countyscore
51.7
County Score
Disaster Risk 99.3Safety 97.5Cost of Living 87.1

County Report Card

About Taliaferro County, Georgia

Outperforming the National Median

Taliaferro County achieves a composite score of 51.7, placing it above the national median of 50.0. This makes it a statistically desirable location on a national scale.

Beating the Georgia State Average

At 51.7, the county comfortably exceeds the Georgia state average of 46.7. It stands out as one of the more resilient and affordable pockets in the region.

Maximum Safety and Peak Affordability

Taliaferro boasts a nearly perfect safety score of 97.5 and a risk score of 99.3. Housing is remarkably affordable with a cost score of 87.1, supported by $715 median rents.

Infrastructure and Education Hurdles

The water score is effectively zero at 0.2, and the school score is very low at 4.8. These metrics suggest residents may need to look outside the county for certain essential services.

A Haven for the Independent

This county is a dream for those seeking total security and rock-bottom living costs, like remote workers without children. Its $73,100 median home value offers an entry point into homeownership rarely seen elsewhere.

2040608010023.187.197.529.24.811.199.30.255.9Tax23.1Cost87.1Safety97.5Health29.2Schools4.8Income11.1Risk99.3Water0.2Weather55.951.7/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

Taliaferro County DNA

Foverall

How Taliaferro County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Taliaferro County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (99.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (0.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
23.1-28.9
Cost
87.1+39.099999999999994
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
29.2-20.8
Schools
4.8-49.2
Income
11.1-39.9
Risk
99.3+52.3
Water
0.2-57.8
Weather
55.9
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$73,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$715/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$73,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $48,036/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Warren County
Georgia
58.4
Wilkes County
Georgia
39.7
Greene County
Georgia
51.1
Hancock County
Georgia
51.8
Oglethorpe County
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McDuffie County
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Glascock County
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Deep Dives

Taliaferro County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Taliaferro County

via TaxByCounty

Taliaferro's rate ranks exceptionally high

At 1.254%, Taliaferro County's effective property tax rate is roughly 40% above the national median of 0.898%, landing it among the top 20% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Despite the high rate, median annual taxes are modest at $917 because median home values are quite low at $73,100.

Third-highest rate statewide

Taliaferro County ranks third among Georgia's 159 counties for effective tax rate at 1.254%, well above the state average of 0.898%. This ranks it among Georgia's most tax-heavy counties relative to assessment.

One of the region's steepest rates

Taliaferro's 1.254% rate is second only to Sumter County (1.321%) in the eight-county region examined. It significantly outpaces Taylor County (0.897%), Tattnall (1.018%), and Telfair (1.091%).

What a $73,100 home costs

A homeowner with a median-valued property in Taliaferro County pays approximately $917 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that jumps to $1,365; without mortgage relief, it drops to $803.

Challenge high assessments

Taliaferro's elevated rate makes regular assessment review especially important for homeowners. If your assessed value seems inflated compared to recent sales of similar homes, filing an appeal could yield meaningful savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Taliaferro County

via CostByCounty

Taliaferro: Georgia's most affordable

Taliaferro County renters spend just 17.9% of income on housing, beating the national 18.6% benchmark and sitting below Georgia's 18.6% average. With $715 median rent and $48,036 household income, Taliaferro offers genuine affordability for renters nationwide comparison.

Taliaferro leads Georgia affordability

Taliaferro's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Georgia's most affordable counties, nearly a full percentage point below the state average. The combination of low median rent ($715, well below Georgia's $927) and stable incomes creates a rare affordability sweet spot in rural Georgia.

Taliaferro outpaces regional peers

Taliaferro renters enjoy the lowest rent burden among neighboring counties—17.9% versus Tattnall's 15.1%, Taylor's 19.1%, and Talbot's 25.3%. While Tattnall edges slightly ahead, Taliaferro's $715 rent is the region's cheapest option for renters seeking maximum affordability.

Taliaferro's balanced housing profile

Renters allocate $715 monthly (17.9% of income) while owners spend $540 (13.5% of income)—both ratios well below stress thresholds. The median home value of just $73,100 makes homeownership accessible to households with modest savings.

Taliaferro welcomes relocating families

If affordability tops your relocation priorities, Taliaferro County delivers: low rents, affordable homes, and housing costs that won't consume half your budget. Remote workers or those with flexible employment should seriously consider this underrated Georgia county.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Taliaferro County

via IncomeByCounty

Taliaferro holds modest middle ground

Taliaferro County's median household income of $48,036 remains 36% below the national median of $74,755, yet it outperforms several neighboring counties. This places Taliaferro in the lower-middle tier of U.S. counties, better positioned than nearby Sumter and Talbot.

Below state average, approaching middle

At $48,036, Taliaferro's median household income trails Georgia's county average of $60,488 by about $12,450. The county ranks in the lower half of Georgia counties, though it demonstrates slightly stronger earnings than its immediate rural neighbors.

Regional earnings hierarchy emerges

Taliaferro's $48,036 places it above Talbot ($45,098) and Sumter ($41,877) but below Tattnall ($52,351), creating a gradual income gradient across rural southwest Georgia. These neighboring counties range from $41,000 to $52,000, showing modest but meaningful income variation.

Most affordable housing in the region

Taliaferro boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio among its peers at just 17.9%, and a median home value of only $73,100—the cheapest in its cluster. This affordability advantage means households keep more income for savings, healthcare, and other essential expenses.

Low housing costs unlock savings potential

With housing consuming just 18% of income, Taliaferro residents have genuine opportunity to direct surplus funds toward retirement and investment accounts. Even at $48,036 annual income, the favorable housing market creates space for wealth accumulation that higher-income counties may not offer.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Taliaferro County

via CrimeByCounty

Exceptional Safety Scores Reported

Taliaferro County reports a perfect safety score of 100.0, with a recorded crime rate of 0.0 per 100K residents. This stands in stark contrast to the national total crime rate of 2,385.5 per 100K.

Leading the State in Safety

This result places Taliaferro among the highest-ranked counties for safety in Georgia. However, since the data comes from just one reporting agency, these figures may reflect limited reporting rather than a total absence of crime.

Comparing Regional Crime Data

While neighbors like Tattnall report 872.1 crimes per 100K, Taliaferro’s data shows no activity. This unique statistical position makes it an outlier compared to surrounding rural regions.

Minimal Incident Reports

Both violent and property crime rates currently stand at zero according to local 2022 reports. Residents should view these figures as a sign of a quiet environment while remaining mindful of reporting limitations.

Proactive Security for Quiet Areas

Even with no reported crimes, maintaining basic home security is a smart precaution. Neighborhood watch efforts and reliable locks ensure the community remains as safe as the data suggests.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Taliaferro County

via SchoolsByCounty

Georgia's most intimate school system

Taliaferro County features a single PK-12 school serving just 187 students. This makes it one of the smallest public education infrastructures in the state of Georgia.

High composite scores in Taliaferro

The county earns an impressive school score of 74.7, far outperforming the state average of 53.4. However, the graduation rate currently sits at 75.0%, below the national 87.0% benchmark.

One district, one school

Taliaferro County operates as a single-school district with no charter presence. This allows for a singular focus on the Taliaferro County School, which serves all grades under one roof.

True small-town education

The educational experience here is entirely rural and exceptionally small, with fewer than 200 students in the entire system. Students benefit from an intimate environment that fosters close relationships with educators.

Small-scale living in Taliaferro

If you prioritize a small school setting with high composite performance scores, Taliaferro is worth a visit. Research local real estate to find a home in this quiet, rural district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Taliaferro County

via RiskByCounty

Taliaferro ranks among the nation's safest

With a composite risk score of 0.73, Taliaferro County represents one of the lowest natural disaster risk areas in the entire United States, placing it far below both Georgia's 39.49 state average and the national norm. This northeast Georgia county experiences minimal exposure to major hazard types.

Georgia's safest county for natural disasters

Taliaferro holds the distinction of the lowest composite disaster risk among all 159 Georgia counties, with a score 98% below the state average. The county's geographic and climatic position creates exceptionally low natural hazard exposure.

Taliaferro offers unmatched safety in the region

At 0.73, Taliaferro's risk score is dramatically lower than all neighboring counties including Talbot (2.86), Taylor (10.15), and Terrell (16.54). No other county in central Georgia comes close to Taliaferro's minimal disaster risk profile.

Hurricane risk remains the primary concern

Despite the county's exceptional overall safety, hurricane risk reaches 57.49—the only hazard category approaching state average levels. All other threats, including flood (2.39), tornado (11.42), wildfire (18.32), and earthquake (26.59), remain negligible.

Minimal coverage typically meets county needs

Basic homeowners insurance protecting against standard perils adequately covers most Taliaferro County homes given the county's minimal disaster exposure. Residents in flood-prone areas should verify coverage details, though overall flood risk remains extremely low at 2.39.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Taliaferro County

via WaterByCounty

Extreme Compliance Challenges in Taliaferro

Taliaferro County carries an 'F' grade after recording 42 health violations in the last five years. This results in a staggering violation rate of 6,763.3 per 100,000 residents, the highest in this regional group. This rate is nearly 45 times the Georgia state average of 152.5, signaling urgent infrastructure needs.

Majority of Assessed Water Bodies Impaired

The 2022 EPA report indicates that 55.0% of the 20 assessed water bodies in Taliaferro County are impaired. This exceeds the state average impairment rate of 48.4%. The leading causes of these environmental failures are fecal coliform and poor fish bioassessment results.

Six Monitoring Sites Track Water Quality

There are six active monitoring sites in Taliaferro County that have logged ,1346 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses on physical traits, nutrients, and organic compounds. These records help track how local pollutants move through the county's stream network.

Streamflow Monitoring Unavailable for Taliaferro

Taliaferro County does not currently host an active USGS streamgage to provide live discharge or flow data. Without real-time streamflow signals, local water intelligence must focus on the high frequency of health violations and watershed impairments. This lack of data makes predictive flood or drought monitoring more difficult for residents.

Urgent Need for Home Water Filtration

The extremely high violation rate makes point-of-use water filtration essential for Taliaferro residents to ensure safety. With 55% of local streams failing standards due to fecal coliform, outdoor water contact should be limited during wet weather. Regular testing of any private water source is critical given the current state of local infrastructure.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Taliaferro County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Profiles in Taliaferro

Taliaferro's soil identity remains unclassified in recent surveys, though regional trends suggest a pH near the state average of 5.26. This makes the soil much more acidic than the national 6.5 median.

Identifying Your Soil Type

Data on the local sand, silt, and clay mix is currently limited. Understanding these proportions is the first step toward managing drainage and improving soil workability in your backyard.

Boosting Organic Matter

The county lacks a specific fertility score, but it typically aims for the state average organic matter level of 1.83%. Adding compost helps bridge the gap toward the 2.0% national average for healthier plants.

Water Flow and Drainage

Hydrologic and drainage classifications are not currently available for this area. Homeowners should check for standing water to determine if their specific lot requires drainage pipes or raised beds.

Success in Zone 8b

Taliaferro operates in Hardiness Zone 8b, offering a generous window for many agricultural pursuits. This zone is perfect for growing peaches and pecans if you provide the right soil amendments.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Taliaferro County

via LawnByCounty

Taliaferro County Matches State Lawn Standards

Taliaferro County’s lawn difficulty score of 35.3 sits right at the Georgia state average of 35.8. While maintaining a lawn here is harder than the national average of 50.0, it remains a typical experience for the region. Residents in Zone 8b can expect standard southern lawn care requirements.

Heat and Humidity Drive Growth

The county records 58 extreme heat days annually, staying just below the state average of 65. July temperatures average 80.2°F, creating high demand for consistent irrigation to keep turf from going dormant. Monitoring local weather is key since specific precipitation and growing degree day data are currently limited.

Proactive Soil Testing for Best Results

Detailed soil texture and pH data are not available for this specific county, so homeowners should start with a basic test kit. Achieving the ideal pH of 6.0 to 7.0 ensures that your grass can actually use the fertilizer you apply. Proper aeration can help improve drainage in typical Georgia clay-heavy landscapes.

Addressing Total Severe Drought Coverage

Taliaferro County has experienced 25 weeks of drought this year, and 100% of the county is currently in a Severe Drought (D2+). Using mulch in garden beds and reducing lawn traffic during dry spells can help protect stressed turf. Water conservation is paramount when natural rainfall cannot meet the lawn's needs.

Reliable Warm-Season Options for Zone 8b

Resilient species like Bermuda and Centipede are the best choices for the Taliaferro climate. Because specific frost dates are not recorded for this county, wait for consistent nighttime temperatures above 60°F before seeding. Starting your lawn in late spring gives it the best chance to beat the peak July heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taliaferro County's county score?
Taliaferro County, Georgia has a composite county score of 51.7 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 Taliaferro County rank among counties in Georgia?
Taliaferro County ranks #51 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 Taliaferro County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Taliaferro County is $917, with an effective tax rate of 1.25%. This earns Taliaferro County a tax score of 23.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Taliaferro County?
The median household income in Taliaferro County, Georgia is $48,036 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Taliaferro County earns an income score of 11.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Taliaferro County, Georgia a good place to live?
Taliaferro County scores 51.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #51 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Taliaferro 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 Taliaferro County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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.