countyscore
31.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 61.7Disaster Risk 59.1

County Report Card

About Spalding County, Georgia

Trailing National Standards Significantly

Spalding County’s composite score of 31.7 is well below the national median of 50.0. This low ranking suggests significant challenges across multiple quality-of-life categories. It ranks in the lower percentiles for counties nationwide.

A Difficult Standing in Georgia

Spalding lags far behind the Georgia average score of 46.7. With a composite of 31.7, it faces uphill battles in safety and healthcare that many other Georgia counties have overcome. The county currently struggles to compete for new residents within the state.

Solid Infrastructure and Environmental Stability

Infrastructure remains a bright spot, with a high water quality score of 86.0. The county also manages natural risk fairly well, earning a score of 59.1. These metrics show that the county provides a reliable physical environment for its citizens.

Critical Safety and Health Issues

The safety score is remarkably low at 9.9, indicating serious concerns regarding local crime or security. Health also trails significantly with a score of 17.3. These primary social factors heavily suppress the county's overall livability rating.

Suitable for Resilient, Budget-Conscious Households

Spalding County is best for those who can navigate its safety challenges while taking advantage of its solid infrastructure. It offers a moderate tax rate and decent risk resilience for long-term residents. It is most attractive to those with existing community ties who value reliable utilities.

Score breakdown

Tax40.8Cost26.9Safety9.9Health17.3Schools45.5Income39.7Risk59.1Water86Weather61.7
🏛40.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠26.9
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼39.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡9.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡59.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤61.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨14.9
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱35
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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Deep Dives

Spalding County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Spalding County

via TaxByCounty

Spalding's rate edges above national median

Spalding County's effective tax rate of 0.965% runs slightly above the national median of 0.92%, placing it in the middle-to-upper range nationally. The median property tax of $1,897 is 29% below the national median of $2,690, driven by a lower median home value of $196,600 compared to the national $281,900.

Above average for Georgia counties

Spalding County's effective rate of 0.965% exceeds Georgia's state average of 0.898% by roughly 7%. Its median tax of $1,897 runs 24% above the state median of $1,529, reflecting both a slightly elevated rate and above-average home values for the state.

Middle ground among regional peers

Spalding's 0.965% rate falls between high-tax counties like Screven (1.181%) and Seminole (1.220%), and low-tax performers like Rockdale (0.718%) and Stephens (0.830%). The county offers neither the region's best nor worst tax burden.

Median annual tax bill near $1,900

A homeowner with Spalding's median property value of $196,600 pays approximately $1,897 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage-related assessments, that bill rises to about $2,067 per year.

Appeal could offset county's higher rate

Since Spalding County's effective rate runs above Georgia's average, a successful property tax appeal carries extra weight in reducing your annual burden. Review recent comparable home sales in your neighborhood; if your assessment significantly exceeds those values, Spalding County's assessor can help you pursue a reduction.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Spalding County

via CostByCounty

Spalding's costs outpace local incomes

Spalding County's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio sits above the national average despite a median household income of $60,217 that runs $14,538 below the national figure. The county's median rent of $1,053 reflects higher costs than most rural Georgia peers, straining a below-average wage base.

Above Georgia's affordability threshold

At 21.0%, Spalding County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's 18.6% state average by 2.4 percentage points, placing it among the state's more expensive rural markets. The county's $1,053 median rent runs $126 above Georgia's state average despite its rural character.

Priced above most rural comparables

Spalding's $1,053 median rent undercuts only Rockdale County's $1,341 while running well above Screven ($629) and Schley ($746), reflecting its position as an intermediate development tier. Its $196,600 median home value ranks second-highest in this group, behind only Rockdale's $256,600.

Higher housing burden stresses budgets

Spalding renters dedicate 21.0% of their $60,217 income to $1,053 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 20.3% on $1,018 mortgage payments, both above comfort levels. This dual burden—elevated costs and modest incomes—leaves limited cushion for other necessities.

Weigh costs against job availability

Spalding's housing costs exceed nearby affordable counties like Screven and Schley, so relocating here makes sense only if stronger local job opportunities justify the premium. Compare total cost-of-living packages rather than housing alone before committing.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Spalding County

via IncomeByCounty

Spalding sits at Georgia's income midpoint

Spalding County's median household income of $60,217 trails the national median of $74,755 by 19%, placing it in the lower-middle-income range nationally. Despite this gap, the county performs better than most rural Georgia peers.

Slightly above Georgia's state average

At $60,217, Spalding County edges out Georgia's state average of $60,488 by a hair, ranking it in the state's middle-income band. The county's solid per-capita income of $36,803 suggests a more diversified earning base than many rural neighbors.

Regional income leader among peers

Spalding County's $60,217 income outpaces most neighbors, trailing only Rockdale County ($72,349) significantly. The county substantially outearns Richmond ($53,197), Screven ($53,017), Seminole ($49,559), and Stephens ($52,264), anchoring the region's middle tier.

Solid affordability with healthy ownership prospects

Spalding County's rent-to-income ratio of 21.0% sits safely below the 30% threshold, ensuring manageable housing costs. With a median home value of $196,600 and household income of $60,217, residents achieve reasonable mortgage qualification and steady equity building.

Strong foundation for retirement and investment planning

Spalding residents earning $60,217 should establish consistent monthly contributions to retirement and diversified investment accounts. With above-average per-capita income and solid housing affordability, families can realistically save 12–15% monthly and compound wealth significantly over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Spalding County

via CrimeByCounty

Spalding County Faces Higher Crime Rates

Spalding County reports a total crime rate of 2,785.8 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score is 95.6, indicating more frequent incidents than neighboring counties.

Crime Trends Above Georgia Average

The county's crime rate of 2,785.8 is nearly double the Georgia state average of 1,412.9 per 100K. Consequently, its safety score of 95.6 falls below the state average of 97.8.

Higher Incidents Than Nearby Counties

Spalding’s crime rate of 2,785.8 is significantly higher than Rockdale County's 745.4. Four reporting agencies are actively working to address these figures and improve local public safety.

A Focus on Property Crime

Property crime is the most frequent issue, with a rate of 2,079.7 per 100K. The violent crime rate stands at 706.1, which is also higher than national and state levels.

Priority Security for Spalding Residents

With higher property crime rates, a comprehensive home security system is a vital investment for local families. Staying alert and securing all windows and doors can help reduce personal risk.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Spalding County

via HealthByCounty

Spalding County trails national health

With a life expectancy of 71.2 years, Spalding County falls 5.8 years below the U.S. average of 77 years, indicating notable population health challenges. Nearly a quarter of residents (22.8%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the 17% national rate.

Below Georgia health average

Spalding County's 71.2-year life expectancy ranks below Georgia's state average of 73.3 years, placing it among the state's health-challenged communities. Its 22.8% poor/fair health rate also exceeds the state trend.

Facing regional health headwinds

Spalding County's 71.2-year life expectancy ranks above Screven (70.9 years) but trails Rockdale (75.7 years) and Schley (75.4 years) by over 4 years. It sits in the struggling middle tier of regional counties.

Coverage and provider gaps

Spalding County's 15.2% uninsured rate slightly exceeds Georgia's 15.0% state average, indicating ongoing coverage challenges. With 41 primary care providers per 100K, access is below regional peers, though 169 mental health providers per 100K offer better mental health support.

Boost insurance enrollment

Spalding County's health trends show coverage and primary care gaps. Visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, and preventive care resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Spalding County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Griffin-Spalding Educational Network

Spalding County features 18 public schools serving 9,563 students within a single school district. The infrastructure includes 11 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 3 high schools.

Strong Graduation Performance

With a graduation rate of 90.0%, the county exceeds both state (88.1%) and national (87.0%) averages. The district maintains this performance with a per-pupil expenditure of $7,053 and a solid school score of 53.6.

Griffin-Spalding County Spotlight

The Griffin-Spalding County district is the sole provider of public education in the area, managing all 9,563 students. There are no charter schools, ensuring a unified traditional public school experience for all residents.

Suburban and Rural School Mix

The county offers a mix of 12 suburban and 6 rural schools, with an average size of 531 students. Griffin High School is the largest campus with 1,498 students, followed by Spalding High with 1,252.

Settling Down in Spalding County

Suburban neighborhoods near Griffin offer proximity to the county’s largest high schools and diverse elementary options. Use school performance data to narrow your search for the perfect family home in this well-performing district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Spalding County

via RiskByCounty

Spalding County maintains very low national risk

Spalding County's composite risk score of 40.87 with a very low rating indicates moderate natural hazard exposure by national standards. The county faces roughly average risk across multiple hazard categories rather than acute vulnerability to any single threat.

Slightly above Georgia's average profile

Spalding County scores 40.87 compared to Georgia's state average of 39.49, positioning it in the slightly elevated tier of state risk exposure. This narrow margin reflects a representative Georgia disaster profile.

Mid-range risk for central Georgia

Spalding County's hazard profile places it alongside other central Georgia counties with moderate multi-hazard exposure. Its risks remain substantially lower than Atlanta metropolitan areas but aligned with the broader regional pattern.

Tornadoes and floods pose dual threats

Spalding County faces tornado risk of 62.25 and flood risk of 54.07, making severe weather its most immediate hazard concern. Earthquake risk of 67.18 adds tertiary exposure requiring baseline preparedness.

Prepare for storms and flooding

Spalding County residents should prioritize flood insurance given the county's 54.07 flood risk score, as standard policies exclude water damage. Coupling flood coverage with a weather alert system and designated safe room creates solid household protection against the county's primary threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Spalding County

via WeatherByCounty

Mild Subtropical Climate Near the Median

Spalding County averages 62.8°F annually, keeping it warmer than the national median but cooler than much of the South. This provides a balance of defined seasons without the extreme tropical heat found further south.

Cooler Than the Georgia State Average

At 62.8°F, Spalding sits roughly one degree below the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. However, it is wetter than the state norm, receiving 54.2 inches of annual precipitation.

Warmer and Wetter Than Western Neighbors

Spalding averages about 1.3 degrees warmer than Talbot County to the west. It also sees about three more inches of annual rain than Talbot, contributing to lush local vegetation.

Predictable Heat and Moderate Winters

The county experiences 39 extreme heat days per year, far fewer than southern Georgia. July averages a manageable 79.4°F, while January dips to a cool 45.0°F.

Manage High Humidity and Rain Runoff

With 54.2 inches of rain, residents should ensure proper drainage around their homes to handle heavy downpours. Heating needs are moderate in winter, as temperatures rarely stay below freezing during the day.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Spalding County

via SoilByCounty

Spalding’s Classic Ultisol Profile

Spalding County is defined by its Ultisols and a sandy loam texture common to the Georgia Piedmont. The average pH of 5.33 is slightly higher than the state average of 5.26 but far below the national median of 6.5. These weathered, acidic soils are the foundation of the county's natural landscape.

Balanced Loam with Clay Presence

The soil contains 56.8% sand, 23.7% silt, and 17.7% clay, creating a sandy loam that holds more moisture than coastal areas. This mix offers a better balance of drainage and nutrient retention than the state's sandier counties. However, the clay content can make the soil heavy and difficult to work when wet.

Low Organic Matter, High Water Storage

Organic matter is quite low at 1.14%, falling well behind the state average of 1.83%. Despite this, the available water capacity is high at 0.128 in/in, which is better than the state benchmark of 0.114. This soil stores water well, but it needs supplemental nutrients to be fully productive.

Poorly Drained Hydrologic Group D

Unlike many neighbors, Spalding's dominant soil is poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group D. These soils have high runoff potential and a very low infiltration rate when wet. Builders and farmers must plan for significant water management to prevent flooding and soil saturation.

Gardening Success in Zone 8a

Hardiness zone 8a allows for a diverse range of plantings from cool-weather kale to summer tomatoes. Because the soil holds water so well, moisture-loving plants like hydrangeas and ferns will flourish here. Start a garden this season and capitalize on your soil's excellent water retention.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Spalding County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate Maintenance in Zone 8a

Spalding County’s lawn difficulty score of 35.0 almost mirrors the Georgia state average. While it is easier than the far south, it remains more difficult than the national average due to specific soil and drainage issues.

High Rainfall with Fewer Heat Extremes

With 54.2 inches of annual rain and only 39 extreme heat days, Spalding enjoys a more temperate climate than much of the state. However, the 5,284 growing degree days still demand a consistent mowing schedule starting in late March.

Poor Drainage and Acidic Loam

The local sandy loam is characterized as poorly drained, which can lead to root rot during the heavy 54.2-inch rainy season. Combined with a low pH of 5.33, you will likely need to aerate regularly and apply lime to improve soil health.

Moderate Drought Risk for Spalding

While 32.7% of the county faces severe drought, the entire area is currently abnormally dry. Since the soil is poorly drained, when it does rain, water can pool; use this to your advantage by capturing runoff where possible.

Choose Varieties That Handle Wet Feet

Zoysia or Tall Fescue can work well here, though Fescue will need extra care during the 39 days of extreme heat. Plan to get your grass established after the last spring frost on March 20 for the best results.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Spalding County's county score?
Spalding County, Georgia has a composite county score of 31.7 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 Spalding County rank among counties in Georgia?
Spalding County ranks #151 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 Spalding County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Spalding County is $1,897, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Spalding County a tax score of 40.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Spalding County?
The median household income in Spalding County, Georgia is $60,217 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Spalding County earns an income score of 39.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Spalding County, Georgia a good place to live?
Spalding County scores 31.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #151 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Spalding 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 Spalding County with other counties side by side.

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🏛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.