CountyScore

Stephens County

Georgia · GA

#54 in Georgia
68.9
County Score

County Report Card

About Stephens County, Georgia

Stephens ranks among the nation's best

Stephens County's composite score of 72.9 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 46%, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties for livability. The performance reflects exceptional affordability paired with low taxes.

One of Georgia's most livable counties

Stephens ranks above Georgia's state average with a score of 72.9 versus 70.9, solidifying its position in the state's top tier. Few Georgia counties offer comparable value across measured dimensions.

Outstanding value in taxes and housing costs

Stephens excels with a tax score of 78.9 and an effective rate of 0.830%, combined with a cost score of 82.3 and median home values of $168,200. Monthly rent averages just $817, making it highly affordable.

Lower household income relative to advantages

The income score of 17.5 reflects a median household income of $52,264, the trade-off for such strong affordability. Data on safety, health, schools, and environmental conditions are not yet available.

Ideal for value-seekers and early retirees

Stephens County is perfect for people prioritizing financial security through low housing costs and minimal tax burden over high local earnings. Young families and retirees will find exceptional purchasing power here.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.9Cost82.3SafetyComing SoonHealth58.8SchoolsComing SoonIncome17.5Risk66.6WaterComing Soon
🏛78.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼17.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤58.8
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡66.6
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 Stephens County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Coffee County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $64,672
Walker County
Alabama
68.9
Median income: $54,509
Arkansas County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $60,831
Jackson County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $41,215
Sevier County
Arkansas
68.9
Median income: $51,641

Deep Dives

Stephens County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

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

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

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.