countyscore
43.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.2Safety 71Weather & Climate 62.9

County Report Card

About Talbot County, Georgia

Competitive National Standings in Georgia

Talbot County earns a 43.7 composite score, approaching the national median of 50.0. While it trails the middle of the pack slightly, it remains a stable rural option.

Nearing the Georgia State Average

With a score of 43.7, Talbot County sits just three points shy of the Georgia state average of 46.7. This makes it a representative example of rural Georgia living standards.

Exceptional Safety and Environmental Stability

Safety is a major asset here with a score of 71.0, far outpacing many nearby counties. The risk score is an elite 97.2, suggesting the area is highly resilient to natural disasters.

Water Infrastructure and Income Gaps

The water score is very low at 13.7, indicating potential concerns with local utility consistency. Additionally, the income score of 7.4 reflects a modest median household income of $45,098.

Ideal for Secure Rural Living

Talbot is a strong choice for those who value personal safety and disaster resilience above all else. It perfectly suits retirees or quiet-seekers who don't mind navigating lower health and water infrastructure scores.

204060801003242.17120.244.47.497.213.762.9Tax32Cost42.1Safety71Health20.2Schools44.4Income7.4Risk97.2Water13.7Weather62.943.7/100
This county
National avg
2 above average4 below average

Talbot County DNA

Foverall

How Talbot County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Talbot County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (97.2/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (13.7/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
32-20
Cost
42.1
Safety
71+16
Health
20.2-29.8
Schools
44.4-9.600000000000001
Income
7.4-43.6
Risk
97.2+50.2
Water
13.7-44.3
Weather
62.9
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Think property taxes are too high in Talbot County?

Many homeowners in Talbot County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$127,200

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$950/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$127,200/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$38,000/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $45,098/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

17.4

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

Crawford County
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Median income: $60,362
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Clarke County
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Oakland County
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Anoka County
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Olmsted County
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Median income: $93,494
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Nearby counties

Upson County
Georgia
47.1
Taylor County
Georgia
56.3
Marion County
Georgia
53.1
Muscogee County
Georgia
29.4
Harris County
Georgia
55.8
Meriwether County
Georgia
38.9
Pike County
Georgia
49.3
Chattahoochee County
Georgia
54.6

Deep Dives

Talbot County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Talbot County

via TaxByCounty

Talbot's rate exceeds national norm

Talbot County's effective tax rate of 1.088% surpasses the national median of 0.898% by roughly 21%, placing it in the upper half of U.S. counties. The median annual tax bill here is $1,384 on a $127,200 home, well below the national median home value of $281,900.

Middle-of-pack in Georgia rankings

Talbot County's 1.088% effective rate ranks mid-tier among Georgia's 159 counties—above the state average of 0.898% by about 21%. This places Talbot residents in the higher tax tier, though not as steeply burdened as top counties.

Moderate burden in the region

Talbot's 1.088% rate sits comfortably between Tattnall County (1.018%) and Sumter County (1.321%), making it a middle ground in the eight-county comparison. It's notably lower than Taliaferro (1.254%) and higher than Taylor County (0.897%).

What a $127,200 home costs

A median-valued home in Talbot County generates an annual property tax bill of roughly $1,384. With a mortgage, that bill reaches $1,994; without mortgage benefits, it dips to $962.

Know your assessment value

Talbot homeowners should verify their properties are assessed fairly relative to market value and neighbors' assessments. An appeal can be straightforward and cost-effective if you have evidence of overvaluation.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Talbot County

via CostByCounty

Talbot's housing burden tops nation

Talbot County renters spend 25.3% of income on housing, among the most strained in the country compared to the 18.6% national benchmark. With a median household income of $45,098 against a national average of $74,755, Talbot residents carry outsized housing costs on smaller paychecks.

Talbot ranks near Georgia's bottom

At 25.3%, Talbot's rent-to-income ratio is one of the worst in Georgia, sitting 6.7 percentage points above the state average of 18.6%. The county's $950 median rent exceeds even Georgia's state average, intensifying affordability challenges for local renters.

Talbot's high rents in context

Talbot renters face the highest median rent ($950) among its peer counties, yet earn less than neighbors like Thomas County ($60,140 vs. $45,098). Only Sumter County approaches Talbot's rent burden at 24.3%, making Talbot a regional affordability outlier.

Talbot's housing cost reality

Renters spend $950 monthly while owners pay $837, consuming 25.3% and 22.3% of income respectively—leaving limited funds for food, healthcare, and transportation. The median home value of $127,200 requires stronger income stability than most Talbot households currently possess.

Talbot: think twice before relocating

Talbot County's combination of high rents and modest incomes makes it a challenging relocation choice unless a job offer includes significant salary premium. Prospective residents should explore neighboring counties like Telfair or Tattnall, where housing consumes less of household earnings.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Talbot County

via IncomeByCounty

Talbot lags but closing the gap

Talbot County's median household income of $45,098 is 40% below the U.S. median of $74,755, placing it among lower-income counties nationally. Despite this gap, Talbot earns about $3,200 more than neighboring Sumter County, signaling slight economic advantage within the rural Georgia region.

Talbot ranks low among Georgia counties

Talbot's median household income of $45,098 falls $15,390 short of Georgia's county average of $60,488. The county ranks in the lower third of Georgia's 159 counties by household income, reflecting rural economic patterns across the state's interior regions.

Regional income consistency holds

Talbot's $45,098 income sits between Sumter County ($41,877) and Taliaferro County ($48,036), reflecting a cluster of similarly-positioned rural counties. This income range of $41,000 to $48,000 characterizes much of southwest Georgia's economic landscape.

Housing costs strain family budgets

Talbot's rent-to-income ratio of 25.3% indicates families spend roughly a quarter of earnings on rent, approaching the 30% affordability limit. With a median home value of $127,200, homeownership remains within reach for many households, though rental availability pressures persist.

Modest income, powerful investing habits

Talbot households at $45,098 can build wealth by automating even small monthly investments into diversified accounts, starting with employer matches if available. Financial literacy and compound growth strategies work regardless of starting income—consistent saving beats market timing for long-term prosperity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Talbot County

via CrimeByCounty

Strong Safety Ratings in Talbot

Talbot County earns an impressive safety score of 98.9, placing it well above national norms. Its total crime rate of 690.5 per 100K is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Talbot Outperforms State Averages

With a crime rate of 690.5, Talbot County performs much better than the Georgia state average of 1,412.9 per 100K. This keeps the county well above the average state safety score of 97.8.

A Quiet Local Profile

Talbot stands as a middle ground between the extremely low rates in Taylor County (141.0) and the higher activity in Sumter (3,015.9). It maintains a peaceful profile relative to many of its regional neighbors.

Understanding the Local Breakdown

Violent crime sits at 310.7 per 100K, while property crime is recorded at 379.8 per 100K. These numbers mean a resident is much less likely to experience crime here than in the average American town.

Maintaining a Secure Environment

Homeowners should maintain situational awareness and secure their property to keep these rates low. Even in safe areas, locking doors and installing deadbolts are effective ways to prevent opportunistic theft.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Talbot County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized schooling in Talbot County

Talbot County operates a highly centralized education model with a single public school serving the entire community. This lone facility provides PK-12 education for all 408 enrolled students.

Investing in Talbot's students

The county spends $8,273 per pupil, which is notably higher than the Georgia state average of $7,405. The current graduation rate of 84.0% trails both the state and national averages.

The Talbot County School District

The Talbot County district manages the local education system with no charter school alternatives. Central Elementary/High School remains the sole educational hub for the county’s youth.

Intimate rural learning environment

Learning in Talbot County happens in a single rural setting where the entire student body of 408 stays together through graduation. This creates a deeply connected community feel where every student is known.

Discover Talbot County homes

Families seeking a tight-knit, one-school community will find Talbot County unique. Consider exploring homes near the central PK-12 campus for a simplified commute and a unified peer group.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Talbot County

via RiskByCounty

Talbot ranks among America's safest counties

Talbot County's composite risk score of 2.86 places it in the Very Low category, far below Georgia's state average of 39.49 and well below the national median. This west-central Georgia county enjoys some of the lowest natural disaster exposure in the United States.

Georgia's third-lowest disaster risk county

Among 159 Georgia counties, Talbot ranks near the very bottom for overall natural hazard exposure, with a composite score 93% lower than the state average. Only a handful of Georgia counties maintain risk levels this low.

Talbot's safety stands out in the region

Talbot's 2.86 score makes it dramatically safer than neighboring Sumter County (53.18) and far lower than Terrell County (16.54) and Telfair County (23.54). The county occupies a notably protective geographic position within Georgia's hazard landscape.

Wildfire poses the main local concern

Wildfire risk reaches 40.46 in Talbot—the highest individual hazard score—though still well below state norms for this threat. All other hazards, including tornado (26.65), earthquake (27.29), flood (9.76), and hurricane (53.57), remain substantially lower than regional and state averages.

Standard coverage suits low-risk Talbot

Standard homeowners insurance is typically sufficient for Talbot County residents given the minimal disaster exposure across most hazard types. A basic policy protecting against fire, wind, and liability provides adequate coverage for this exceptionally safe county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Talbot County

via WaterByCounty

Critical Health Violations Lower Water Grade

Talbot County receives an 'F' grade for drinking water due to 14 health violations recorded over a five-year period. At 218.2 violations per 100,000 people, the county's rate sits well above the Georgia state average of 152.5. These numbers highlight consistent challenges in meeting federal safety requirements for municipal water.

Watershed Health Outperforms State Average

In the 2022 assessment, 41.2% of Talbot County’s 17 evaluated water bodies were classified as impaired. This is notably better than the statewide impairment average of 48.4%. The primary causes for these failures are fecal coliform and poor biological health of fish and macroinvertebrates.

Limited Monitoring Footprint with 1,195 Records

The EPA Water Quality Portal tracks data from just three monitoring sites within Talbot County boundaries. These sites have produced 1,195 results over the last five years, primarily measuring physical and nutrient characteristics. This smaller footprint provides a narrower window into the county's overall water health compared to neighboring regions.

No Active USGS Streamflow Data Available

There is currently no representative USGS streamgage providing real-time discharge data for Talbot County. In the absence of live flow monitoring, residents should rely more heavily on drinking water compliance reports and watershed health assessments. Regular infrastructure updates are the primary signal for water security here.

Prioritize Filtration and Sanitary Awareness

Given the 'F' grade for drinking water, residents should consider using certified water filters to reduce exposure to regulated contaminants. Since fecal coliform is a top cause of impairment in local streams, avoid swimming in assessed waters after heavy rains. Testing private wells is highly recommended to ensure local violations haven't reached groundwater sources.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Talbot County

via WeatherByCounty

Moderate Southern Climate with High Rain

Talbot County averages 61.5°F annually, which is warmer than the national median but cool for Georgia. It receives 51.1 inches of rain, typical for the humid subtropical region.

Cooler Than Most Georgia Counties

The county's 61.5°F average is over two degrees cooler than the Georgia state average. It ranks as one of the milder counties in the state's central-western region.

Cooler and Drier Than Spalding

Talbot is more than a degree cooler than Spalding County and receives about 3 inches less rain per year. Despite the cooler average, it sees 47 extreme heat days annually, more than Spalding's 39.

Mild Summers and Crisp Winters

Summer temperatures average 77.1°F, with 47 days reaching 90°F or higher. Winter is chilly but not freezing, with a January average of 44.0°F and only a trace 0.1 inches of snow.

Prepare for Moderate Heating and Cooling

Because Talbot is cooler than its neighbors, winter heating bills may be slightly higher than in the far south. However, 47 days of extreme heat still necessitate a robust cooling plan for the summer.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Talbot County

via SoilByCounty

Talbot's Acidic Foundations

Precise taxonomic and pH data are unavailable, though Talbot likely mirrors the state’s acidic average of 5.26. This acidic profile is significantly more intense than the national median of 6.5.

Texture and Workability

Specific mineral ratios are not documented, but regional soils usually balance drainage with the need for nutrient-holding capacity. Local gardeners should test their specific soil to determine if it leans more toward sand or clay.

Nurturing Growth in Talbot

Without a local organic matter score, we look to the Georgia average of 1.83% as a baseline for fertility. Maintaining high organic levels helps the soil hold more water than the state average capacity of 0.114 in/in.

Hydrology and Yard Health

Comprehensive drainage and hydrologic group data are not available for this county profile. Observing how water moves across your land after a heavy rain provides the best clue for site preparation.

Vibrant Growth in 8b

Talbot County falls within Hardiness Zone 8b, which is ideal for a variety of southern staples. Start your garden today with camellias or blueberries, which thrive in the region's typical conditions.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Talbot County

via LawnByCounty

Talbot County Outperforms the Georgia Average

With a lawn difficulty score of 39.4, Talbot County is actually easier to manage than the state average of 35.8. Although it still falls below the national median of 50.0, the conditions in Zone 8b are relatively favorable for the region. Homeowners here enjoy a slight advantage over their neighbors in Sumter County.

Moderate Heat Stress Supports Lawn Health

The county sees 47 extreme heat days per year, which is significantly lower than the Georgia average of 65 days. Annual precipitation sits at 51.1 inches, aligning perfectly with the state average and providing plenty of natural hydration. These 4,940 growing degree days result in a robust but manageable growing schedule.

Customizing Your Local Soil Strategy

Localized soil data is limited for this area, making a professional soil test your best tool for success. Most Georgia soils require some amendment to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range for optimal nutrient uptake. Focus on building healthy topsoil to support your lawn through the hot July months.

Managing Water During Severe Dry Spells

Currently, 100% of Talbot County faces Severe Drought (D2+) conditions after 26 weeks of drought in the past year. Maintaining a higher mowing height can help shade the soil and reduce evaporation during these periods. Efficient irrigation is critical to sustain turf when natural rainfall falls short of its 51.1-inch average.

Spring Planting Begins in Early April

Plan to seed or sod after the typical last spring frost on April 1st to ensure your warm-season grass establishes properly. Zone 8b is ideal for Zoysia or St. Augustine, which provide excellent coverage through the first frost in early November. Starting early allows your turf to develop the root system needed for Georgia's intense summers.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Talbot County's county score?
Talbot County, Georgia has a composite county score of 43.7 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 Talbot County rank among counties in Georgia?
Talbot County ranks #106 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 Talbot County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Talbot County is $1,384, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Talbot County a tax score of 32/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Talbot County?
The median household income in Talbot County, Georgia is $45,098 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Talbot County earns an income score of 7.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Talbot County, Georgia a good place to live?
Talbot County scores 43.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #106 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Talbot 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 Talbot 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.