countyscore
46.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 66.6Weather & Climate 63.6Schools 60.1

County Report Card

About Stephens County, Georgia

Close to the National Median

Stephens County earns a composite score of 46.9, nearly reaching the national median of 50.0. This score reflects a balanced community that performs decently across various metrics. It offers a quality of life similar to many other rural-suburban hybrid counties.

Slightly Above the Georgia Average

With a score of 46.9, Stephens County sits just above the Georgia state average of 46.7. This makes it a solid, competitive option within the state. It provides a standard of living that slightly exceeds the typical Georgia experience.

Strong Schools and Low Risk

The county performs well in education with a school score of 60.1. It also features a strong risk score of 66.6, suggesting it is well-protected against environmental hazards. Housing remains affordable with a cost score of 59.6 and a median rent of $817.

Income and Water Quality Lags

Income is a weak point, scoring only 19.2 with a median household income of $52,264. Surprisingly, water quality scores low at 32.9, which is unusual for the region. Health outcomes also remain a concern with a score of 22.4.

Ideal for Young Families

Stephens County is a strong candidate for young families prioritizing education and low environmental risk on a budget. The respectable school scores and affordable housing create a solid foundation for child-rearing. It is a practical choice for those looking for a safe, rural feel in Georgia.

Score breakdown

Tax50.4Cost59.6Safety42.8Health22.4Schools60.1Income19.2Risk66.6Water32.9Weather63.6
🏛50.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.6
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼19.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡42.8
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤22.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.1
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡66.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧32.9
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.7
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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Deep Dives

Stephens County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Stephens County

via TaxByCounty

Stephens offers favorable national positioning

Stephens County's effective tax rate of 0.830% sits comfortably below the national median of 0.92%, placing the county in the lower half of U.S. counties by tax burden. The median property tax of $1,396 runs 48% below the national median of $2,690, supported by a median home value of $168,200—substantially lower than the national $281,900.

Among Georgia's lowest-tax counties

Stephens County's effective rate of 0.830% ranks well below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it in the bottom tier of the state's tax burden. Its median tax of $1,396 also undercuts the state median of $1,529, offering residents a tax advantage within Georgia.

Second-best rate in the region

Only Rockdale County (0.718%) beats Stephens' effective rate of 0.830% among regional peers, with Richmond (0.882%), Schley (0.887%), and Spalding (0.965%) all charging more. Stephens delivers one of the region's better tax values.

Median bill stays under $1,400 yearly

A typical Stephens County homeowner with the county's median property value of $168,200 pays roughly $1,396 in annual property taxes. With mortgage assessments included, that rises to approximately $1,482 per year.

Low rate makes verification still worthwhile

Even in lower-tax counties like Stephens, individual properties can be overassessed if recent improvements were miscoded or comparable sales were overlooked. A free assessment review from Stephens County's assessor ensures you're not overpaying despite the county's generally favorable rate.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stephens County

via CostByCounty

Stephens County nears national affordability

At 18.8%, Stephens County's rent-to-income ratio sits just slightly above the national norm, achieving reasonable affordability despite a median household income of $52,264 that runs $22,491 below the national average. The county's $817 median rent remains moderate for a rural market, offering decent value for tight household budgets.

Slightly above Georgia averages

Stephens County's 18.8% rent-to-income ratio nudges above Georgia's 18.6% state average by just 0.2 percentage points, placing it squarely in the state's middle-affordability tier. The county effectively matches statewide housing pressure despite rural characteristics.

Moderate costs in rural tier

Stephens' $817 median rent sits between Seminole County's $819 and Schley County's $746, while its $168,200 median home value ranks mid-range across the eight-county group. The county represents balanced rural pricing—neither a bargain nor a burden compared to regional peers.

Near-optimal housing-to-income balance

Stephens renters spend 18.8% of income ($817 monthly) on housing, while homeowners allocate 17.3% ($754), among the most balanced ratios in this comparison. At $52,264 median household income, residents retain reasonable flexibility after housing payments.

Solid choice for balanced rural living

Stephens County delivers genuine affordability without the extreme trade-offs of the cheapest rural counties, offering moderate rents and a manageable 18.8% housing burden. Consider it if you value small-town living with rent below 20% of income.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stephens County

via IncomeByCounty

Stephens trails national income significantly

Stephens County's median household income of $52,264 falls 30% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, indicating a rural economy with limited access to high-wage employment. The $22,500 per-household deficit reflects persistent challenges in northeast Georgia.

Below Georgia's state income average

At $52,264, Stephens County trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by 14%, placing it in the lower-income tier statewide. The county's per-capita income of $27,521—among Georgia's lowest—signals limited professional opportunities.

Lower-income positioning regionally

Stephens County's $52,264 income ranks below Spalding ($60,217) and Schley ($59,647) but exceeds only Seminole ($49,559) and Stewart ($35,000). The county occupies the lower-middle rung of its regional peer group.

Rent burden manageable despite modest income

Stephens County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% sits well below the 30% affordability threshold, aided by a median home value of $168,200. For dual-income households earning the county median, homeownership remains viable but tight for single-earner families.

Focused saving strategies for income mobility

Stephens residents should prioritize skill development and job training alongside modest monthly investments to build wealth. Even $75–125 monthly contributions to low-cost retirement accounts can accumulate meaningfully, especially when paired with career advancement efforts.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stephens County

via CrimeByCounty

Stephens County Below National Crime Rates

Stephens County has a total crime rate of 1,294.3 per 100K, roughly half the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a respectable safety score of 98.0.

Competitive Safety Ratings in Georgia

The county's crime rate of 1,294.3 is lower than the Georgia state average of 1,412.9 per 100K. It also maintains a safety score slightly above the statewide average of 97.8.

Local Safety Context

Stephens County has a slightly higher crime rate than Seminole County, which reports 1,217.6 per 100K. Three reporting agencies provide law enforcement services to the local population.

Breaking Down the Crime Statistics

Violent crime is relatively low at 127.2 per 100K, while property crime is 1,167.1. Most reported incidents involve non-violent offenses like theft or burglary.

Secure Your Stephens County Property

Property crime represents the majority of local incidents, making home alarms and cameras a smart choice. Taking simple precautions can help keep your property safe and secure.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Stephens County

via HealthByCounty

Stephens County lags national health

At 71.5 years, Stephens County's life expectancy falls 5.5 years below the U.S. average of 77 years, signaling population health challenges. Just over one-fifth of residents (21.1%) report poor or fair health, exceeding the 17% national rate.

Below Georgia's health benchmark

Stephens County's 71.5-year life expectancy trails Georgia's state average of 73.3 years, placing it among the state's lower-performing counties. Its 21.1% poor/fair health rate exceeds the state trend.

Struggling with regional peers

Stephens County's 71.5-year life expectancy ranks above Screven (70.9 years) and Stewart (71.0 years), but significantly trails Rockdale (75.7 years) and Schley (75.4 years) by over 4 years. It belongs to the region's health-challenged cluster.

Moderate coverage, fair provider access

Stephens County's 14.4% uninsured rate sits just below Georgia's 15.0% state average, showing relative stability in coverage. With 67 primary care providers and 107 mental health providers per 100K, access is moderate compared to regional peers.

Maintain insurance coverage

Stephens County's health outcomes depend on sustained coverage and preventive care utilization. Check healthcare.gov or local clinics to review plans and explore preventive health services.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Stephens County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Learning in Stephens County

Stephens County supports 6 public schools and 3,840 students through a single district. The system is composed of 3 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 comprehensive high school.

Exceptional Graduation Rates

The county achieves an impressive 94.0% graduation rate, far outperforming the Georgia state average of 88.1%. Despite spending slightly less than the state average at $7,002 per pupil, the school score remains high at 55.6.

The Stephens County District

The Stephens County school district manages all 3,840 students in the area without any charter school presence. This allows for a concentrated focus on the six traditional public campuses serving the community.

Predominantly Rural School Settings

Five of the six schools are located in rural areas, contributing to an average school size of 640 students. Stephens County High School is the largest campus, hosting 1,142 students as the county's only public high school.

Find Your Home Near Top Schools

For those seeking high academic standards in a rural environment, Stephens County offers some of the best graduation rates in the region. Look for homes in Toccoa to be near the heart of this successful school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stephens County

via RiskByCounty

Stephens County enjoys very low risk status

Stephens County's composite risk score of 33.43 with a very low rating places it in the safer tier nationally for natural disaster exposure. The county's profile reflects modest, manageable hazard exposure across most disaster categories.

Below Georgia's average risk level

Stephens County scores 33.43 compared to Georgia's state average of 39.49, making it a lower-risk county within Georgia's landscape. The county ranks among the state's more protected areas from natural hazards.

Favorable standing among regional counties

Stephens County's very low risk profile provides relatively safer conditions than many neighboring areas in northeast Georgia. Its earthquake risk of 71.85 represents the primary area of concern compared to state averages.

Earthquake and tornado merit attention

Stephens County residents face earthquake risk of 71.85 and tornado risk of 56.81 as the county's principal natural hazard exposures. Flood risk of 44.02 and hurricane risk of 59.78 add secondary considerations for comprehensive preparedness.

Standard coverage with weather awareness

Stephens County homeowners should maintain standard homeowners insurance and consider earthquake coverage given the county's elevated seismic risk score of 71.85. A weather alert system and family communication plan provide essential protection against tornado and severe weather threats.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stephens County

via WeatherByCounty

Cooler Foothills Climate for Georgia

Stephens County has an annual average temperature of 61.5°F, making it one of the cooler regions in the state. Its location in the foothills provides more relief from heat than most of the Deep South.

Well Below the State Average Temperature

The county stays significantly cooler than the Georgia average of 63.7°F. However, it is much wetter than average, recording 59.0 inches of precipitation annually compared to the state's 51.4-inch mark.

High Rainfall Compared to Central Georgia

Stephens receives nearly 8 inches more rain annually than Talbot County. While its 61.5°F average matches Talbot, the increased rainfall and 1.4 inches of annual snow set its climate apart.

Occasional Snow and Brisk Winters

Stephens is one of the few Georgia counties with measurable snow, averaging 1.4 inches annually. Summer remains relatively mild with 46 days of 90-degree heat and a July average of 79.2°F.

Gear Up for Rain and Flurries

Heavy-duty rain gear is essential due to the 59 inches of annual precipitation. Unlike most of the state, residents should keep a snow shovel handy for the occasional winter dusting.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stephens County

via SoilByCounty

Taxonomy and pH Data Missing

Stephens County currently has no recorded taxonomic order or pH values in the central database. For reference, the national median pH is 6.5, while Georgia’s average is more acidic at 5.26. A local soil test through a university extension is recommended to identify your plot's chemistry.

Local Soil Texture and Mix

Specific percentages of sand, silt, and clay are not currently available for Stephens County. This data is vital for understanding how soil handles water and supports plant roots. Without it, gardeners should perform a 'ribbon test' to estimate their clay and sand proportions manually.

Unmeasured Organic and Water Levels

Organic matter and water capacity figures are unavailable for this county. Achieving the state average of 1.83% organic matter is a great starting point for local soil improvement. Adding compost and cover crops can help build healthy soil regardless of the starting point.

Observing Local Hydrology and Drainage

The dominant drainage class and hydrologic group for Stephens County are not yet classified. Understanding local water movement is key to successful land use, especially in hilly terrain. Residents should monitor for erosion and pooling after storms to guide their landscaping decisions.

Diverse Potential in Zone 8b

Stephens County enjoys the temperate climate of hardiness zone 8b. This zone is perfect for growing fruit trees like peaches and apples that require a moderate amount of chill hours. Dive into gardening by trying out some native Georgia perennials that are adapted to the local environment.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stephens County

via LawnByCounty

Stephens County Leads in Lawn Ease

With a score of 40.7, Stephens County offers the best lawn care conditions among these eight counties. It is significantly more manageable than the state average of 35.8, thanks to its favorable mountain-edge climate.

The Rainiest County in the Region

Stephens receives a massive 59.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is 9 inches more than the national ideal. Coupled with only 46 extreme heat days, the climate does much of the heavy lifting for keeping grass green.

Preparing Your Mountain Soil

Specific soil data is missing for Stephens, but the high rainfall can often lead to nutrient leaching. Local homeowners should focus on testing for mineral deficiencies that may occur in such a wet, high-precipitation environment.

Severe Drought Despite High Rainfall

Even with 59 inches of annual rain, 100.0% of the county is currently in severe drought. However, with only 14 weeks of drought over the past year, the area is generally more resilient than its southern neighbors.

Versatile Options for the Foothills

The cooler temperatures allow for a wider variety of grasses, including Turf-Type Tall Fescue or Zoysia. Wait until after the March 23 frost to seed, ensuring your lawn is ready to soak up the abundant spring rains.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stephens County's county score?
Stephens County, Georgia has a composite county score of 46.9 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 Stephens County rank among counties in Georgia?
Stephens County ranks #78 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 Stephens County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Stephens County is $1,396, with an effective tax rate of 0.83%. This earns Stephens County a tax score of 50.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stephens County?
The median household income in Stephens County, Georgia is $52,264 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stephens County earns an income score of 19.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stephens County, Georgia a good place to live?
Stephens County scores 46.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #78 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Stephens 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 Stephens 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.