countyscore
49.8
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 85.8Safety 62.2

County Report Card

About Tattnall County, Georgia

Matching the National Pulse

Tattnall County scores 49.8, sitting exactly at the national median of 50.0. It offers a balanced lifestyle that mirrors the middle of the American experience.

Above Average in Georgia

The composite score of 49.8 puts Tattnall ahead of the Georgia state average of 46.7. It is a reliable performer within the state's rural landscape.

Top-Tier Water and Low Costs

Water quality is excellent with a score of 86.0, and housing affordability is a major draw at 85.8. Median gross rent is a highly competitive $660 per month.

Health and Disaster Risk Concerns

Health outcomes are low with a score of 17.0, and the risk score of 31.6 suggests vulnerability to environmental factors. Local incomes also lag the national pace with an income score of 19.5.

Value for Working Families

Tattnall is best for families who need low monthly expenses without sacrificing water quality or safety. It offers a stable environment for those with reliable local or remote employment.

2040608010036.785.862.21742.319.531.68633.3Tax36.7Cost85.8Safety62.2Health17Schools42.3Income19.5Risk31.6Water86Weather33.349.8/100
This county
National avg
2 above average6 below average

Tattnall County DNA

Foverall

How Tattnall County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Tattnall County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (85.8/100) but notably weak in Health (17/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
36.7-15.299999999999997
Cost
85.8+37.8
Safety
62.2
Health
17-33
Schools
42.3-11.700000000000003
Income
19.5-31.5
Risk
31.6-15.399999999999999
Water
86+28
Weather
33.3-22.700000000000003
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$122,400

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$660/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$122,400/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.3x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $52,351/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

16.5

per 100K

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

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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43.4
Toombs County
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58.3
Appling County
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Long County
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Candler County
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Wayne County
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Bryan County
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Deep Dives

Tattnall County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Tattnall County

via TaxByCounty

Tattnall's rate tops national average

Tattnall County's effective tax rate of 1.018% exceeds the national median of 0.898% by about 13%, placing it solidly above average nationwide. Annual taxes on the median home value of $122,400 total $1,246, far below the national median tax of $2,690.

Below-average rate for Georgia

Tattnall County's 1.018% effective rate sits slightly above Georgia's 0.898% average, ranking in the middle tier of the state's 159 counties. It's more moderate than several fast-growing metro counties.

Middle ground in the region

Tattnall's 1.018% rate is lower than Sumter (1.321%) and Taliaferro (1.254%), but higher than Taylor (0.897%) and closely tracks Talbot (1.088%). It occupies the center of the eight-county comparison.

What a $122,400 home costs

A median-valued home in Tattnall County generates an annual tax bill of roughly $1,246. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,606; without mortgage relief, it falls to $835.

Review your assessment annually

Tattnall homeowners should periodically confirm their assessed values align with local market conditions and comparable sales. Even a modest reduction in assessment can add up to significant savings over time.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Tattnall County

via CostByCounty

Tattnall beats national housing standards

Tattnall County renters spend just 15.1% of income on housing, well below the national 18.6% benchmark and among Georgia's most affordable. With $52,351 median household income and $660 monthly rent, Tattnall offers genuine relief from housing cost burden.

Tattnall ranks Georgia's best value

At 15.1%, Tattnall's rent-to-income ratio is Georgia's strongest, sitting 3.5 percentage points below the state average of 18.6%. Even though rent ($660) runs below Georgia's $927 median, Tattnall's above-average incomes make the housing affordability gap dramatic.

Tattnall leads the region

Tattnall renters carry the lightest housing burden in the peer group at 15.1%, compared to Taliaferro's 17.9%, Taylor's 19.1%, and Terrell's 19.9%. The county's $660 rent combined with $52,351 income creates the region's most balanced housing-to-income ratio.

Tattnall's affordable balance sheet

Renters spend $660 monthly (15.1% of income) while owners pay $625 (14.3% of income)—both ratios comfortably within healthy thresholds. The $122,400 median home value remains attainable for residents with stable employment and modest savings.

Tattnall: Georgia's best-kept secret

Relocating professionals should prioritize Tattnall County, where housing costs stay manageable and incomes support broader financial goals. The combination of affordability and relative stability makes Tattnall ideal for families planning long-term Georgia roots.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Tattnall County

via IncomeByCounty

Tattnall edges ahead of rural peers

Tattnall County's median household income of $52,351 remains 30% below the national median of $74,755, but represents the highest earnings in its immediate county cluster. This places Tattnall closer to state-average economics than many of its southwest Georgia neighbors.

Approaching Georgia's county median

At $52,351, Tattnall's median household income sits just $8,137 below Georgia's county average of $60,488. The county ranks in Georgia's lower-middle tier, showing modest but measurable economic strength compared to deeper-rural counties.

Strongest earner in its region

Tattnall's $52,351 outpaces all immediate neighbors: Sumter ($41,877), Talbot ($45,098), Taliaferro ($48,036), and Taylor ($41,743). This relative advantage reflects Tattnall's economic diversification and positioning within rural Georgia's income hierarchy.

Best rent-to-income balance nearby

Tattnall's rent-to-income ratio of 15.1% is the lowest among its neighbors, meaning families spend only about one-sixth of income on housing. The median home value of $122,400 pairs affordability with stability, supporting both renters and prospective homeowners.

Favorable economics for long-term investing

With housing costs consuming just 15% of income, Tattnall residents at $52,351 can comfortably allocate 10-15% to retirement savings while maintaining other expenses. This margin creates genuine wealth-building potential through systematic investing and long-term financial planning.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Tattnall County

via CrimeByCounty

Security Strengths in Tattnall

Tattnall County enjoys a 98.6 safety score and a total crime rate of 872.1 per 100K. This rate is less than half the national average of 2,385.5, marking it as a secure place to live.

Tattnall Above the Georgia Average

The county’s crime rate of 872.1 per 100K is considerably lower than the Georgia state average of 1,412.9. Tattnall remains more secure than many other regions across the state.

Local Comparison Trends

Compared to nearby Telfair County (404.1), Tattnall has a higher crime rate, yet it remains far safer than Sumter County. The local reporting comes from four agencies, providing a comprehensive overview of the area.

Low Violent Crime Incident Rates

Violent crime is exceptionally low at 78.2 per 100K, roughly one-fifth of the national average. Property crime is the primary local concern, though at 793.9 per 100K, it is still quite low.

Preventing Property Crimes

Residents should focus on securing sheds and vehicles where property crime is most likely to occur. Routine safety checks and exterior lighting can help keep these low crime rates stable.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Tattnall County

via SchoolsByCounty

Tattnall County's educational layout

Tattnall County supports 3,591 students across five public schools. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, all managed by a single district.

Graduation rates exceed averages

The county achieves an 89.0% graduation rate, outpacing both the state of Georgia (88.1%) and the national average (87.0%). Per-pupil spending stands at $7,060, slightly below the state average.

The Tattnall County District

The Tattnall County school district oversees all five schools without any charter participation. Enrollment is distributed across large campuses that serve the entire county population.

Rural and town school mix

The county features four rural schools and one town-based school, with an average size of 718 students. Tattnall County High School is the largest facility, housing 1,036 students.

Settling in Tattnall County

Strong graduation results make Tattnall County a competitive choice for growing families. Browse homes near these well-performing schools to secure a spot in a successful district.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Tattnall County

via RiskByCounty

Tattnall faces elevated national disaster risk

Tattnall County's composite risk score of 68.38 places it in the Relatively Low category but well above Georgia's state average of 39.49, indicating substantially higher than typical natural disaster exposure. The coastal plain geography drives significant risk, particularly for hurricane and water-related hazards.

Among Georgia's highest-risk counties

Tattnall ranks in Georgia's top tier for disaster risk, with a composite score 73% higher than the state average. The county faces more natural hazard exposure than most other Georgia counties, driven by its southeastern location.

Tattnall leads region in overall risk exposure

Tattnall's 68.38 score substantially exceeds neighboring Sumter County (53.18), Thomas County (65.97), and all other regional counties. Only Thomas County approaches Tattnall's risk level, making these two the area's most hazard-exposed jurisdictions.

Hurricanes and earthquakes create compound threats

Hurricane risk reaches 93.95 in Tattnall—the single highest score among all five hazard categories—creating acute Atlantic storm exposure during hurricane season. Earthquake risk (71.22) also exceeds state norms, while wildfire (63.07) and tornado (52.32) risks round out a challenging hazard profile.

Comprehensive coverage protects against multiple threats

Tattnall residents should secure robust homeowners insurance with explicit hurricane and wind damage protection, given the 93.95 hurricane risk score. A separate flood insurance policy is essential, as standard homeowners coverage excludes water damage—critical for a county where multiple water-related hazards pose real risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Tattnall County

via WaterByCounty

Tattnall Maintains Perfect Drinking Water Record

Tattnall County earns an 'A' grade with zero health violations reported in the federal SDWIS database over the last five years. While the state average sits at 152.5 violations per 100,000 people, Tattnall remains a model for drinking water safety. Local water systems are successfully meeting all health-based regulatory standards.

High Impairment Levels in Tattnall Streams

Environmentally, Tattnall faces significant hurdles with 76.5% of its 17 assessed water bodies failing to meet standards. This is one of the highest impairment rates in the state, well above the 48.4% average. Fecal coliform, poor fish health, and mercury are the primary drivers of these 2022 findings.

Over 2,000 Measurements Recorded Locally

Six monitoring sites across the county have generated 2,141 water quality results in the last five years. Most measurements track physical parameters, nutrients, and organic chemicals. This data provides a detailed look at the pollutants causing the high impairment rates in local watersheds.

Ohoopee River Flows Near Historic Lows

The Ohoopee River near Reidsville is currently discharging at just 45 cfs, which is a mere 5% of its long-term mean. This critical low flow in a massive 1,110 square mile drainage area indicates a severe localized drought. Such low volumes can lead to higher concentrations of existing pollutants in the river.

Monitor River Conditions and Fish Consumption

Although tap water is safe, the extreme low flow of the Ohoopee River increases the risk of concentrated contaminants. Residents should strictly follow mercury-related fish consumption advisories for local catches. Avoid activities in streams where 76.5% of assessed waters show high fecal coliform levels, especially while flows are this low.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Tattnall County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Warmth and High Humidity

Tattnall County is significantly warmer than the national median, with an annual average of 66.1°F. This coastal plain climate is known for its heavy air and long, hot summers.

Well Above the Georgia Average Temperature

With an annual average of 66.1°F, Tattnall is much warmer than the state average of 63.7°F. It is slightly drier than the rest of the state, averaging 49.8 inches of rain.

Warmer and Drier Than Sumter

Tattnall is nearly two degrees warmer than Sumter County to the west. It also sees nearly 30 more extreme heat days than Sumter, highlighting the intensity of its summer season.

Extreme Heat for Three Full Months

The county endures 92 days per year where temperatures exceed 90°F, peaking with a July average of 81.9°F. Winters are very mild, averaging 49.0°F in January with no recorded snow.

Prioritize Heat Safety and Air Quality

With 92 days of extreme heat, residents must have reliable cooling and should monitor heat indices for outdoor work. Since snow is unheard of, winter prep can focus almost entirely on mild-weather maintenance.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Tattnall County

via SoilByCounty

Tattnall's Regional Soil Traits

While specific taxonomic data is missing, Tattnall likely follows the state’s acidic trend with a pH near 5.26. This level is notably lower than the 6.5 pH found in more neutral soils across the country.

Analyzing Mineral Content

Exact percentages for sand and clay are unavailable, requiring local growers to perform manual texture tests. Identifying your soil's texture helps determine how much water and fertilizer your plants will actually retain.

Improving Water Retention

There is no specific organic matter data for Tattnall, but the state average of 1.83% serves as a useful benchmark. Boosting this level toward the national 2.0% average improves the soil’s overall water capacity.

Local Landscape Drainage

The specific hydrologic group and drainage class for this county are not documented in the current dataset. Local builders should prioritize site-specific surveys to ensure stable foundations and proper runoff management.

Warm Weather Growing

Tattnall is situated in the warmer Hardiness Zone 9a, allowing for a diverse range of citrus and tropical plants. Take advantage of the long summers by planting citrus trees or heat-tolerant perennials this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Tattnall County

via LawnByCounty

Tattnall County is a High-Difficulty Zone

With a score of 22.3, Tattnall County is one of the more challenging places in Georgia to grow a lawn. This score is significantly tougher than the state average of 35.8 and less than half the national median of 50.0. The jump to Hardiness Zone 9a introduces unique heat and humidity pressures.

Intense Heat and Long Growing Seasons

This county endures 92 extreme heat days per year, far exceeding the state average of 65. Combined with 6,266 growing degree days, grass grows aggressively and requires frequent maintenance. The 49.8 inches of annual rain barely keeps up with the high evaporation rates caused by July's 81.9°F average.

Overcoming Soil Limitations through Testing

Specific soil data for Tattnall is unavailable, but the high heat suggests a need for soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 by testing your soil before the spring growing season begins. Adding organic matter can help stabilize the foundation for your turf.

Bracing for Chronic Severe Drought

Tattnall has spent 34 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100% of the county currently sits in a Severe Drought (D2+). This is much higher than neighboring counties and requires a very disciplined irrigation strategy. Focus on keeping the roots hydrated during the relentless 92 days of extreme heat.

Zone 9a Favorites for Tattnall Lawns

St. Augustine and Bahia grass are excellent choices for the warm Zone 9a climate and long summer. The growing season can safely start after the early March 9th frost, giving you a head start on the state's average schedule. You have until late November before the first fall frost signals the end of the growth cycle.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tattnall County's county score?
Tattnall County, Georgia has a composite county score of 49.8 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 Tattnall County rank among counties in Georgia?
Tattnall County ranks #62 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 Tattnall County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Tattnall County is $1,246, with an effective tax rate of 1.02%. This earns Tattnall County a tax score of 36.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Tattnall County?
The median household income in Tattnall County, Georgia is $52,351 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Tattnall County earns an income score of 19.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Tattnall County, Georgia a good place to live?
Tattnall County scores 49.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #62 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Tattnall 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 Tattnall 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.