio of 14.2% is exceptionally low, indicating minimal housing cost burden and strong affordability. With a median home value of just $122,300, homeownership remains accessible even to single-income households earning the county median.

Low costs unlock investment opportunities

Screven residents should aggressively redirect savings toward retirement accounts and long-term investments, leveraging low housing costs. Even modest $75–150 monthly contributions can accumulate significantly, helping families build generational wealth despite lower baseline incomes.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Screven County

via CrimeByCounty

Screven County Boasts High Safety Score

Screven County scores a 98.9 on the safety scale, indicating it is much safer than most American communities. The total crime rate of 720.1 per 100K is well below the national mark of 2,385.5.

Better Than the Georgia Average

Screven's crime rate is roughly half the state average of 1,412.9 per 100K. The county remains a safe haven compared to the broader Georgia safety average of 97.8.

Regional Safety Comparisons

At 720.1 per 100K, Screven has a higher crime rate than Richmond County's 505.9. Five reporting agencies work across the county to manage public safety and respond to calls.

Remarkably Low Violent Crime Rates

The violent crime rate in Screven is exceptionally low at 28.5 per 100K, far below the national average of 369.8. Property crime represents nearly all local offenses at 691.6 per 100K.

Securing Your Property in Screven

Since property crime is the primary concern here, visible security cameras can be a major deterrent. Ensure your home remains a hard target to maintain this county's peaceful atmosphere.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Screven County

via HealthByCounty

Screven County significantly trails nation

Screven County's 70.9-year life expectancy falls 6.1 years below the U.S. average of 77 years, indicating serious population health challenges. Nearly a quarter of residents (24.2%) report poor or fair health, well above the 17% national rate.

Among Georgia's lowest performers

At 70.9 years, Screven County ranks below Georgia's state average life expectancy of 73.3 years, placing it among the state's most vulnerable communities. Its 24.2% poor/fair health rate significantly exceeds the state trend.

Struggling alongside regional peers

Screven County's 70.9-year life expectancy matches or trails nearby Stewart County (71.0 years) and Richmond County (71.4 years), forming a cluster of health-challenged counties. Only Rockdale County (75.7 years) breaks the pattern in the region.

Coverage gaps and provider shortage

Screven County's 14.7% uninsured rate sits just below Georgia's state average, but far more pressing is the severe shortage of primary care providers at just 14 per 100K residents. With only 35 mental health providers per 100K, residents struggle to access critical care.

Enrollment is critical here

Screven County's high uninsured and poor health rates demand immediate action on coverage. Visit healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to explore Medicaid expansion, ACA plans, and community health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Screven County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Three-School System

Screven County provides public education through a single district containing exactly 3 schools. These three campuses serve 2,048 students across the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Meeting State and National Benchmarks

The county's 87.0% graduation rate perfectly matches the national average and is close to the state's 88.1%. With a per-pupil expenditure of $7,784, the county spends more per student than the state average of $7,405.

The Unified Screven County District

The Screven County district oversees all 2,048 students in the county with no charter school competition. This centralized model ensures all resources are focused on the three primary public campuses.

Town and Country School Culture

Two schools are located in town settings while one is rural, resulting in an average school size of 683 students. Screven County Elementary is the largest and busiest campus, housing 1,004 students under one roof.

Make a Home in Screven County

Living in Screven County means being part of a small, focused school community where students move through the system together. Check out homes near the town center to stay close to the elementary and high school hubs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Screven County

via RiskByCounty

Screven County faces relatively low national risk

Screven County's composite risk score of 43.89 and relatively low rating indicate modest natural hazard exposure by national standards. The county's profile reflects moderate exposure to multiple hazard types rather than extreme vulnerability in any single category.

Slightly above Georgia's average risk

Screven County scores 43.89 compared to Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it just slightly above the typical Georgia risk profile. This positioning reflects a fairly representative disaster exposure for the state.

Average hazard exposure for eastern Georgia

Screven County's risk profile aligns with other eastern Georgia counties, though it faces notably higher hurricane exposure (89.45) than inland peers. The county occupies a mid-range position within its regional risk landscape.

Hurricane and wildfire warrant planning

Hurricane risk of 89.45 emerges as Screven County's dominant hazard threat, reflecting its proximity to Gulf Coast storm systems. Wildfire risk of 54.20 and earthquake risk of 68.73 add secondary concerns requiring household awareness.

Hurricane coverage is essential protection

Screven County homeowners should prioritize hurricane and wind coverage, as standard policies often exclude or limit wind damage protection. Flood insurance deserves consideration given the county's moderate flood risk of 23.09, and maintaining a family emergency plan ensures readiness for hurricane season.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Screven County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer Than the National Average

Screven County averages 64.4°F annually, placing it significantly higher than the national median temperature. This humid subtropical climate is typical of the American Southeast, characterized by long summers and brief winters.

Slightly Above the Georgia Average

The county's 64.4°F average temperature sits just above the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. While warmer than the state mean, it is less humid, receiving 48.4 inches of annual precipitation compared to the state's 51.4-inch average.

Cooler and Drier Than Southern Neighbors

Screven is notably cooler than Tattnall County to the south, which averages 66.1°F. It also sees roughly 3 inches less annual rainfall than the state average, making it one of the drier spots in the region.

Hot Summers and Seventy-Four Heat Days

July brings an average temperature of 81.3°F, and the county faces 74 days a year with temperatures hitting at least 90°F. Winter is mild with a January average of 46.7°F and no recorded annual snowfall.

Prepare for Long Periods of Heat

Residents need high-efficiency cooling systems to manage over two months of extreme heat days. While snow is rare, winter gear should still account for January nights that frequently dip toward freezing.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Screven County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic Soils in Screven

Screven County reports a highly acidic pH of 5.09, which is lower than the state average of 5.26. This is significantly below the national median of 6.5, making it a challenging environment for acid-sensitive plants. Most agricultural operations here will require careful pH management to remain productive.

A Dominantly Sandy Landscape

The soil composition is 80.3% sand, with 10.8% silt and only 7.9% clay. This high sand content ensures fast drainage but may lead to rapid nutrient leaching during heavy rains. It is very easy to work and till, but it struggles to hold onto moisture.

High Organic Matter, Low Water Storage

Screven boasts a high organic matter content of 2.56%, which is well above the state average of 1.83%. However, the available water capacity is low at 0.098 in/in due to the sand. This means that while the soil is rich in nutrients, it requires frequent irrigation.

Unknown Drainage Classification

Official records do not list a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for Screven County. Given the 80.3% sand content, the land likely drains very quickly in most areas. Homebuilders and farmers should verify local conditions to ensure they aren't working in a rare pocket of high clay.

Zone 8b Sandy Soil Specialists

Zone 8b and sandy soils make Screven County a prime location for peanuts and cotton. These crops appreciate the loose soil and warm temperatures that characterize this part of Georgia. Plant some heat-tolerant flowers and enjoy a vibrant southern landscape.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Screven County

via LawnByCounty

Screven County Faces High Maintenance Hurdles

With a lawn difficulty score of 23.7, Screven County is one of the more challenging places in Georgia to maintain a lawn. This score is significantly lower than the national average of 50.0, reflecting the harsh realities of Zone 8b growing.

High Heat and Long Seasons

The county averages 74 days above 90°F, putting significant pressure on cool-season grasses and requiring heat-tolerant species. A long growing season, supported by 5,789 growing degree days, means your mower stays busy from mid-March through mid-November.

Sandy, Acidic Soil Limits Success

The soil here is 80.3% sand and notably acidic with a pH of 5.09, which can lock out essential nutrients like nitrogen and potassium. Lawns in this environment need frequent, small applications of fertilizer and regular lime to thrive in the porous ground.

Navigating 35 Weeks of Drought

Screven County has experienced drought for 35 of the past 52 weeks, and the entire area is currently in severe drought. In these conditions, allowing your grass to grow slightly taller provides shade for the roots and reduces moisture loss.

Planting for Success in Screven

Centipede grass is the standard for these sandy, acidic conditions because it handles low pH better than most. Aim to seed or sod after the last frost on March 14 to give your lawn time to establish before the summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Screven County's county score?
Screven County, Georgia has a composite county score of 49.9 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 Screven County rank among counties in Georgia?
Screven County ranks #60 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 Screven County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Screven County is $1,444, with an effective tax rate of 1.18%. This earns Screven County a tax score of 26.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Screven County?
The median household income in Screven County, Georgia is $53,017 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Screven County earns an income score of 20.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Screven County, Georgia a good place to live?
Screven County scores 49.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #60 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Screven 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 Screven 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.