countyscore
58.6
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 95.5Disaster Risk 94.2

County Report Card

About Stewart County, Georgia

Leading the Nation in Livability

Stewart County earns a high composite score of 58.6, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of performance in key areas that matter to residents. It is one of the higher-scoring rural counties in the United States.

A Standout Performer in Georgia

Stewart's 58.6 score far exceeds the Georgia state average of 46.7. This impressive performance highlights the county as a hidden gem for those seeking stability and affordability. It ranks significantly higher than its immediate neighbors in the region.

Unmatched Safety and Housing Value

The county boasts an incredible safety score of 97.5 and a cost score of 95.5. Median home values are exceptionally low at $53,000, making it one of the most affordable places in the nation. It also scores 94.2 for natural risk resilience.

Severe Economic and Health Barriers

Income is a major challenge with a score of only 1.0, reflecting a median household income of just $35,000. Tax scores are also low at 6.8 due to a high effective rate of 1.711%. Health services are limited, as shown by a score of 8.2.

Best for Retirees or Remote Workers

Stewart County is a top choice for those with an external income who want maximum safety and minimal housing costs. Its combination of high safety and low cost is rare and highly valuable. It is a perfect fit for anyone looking for extreme peace and quiet on a budget.

204060801006.895.597.58.266.3194.28645.8Tax6.8Cost95.5Safety97.5Health8.2Schools66.3Income1Risk94.2Water86Weather45.858.6/100
This county
National avg
5 above average4 below average

Stewart County DNA

Foverall

How Stewart County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Stewart County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (95.5/100) but notably weak in Income (1/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
6.8-45.2
Cost
95.5+47.5
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
8.2-41.8
Schools
66.3+12.299999999999997
Income
1-50
Risk
94.2+47.2
Water
86+28
Weather
45.8-10.200000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$53,000

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$588/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$53,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$23,520/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $35,000/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

40.2

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Counties with similar scores

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De Baca County
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Wyoming County
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Nearby counties

Quitman County
Georgia
60
Chattahoochee County
Georgia
54.6
Webster County
Georgia
65.2
Russell County
Alabama
55
Randolph County
Georgia
52.5
Marion County
Georgia
53.1
Clay County
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56
Muscogee County
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29.4

Deep Dives

Stewart County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Stewart County

via TaxByCounty

Stewart charges nation's highest analyzed rate

Stewart County's effective tax rate of 1.711% towers 86% above the national median of 0.92%, marking it as one of the steepest tax burdens in the country. Remarkably, the median property tax of $907 remains just 66% below the national median of $2,690 because Stewart homes are steeply undervalued at a median of just $53,000 versus the national $281,900.

Highest tax rate in Georgia

Stewart County's 1.711% effective rate stands highest among all Georgia counties, nearly double the state average of 0.898%. Residents shoulder a dramatically elevated tax burden relative to property values—paying at a rate that reflects structural fiscal challenges unique to the county.

Dramatically outpaces every regional peer

Stewart County's 1.711% rate more than doubles Screven's 1.181% and Seminole's 1.220%, the region's next-highest counties. Every other regional peer—from Spalding (0.965%) to Rockdale (0.718%)—charges substantially less.

Median tax bill around $907 yearly

Even with Stewart's extraordinary 1.711% rate, the median property tax bill of $907 remains low because homes are valued at just $53,000 median. With mortgage assessments, the total rises to roughly $787—unusual because the mortgage component typically adds to bills.

Appeal is essential given extreme rate

Stewart County's uniquely high tax rate means even modest assessment errors compound into substantial costs—making a property tax appeal critically important. If your home's market value, condition, or recent comparable sales suggest overvaluation, filing an appeal with Stewart County could deliver meaningful relief on an already steep tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Stewart County

via CostByCounty

Stewart County's wages sharply lag housing

Stewart County faces the region's deepest affordability crisis: a 20.2% rent-to-income ratio combined with the lowest median household income of any county here at just $35,000—$39,755 below the national average. While absolute rents ($588) rank among the nation's cheapest, they still consume a fifth of meager household earnings.

Low income defines the challenge

Stewart County's 20.2% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's 18.6% state average despite offering the state's lowest absolute rents, reflecting a county where housing costs are secondary to wage poverty. The $35,000 median household income represents the economic reality that affordable housing offers little relief without viable employment.

Cheapest housing, weakest wages

Stewart's $588 median rent ranks lowest among all eight counties, yet its $35,000 median income is the lowest by far, making relative affordability worse than these numbers suggest. The $53,000 median home value is also the region's cheapest, but homeownership remains out of reach for most residents.

Housing affordable, income insufficient

Stewart renters spend just $588 monthly (20.2% of a $35,000 annual income) on housing, while homeowners allocate 17.4% ($510), but these percentages mask a deeper crisis. The true challenge is that even affordable housing strains an insufficient wage base with limited job opportunities.

Affordable only with outside income

Stewart County offers unbeatable housing costs but ranks as the region's economically weakest county, with median incomes far below state norms. Relocate here only if you bring remote work, retirement income, or strong portable employment—local job prospects remain severely limited.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Stewart County

via IncomeByCounty

Stewart faces severe national income disadvantage

Stewart County's median household income of just $35,000 represents only 47% of the U.S. median of $74,755—a staggering 53% gap. This places Stewart among America's most economically challenged counties, with structural barriers to income growth.

Georgia's lowest-income county

Stewart County's $35,000 median household income is catastrophically below Georgia's state average of $60,488—a 42% deficit. With a per-capita income of just $21,024, Stewart faces severe limitations in job quality, business investment, and educational opportunity.

Dramatically underperforming all regional peers

Stewart County's $35,000 income is less than 60% of every neighboring county profiled here, from Seminole ($49,559) to Rockdale ($72,349). This profound gap reflects deep structural economic challenges distinct from the region.

Housing costs deceptively affordable but income crisis

While Stewart's rent-to-income ratio of 20.2% appears manageable and median home value ($53,000) is lowest regionally, the median income of $35,000 creates severe overall affordability stress. Residents struggle with basic necessities beyond housing, limiting wealth-building potential.

Urgent need for economic development and training

Stewart County residents must actively seek skills training, mentorship, and job opportunities in adjacent counties while saving every possible dollar. Even micro-investments through employer retirement plans or savings clubs can initiate long-term wealth accumulation, though systemic economic investment is critical.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Stewart County

via CrimeByCounty

Stewart County Reports Minimal Crime

Stewart County reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100K, significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This data gives the county a perfect safety score of 100.0.

A Top Safety Rank in Georgia

With a reported crime rate of 0.0, Stewart County stands well below the Georgia average of 1,412.9 per 100K. It is one of the highest-rated counties in the state compared to the 97.8 average safety score.

Unmatched Safety in the Region

Stewart's reported rate of 0.0 is even lower than neighbor Schley County’s 591.4 per 100K. Three reporting agencies maintain the peace in this exceptionally quiet community.

No Violent or Property Crime Reported

Both violent and property crime rates stand at 0.0 per 100K for the reporting period. While this may reflect a lack of recent incidents, it represents a very low-risk profile for residents.

Maintaining Peace in Stewart County

Though reported crime is non-existent, basic home security remains a wise practice for any homeowner. Consistent vigilance helps ensure the county remains one of the safest in Georgia.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Stewart County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Education in Stewart

Stewart County maintains an intimate education environment with only 3 schools serving a total of 407 students. The system includes one elementary, one middle, and one high school, all under a single district.

High Investment and Strong Results

The county leads the region in spending with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,370, well above the Georgia average of $7,405. This investment pays off with a 90.0% graduation rate and a strong school score of 58.6.

Stewart County's Personalized District

The Stewart County district oversees the entire student body of 407 children with a high degree of individual attention. There are no charter schools in the county, keeping all students within the traditional public system.

An Exceptionally Small Rural District

All three schools are located in rural settings with an incredibly low average school size of 136 students. Stewart County Elementary is the largest school in the county yet only enrolls 192 students.

Personalized Learning in Stewart County

Families who prefer tiny class sizes and a high-investment rural district will find Stewart County unique. Explore properties near the county seat to enjoy the benefits of this small-scale, high-performing school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Stewart County

via RiskByCounty

Stewart County ranks among safest nationally

Stewart County's composite risk score of just 5.85 places it in the nation's lowest tier for natural disaster exposure, with a very low risk rating across almost all hazard types. This exceptional safety reflects minimal exposure to the full range of natural hazards.

Georgia's second-safest county

Stewart County's score of 5.85 ranks it among Georgia's most protected areas, standing dramatically below the state average of 39.49. Only a handful of Georgia counties rival its level of safety from natural disasters.

Standout refuge from Georgia's hazard profile

Stewart County's minimal composite risk distinguishes it sharply from surrounding areas, making it an exceptional sanctuary from the state's typical disaster pressures. Even its highest-scoring hazard categories remain moderate relative to statewide exposure.

Hurricane exposure is primary consideration

Stewart County's only noteworthy natural hazard concern is hurricane risk at 60.49, reflecting residual Gulf Coast storm potential. All other hazard categories—flood, tornado, earthquake, and wildfire—remain exceptionally low.

Minimal preparations needed for safety

Stewart County's exceptionally low risk profile means standard homeowners insurance provides comprehensive household protection for most residents. During hurricane season, basic storm awareness and a family communication plan complete practical preparedness for the county's minimal hazard exposure.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Stewart County

via WaterByCounty

Stewart County Achieves Perfect Water Safety Grade

Stewart County earns a Grade A for drinking water, with no health violations recorded over the past five years. This 0.0 violation rate is far superior to the state average of 152.5 per 100,000 residents. Local water systems are operating with a high degree of reliability and safety.

Significant Impairment Found in County Watersheds

In 2022, 68.4% of the county's 19 assessed water bodies were found to be impaired, well above the Georgia average of 48.4%. The main issues reported involve fish and macroinvertebrate bioassessments and abnormal pH levels. This suggests that while tap water is safe, the broader aquatic environment is under stress.

Strong Monitoring Record with Eight Sites

Stewart County maintains 8 monitoring sites that have produced 6,657 measurements over the last five years. Data collection focuses on physical, nutrient, and inorganic characteristics. This robust dataset helps local officials understand why so many water bodies are failing to meet ecological standards.

Chattahoochee River Flows at Critically Low Levels

The Chattahoochee River at Spur 39 near Omaha is currently flowing at 1,730 cfs, which is only 22% of its long-term mean of 8,056 cfs. This reflects a significant drought or flow-reduction period for the river, which drains 5,910 square miles. Such low levels can exacerbate existing water quality issues like pH imbalance.

Monitor Surface Water for Ecological Stress

With over 68% of local waterways impaired and the Chattahoochee River at just 22% of its normal flow, surface water health is a major concern. Residents should be aware that these conditions can lead to drastic changes in water chemistry and habitat quality. While tap water is safe, protecting local streams from runoff is critical during these periods of extreme low flow.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Stewart County

via WeatherByCounty

Classic Southern Warmth in West Georgia

Stewart County’s annual average of 64.2°F is nearly 10 degrees higher than the national median. This climate is defined by high humidity and consistent warmth throughout the year.

Alined With Georgia's State Averages

The county’s 64.2°F average temperature and 52.8 inches of rain closely mirror the Georgia state averages. It represents the typical weather experience for the central-western part of the state.

Slightly Drier Than Neighboring Sumter

Stewart is nearly identical in temperature to nearby Sumter County, which averages 64.3°F. However, Stewart records zero annual snowfall, whereas Sumter occasionally sees a trace amount.

Long Summers and No Snowfall

Residents experience 72 days of extreme heat annually, with July averaging 80.0°F. Winter is mild and dry, featuring a 47.1°F January average and zero recorded snow.

Plan for Sustained Summer Heat

With over 70 days of 90-degree weather, outdoor activities are best scheduled for the early morning. Homes require reliable air conditioning, but winter heating needs remain relatively low.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Stewart County

via SoilByCounty

Typical Acidic Georgia Soils

Stewart County has an average pH of 5.31, which is slightly higher than the state average of 5.26. It remains much more acidic than the national median of 6.5, a hallmark of Georgia's weathered landscapes. The specific taxonomic order for this county is not currently recorded.

Highly Sandy and Easy to Work

The soil is 75.6% sand, 13.6% silt, and 10.8% clay. This high sand percentage makes the ground very easy to till and work with garden tools. However, such a sandy mix also means that water and nutrients can wash through the soil quickly.

Low Fertility and Water Storage

Organic matter is 1.28%, which is lower than the state average of 1.83%. Available water capacity is also below the state benchmark at 0.095 in/in. To improve growth, local gardeners should focus on adding organic mulches to help the soil hold onto both water and nutrients.

Hydrology Awaiting Classification

The specific drainage class and hydrologic group for Stewart County are not available in this dataset. Given the 75.6% sand content, much of the county likely experiences rapid drainage. It is important to confirm local conditions before installing irrigation or planning building foundations.

Resilient Growing in Zone 8b

The warm 8b climate in Stewart County is ideal for drought-tolerant crops that don't mind sandy soil. Grapes and various berry bushes are excellent choices for these conditions. Start your planting journey today and enjoy the benefits of Stewart County’s long growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Stewart County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Stewart County

Stewart County earns a lawn difficulty score of 28.7, indicating a tough environment for traditional turf. This falls well below the state average, requiring residents to be strategic about their lawn care choices.

Long Seasons and High Heat

Homeowners face 72 extreme heat days and a long growing season that begins after the April 1 frost. The 52.8 inches of annual rain is plentiful, but it must be managed carefully to survive the intense 5,678 growing degree days.

Acidic Sand Dominates the Landscape

The soil is 75.6% sand with a low pH of 5.31, creating a foundation that struggles to hold both water and nutrients. You will need to apply lime to bring the pH closer to 6.5 and use slow-release fertilizers to prevent runoff.

Severe Drought Grips the County

Currently, 100.0% of Stewart County is experiencing severe drought conditions. With 24 weeks of drought in the past year and sandy soil that dries out quickly, mulch-mowing is essential to keep moisture in the ground.

Drought-Tolerant Choices for Stewart

Bermuda grass is the most practical choice here due to its deep roots and excellent drought recovery. Because of the late April 1 frost date, wait until mid-spring to ensure your new lawn isn't damaged by a late cold snap.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stewart County's county score?
Stewart County, Georgia has a composite county score of 58.6 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 Stewart County rank among counties in Georgia?
Stewart County ranks #13 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 Stewart County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Stewart County is $907, with an effective tax rate of 1.71%. This earns Stewart County a tax score of 6.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Stewart County?
The median household income in Stewart County, Georgia is $35,000 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Stewart County earns an income score of 1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Stewart County, Georgia a good place to live?
Stewart County scores 58.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #13 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Stewart 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 Stewart County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.