CountyScore

Seminole County

Georgia · GA

#96 in Georgia
66.5
County Score

County Report Card

About Seminole County, Georgia

Seminole exceeds national livability standards

Seminole County's composite score of 69.3 outpaces the national median of 50.0 by 39%, ranking it well above typical U.S. counties. The performance centers on exceptional housing affordability.

Slightly below Georgia's average performance

Seminole scores 69.3 against Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it just below the middle tier of Georgia counties. The modest gap indicates competitive livability within the state.

Lowest housing and rent costs in the group

Seminole boasts a cost score of 83.6 with median home values of $111,600 and monthly rent averaging just $819. These figures make it one of Georgia's most affordable counties for housing seekers.

Lowest incomes and higher relative tax burden

The income score of 15.7 reflects a median household income of $49,559, the lowest in this county comparison. The effective tax rate of 1.220% is also among the highest, creating financial constraints for residents.

Suited for retirees and minimalist households

Seminole County appeals to fixed-income households and those seeking the absolute lowest housing costs in Georgia. It's best for people whose livelihoods don't depend on local employment and who value affordability above all.

Score breakdown

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

Tax68Cost83.6SafetyComing SoonHealth57.7SchoolsComing SoonIncome15.7Risk70.5WaterComing Soon
🏛68
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤57.7
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡70.5
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 Seminole County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Monroe County
Illinois
66.5
Median income: $101,635
White County
Illinois
66.5
Median income: $53,097
Cass County
Iowa
66.5
Median income: $61,657
Crawford County
Iowa
66.5
Median income: $65,039
Marion County
Kansas
66.5
Median income: $63,438

Deep Dives

Seminole County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Seminole County

via TaxByCounty

Seminole's rate ranks among nation's highest

Seminole County's effective tax rate of 1.220% significantly exceeds the national median of 0.92%, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties by tax burden. Yet the median property tax of $1,361 stays 49% below the national median of $2,690 because homes here are far less valuable, averaging $111,600 versus the national $281,900.

Highest rate among Georgia's analyzed counties

Seminole County charges Georgia's highest effective tax rate at 1.220%—35% above the state average of 0.898%. Only Stewart County, at 1.711%, exceeds Seminole's already-steep burden among all Georgia counties.

Clear tax disadvantage in the region

Seminole's 1.220% rate substantially outpaces every nearby county except Stewart (1.711%), with Screven (1.181%), Spalding (0.965%), and Stephens (0.830%) all charging less. The county's tax burden is visibly steeper than regional peers.

Median bill tops $1,360 annually

A Seminole County homeowner with the county's median property value of $111,600 pays roughly $1,361 in annual property taxes. With mortgage levies included, that climbs to approximately $1,663 per year.

Assessment review is critical here

With Seminole County's above-average tax rate, any overassessment cuts deeper into household finances—making a property tax appeal especially important. If your home's recent market value or condition suggest your assessment is too high, contacting Seminole County's assessor about a reassessment can generate real relief.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Seminole County

via CostByCounty

Seminole faces tighter affordability squeeze

At 19.8%, Seminole County's rent-to-income ratio runs slightly above the national norm despite having the lowest median household income ($49,559) in this eight-county group. The combination of low wages and modest rents ($819) creates a genuine affordability challenge relative to incomes earned locally.

Above state average affordability pressure

Seminole County's 19.8% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's 18.6% state average, positioning it as a below-average affordability market for renters. The county's rents run modestly above the state median of $927, while incomes lag significantly.

Middle-ground pricing in rural tier

Seminole's $819 median rent positions it between low-cost Screven ($629) and moderate-cost Schley ($746), while its $111,600 median home value ranks low regionally. The county represents the painful middle—rents too high for its wage base but still below more developed counties.

Lowest incomes strain housing costs

Seminole renters allocate 19.8% of their income ($819 monthly) to housing, while homeowners spend 16.0% ($660), reflecting the county's income constraints rather than housing abundance. At $49,559 median household income, residents have limited financial flexibility after covering housing.

Compare before relocating for savings

While Seminole offers lower rents than urban areas, its weak income base means relocating here requires portable income or remote work to truly benefit. Nearby Schley and Screven offer comparable or lower housing costs with better regional infrastructure.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Seminole County

via IncomeByCounty

Seminole County significantly trails national income

Seminole County's median household income of $49,559 falls 34% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, marking it among America's lowest-income counties. The $25,200 gap underscores serious economic disadvantages affecting residents' purchasing power and wealth accumulation.

Georgia's lowest-income county tier

At $49,559, Seminole County ranks in Georgia's bottom 15% for household income, trailing the state average of $60,488 by 18%. This significant gap reflects limited job diversity and industrial base in this rural southwestern county.

Competing with the state's most economically challenged

Seminole County's $49,559 income edges ahead of only Stewart County ($35,000) in regional comparison. The county significantly lags all other neighbors—Schley ($59,647), Screven ($53,017), and Spalding ($60,217)—highlighting relative economic isolation.

Rent burden moderately manageable

Seminole County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.8% sits comfortably below the 30% affordability threshold, aided by a median home value of just $111,600. However, residents earning $49,559 face tighter monthly budgets overall despite reasonable housing costs.

Strategic savings critical for long-term security

Seminole residents must prioritize even small monthly savings—$50 to $100—in accessible accounts to build emergency reserves and retirement funds. Every dollar directed toward low-cost index funds compounds over time, offering a pathway to closer the county's significant income gap.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Seminole County

via HealthByCounty

Seminole County below U.S. health

At 72.7 years, Seminole County's life expectancy lags the U.S. average of 77 years by 4.3 years, reflecting population health concerns. Just over one-fifth of residents (22.7%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the 17% national average.

Below Georgia state benchmark

Seminole County's 72.7-year life expectancy trails Georgia's state average of 73.3 years, placing it among the lower-performing counties statewide. Its 22.7% poor/fair health rate also exceeds the state trend.

Mid-tier among region

Seminole County's 72.7-year life expectancy ranks above struggling neighbors Screven (70.9 years) and Stewart (71.0 years), but below Rockdale (75.7 years) and Schley (75.4 years). Its 22.7% poor/fair rate mirrors regional performance.

Insurance and provider access

Seminole County's 15.1% uninsured rate marginally exceeds Georgia's 15.0% state average, suggesting modest coverage challenges. With 87 primary care providers per 100K, access to routine care exists, though mental health providers (22 per 100K) are sparse.

Expand coverage now

Seminole County's health gaps point to coverage and prevention gaps. Residents should review options at healthcare.gov and explore Medicaid, employer plans, or community health clinics.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Seminole County

via RiskByCounty

Seminole County offers very low hazard exposure

With a composite risk score of 29.48 and a very low rating, Seminole County ranks among the nation's safer areas for natural disasters. The county's exposure profile suggests minimal baseline threat from most hazard types.

Well below Georgia's average risk

Seminole County's score of 29.48 falls noticeably below Georgia's state average of 39.49, making it one of the state's lower-risk counties. This positioning reflects the county's relative protection from the full spectrum of natural hazards.

Safest area in its corner of Georgia

Seminole County's very low composite risk distinguishes it as one of southwestern Georgia's safer zones, though hurricane exposure of 85.06 reflects regional Gulf Coast vulnerability. Compared to adjacent counties, it maintains a favorable risk profile.

Hurricane risk stands out among low threats

Seminole County's primary natural hazard concern is hurricane exposure at 85.06, driven by its proximity to Atlantic storm systems. Flood, tornado, and earthquake risks all remain below county and state averages.

Focus hurricane preparedness during season

Seminole County's favorable risk environment means standard homeowners insurance typically provides adequate baseline protection for most residents. During Atlantic hurricane season, ensure you have storm alerts active and understand evacuation routes for your community.

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.