countyscore
56.3
County Score
Safety 91.7Disaster Risk 89.9Cost of Living 79.8

County Report Card

About Taylor County, Georgia

A Standout National Performer

Taylor County earns a high composite score of 56.3, significantly outperforming the national median of 50.0. This places it in the top tier of counties for overall livability.

Surpassing the Georgia Average

Taylor's score of 56.3 is nearly 10 points higher than the Georgia state average of 46.7. It represents one of the strongest rural options in the state.

Elite Safety and Low Risks

The county excels in safety with a score of 91.7 and environmental resilience at 89.9. Affordable housing is also a highlight, with a cost score of 79.8 and median home values of $82,900.

Low Incomes and Water Issues

Economic opportunity is limited with an income score of only 4.0 and a median household income of $41,743. Water infrastructure is also a weak point, scoring just 6.9.

Perfect for Safety-Conscious Bargain Hunters

Taylor County is ideal for those who prioritize a secure, low-risk environment and very cheap housing. It is a top choice for people who are not reliant on the local job market.

2040608010045.479.891.715.146.6489.96.963.2Tax45.4Cost79.8Safety91.7Health15.1Schools46.6Income4Risk89.9Water6.9Weather63.256.3/100
This county
National avg
3 above average3 below average

Taylor County DNA

Foverall

How Taylor County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Taylor County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (89.9/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (6.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
45.4
Cost
79.8+31.799999999999997
Safety
91.7+36.7
Health
15.1-34.9
Schools
46.6
Income
4-47
Risk
89.9+42.900000000000006
Water
6.9-51.1
Weather
63.2
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Taylor County?

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

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$82,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$665/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$82,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$26,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $41,743/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

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

Perry County
Arkansas
Median income: $60,078
56.3
McDonough County
Illinois
Median income: $50,434
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Clay County
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Median income: $39,607
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Woodford County
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Median income: $80,006
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Le Sueur County
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Median income: $90,218
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Holmes County
Ohio
Median income: $74,774
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James City County
Virginia
Median income: $107,046
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Hardy County
West Virginia
Median income: $49,302
56.3

Nearby counties

Macon County
Georgia
47.4
Talbot County
Georgia
43.7
Crawford County
Georgia
46.1
Schley County
Georgia
57.1
Marion County
Georgia
53.1
Upson County
Georgia
47.1
Peach County
Georgia
32
Houston County
Georgia
38.2

Deep Dives

Taylor County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Taylor County

via TaxByCounty

Taylor's rate mirrors national average

Taylor County's effective tax rate of 0.897% is virtually identical to the national median of 0.898%, making it a textbook example of average property tax burden nationwide. On a median home value of $82,900, residents pay $744 annually—well below national medians due to lower property values.

Right at Georgia's average rate

Taylor County's 0.897% effective rate matches Georgia's statewide average of 0.898%, placing it at the midpoint of the state's 159 counties in terms of tax burden. This means Taylor residents experience tax pressure typical for the state.

Lowest rate in the eight-county region

Taylor County's 0.897% rate is the lowest among the eight counties examined, undercutting Tattnall (1.018%), Talbot (1.088%), and all others in the comparison. This makes Taylor an outlier on the lighter-tax side.

What an $82,900 home costs

A homeowner with a median-valued property in Taylor County pays approximately $744 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that reaches $1,023; without mortgage relief, it drops to $555.

Keep your assessment fair

Even at Taylor's moderate rate, homeowners should verify their assessments reflect current market value. Regular reviews help ensure you're not paying more than your property's worth.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Taylor County

via CostByCounty

Taylor keeps housing costs reasonable

Taylor County renters spend 19.1% of income on housing, just above the national 18.6% standard but comparable to typical American affordability. With $665 monthly rent and $41,743 median income, Taylor balances modest earnings with manageable housing costs.

Taylor sits near Georgia average

Taylor's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's 18.6% state average by only 0.5 percentage points, placing it squarely in the middle of Georgia affordability rankings. The $665 rent falls well below Georgia's $927 median, helping offset lower household incomes.

Taylor compares favorably to peers

Taylor's 19.1% rent burden sits between Taliaferro's excellent 17.9% and Terrell's 19.9%, with the lowest median rent ($665) in the region. Residents earn less than Tattnall counterparts but spend proportionally less on housing.

Taylor's modest housing equation

Renters allocate $665 monthly (19.1% of income) while owners spend $700 (20.2% of income)—both figures slightly elevated but manageable. The $82,900 median home value offers entry-level homeownership for Taylor residents with consistent income.

Taylor attracts budget-conscious movers

If you're relocating on a tight budget, Taylor County delivers the region's lowest rents without straining your paycheck beyond reason. The county works well for remote workers, retirees, or those seeking genuine rural Georgia living at genuine rural prices.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Taylor County

via IncomeByCounty

Taylor County lags well behind nationally

Taylor County's median household income of $41,743 falls 44% short of the national median of $74,755, among the lowest in the nation. This gap reflects the economic realities of rural middle Georgia, where income opportunities remain constrained compared to national benchmarks.

Among Georgia's lower-income counties

At $41,743, Taylor's median household income trails Georgia's county average of $60,488 by nearly $18,700. The county ranks among the lowest third of Georgia's 159 counties, though it shares this challenge with many interior rural communities.

Peer to struggling rural Georgia counties

Taylor's $41,743 matches Sumter County ($41,877) almost exactly, positioning both as the lowest earners in their cluster. Nearby Terrell ($43,812) and Telfair ($44,948) show slightly higher incomes, but all four counties occupy a narrow $41,000-$45,000 band.

Affordable housing supports families

Taylor's rent-to-income ratio of 19.1% and median home value of $82,900—among the lowest regionally—mean housing remains genuinely accessible. This affordability advantage helps offset modest income levels, preserving household resources for other priorities.

Low housing costs create savings room

Taylor residents earning $41,743 benefit from a median home value of just $82,900, freeing up income for emergency funds and retirement accounts. Starting small but consistent—even $50-100 monthly in a high-yield savings account—builds financial security over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Taylor County

via CrimeByCounty

Top-Tier National Safety Ranking

Taylor County boasts an impressive 99.8 safety score, far exceeding the national standard. Its total crime rate of 141.0 per 100K is a small fraction of the 2,385.5 national average.

A Leader in Georgia Safety

The county ranks high above the Georgia state average safety score of 97.8. With only 141.0 crimes per 100K, Taylor is significantly quieter than the state average of 1,412.9.

Regional Safety Comparison

Taylor County is notably safer than its neighbor Talbot County, which has a crime rate of 690.5 per 100K. This makes Taylor one of the most secure counties in its immediate region.

Very Few Reported Incidents

Violent crime is nearly non-existent at just 12.8 per 100K, well below the national 369.8 average. Property crime also remains very low at 128.2, providing residents with significant peace of mind.

Securing Your Taylor County Home

Because property crime is the most likely issue, homeowners should ensure outbuildings and vehicles are locked. Maintaining good visibility around the home helps sustain the county’s high safety standards.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Taylor County

via SchoolsByCounty

The Taylor County school scene

Taylor County operates four public schools serving a total of 1,229 students. The layout includes two elementary facilities, one middle school, and one high school.

Taylor meets national benchmarks

The county's 87.0% graduation rate perfectly matches the national average. Investment is healthy, with per-pupil spending of $7,827 exceeding the Georgia state average of $7,405.

Taylor County District Overview

All educational services are provided by the Taylor County district, which manages 100% of the local student population. There are no charter schools currently operating in the area.

A cohesive rural experience

All four schools are situated in rural locales and maintain small, manageable sizes averaging 307 students. Taylor County High School is the largest in the system with 367 students.

Homes for Taylor County families

Taylor County offers a consistent educational experience with solid funding and national-average graduation rates. Look for properties in the area to take advantage of these small, rural school environments.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Taylor County

via RiskByCounty

Taylor enjoys very low disaster risk nationwide

Taylor County's composite risk score of 10.15 places it in the Very Low category, representing just 26% of Georgia's state average of 39.49. This central Georgia county experiences minimal exposure to most major natural hazards compared to typical U.S. counties.

Ranks among Georgia's safest counties

Taylor's very low composite score of 10.15 positions it in the bottom tier of Georgia's 159 counties for natural disaster risk, with exposure 74% below the state average. Few Georgia counties offer comparable safety profiles.

Taylor's safety contrasts with regional outliers

Taylor's 10.15 score is substantially lower than neighboring Sumter County (53.18) and somewhat below Talbot County (2.86) and Taliaferro County (0.73). The county represents a middle ground among central Georgia's varied risk landscape.

Wildfire and hurricane pose seasonal threats

Wildfire risk reaches 48.00 in Taylor—the highest individual hazard score—though still well below state averages for this threat. Hurricane exposure (67.17) ranks moderately elevated, while tornado (31.97), earthquake (35.85), and flood (16.76) risks all remain below state norms.

Standard homeowners insurance adequately protects

Standard homeowners coverage typically provides sufficient protection for Taylor County residents given the county's very low overall disaster exposure. Verify that your policy includes wind and fire protection, the two most relevant hazards in this low-risk county.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Taylor County

via WaterByCounty

Taylor County Faces Failing Compliance Grade

Taylor County receives an 'F' grade for drinking water, driven by 31 health violations over the past five years. The county's violation rate of 523.5 per 100,000 people is more than triple the Georgia state average. These recurring issues suggest significant challenges for the county’s water treatment infrastructure.

Mixed Results for Taylor County Watersheds

About 56.3% of the 16 assessed water bodies in Taylor County are currently impaired, according to the 2022 cycle. This is higher than the state average of 48.4%, with fecal coliform and mercury identified as top concerns. The data also indicates that fish populations are struggling in these local ecosystems.

Sparse Monitoring with Only Two Active Sites

Water quality monitoring is limited in Taylor County, with only two sites reporting to the federal portal. These sites have contributed 499 measurements over five years, focusing on physical and inorganic properties. This sparse data footprint makes it difficult to fully map the extent of local water quality issues.

No Live Streamflow Gauges in Taylor County

There are no active USGS streamgages in Taylor County providing real-time data on river discharge or flow percentages. Residents must look to neighboring counties or long-term watershed health reports to understand local water volume trends. The lack of live data emphasizes the importance of following drinking water alerts.

Focus on Filtration and Sanitary Precautions

With a high rate of health violations, residents should prioritize home water filtration systems that target regulated contaminants. Fecal coliform impairments in local streams mean residents should avoid contact with creek water after storms. Since monitoring data is sparse, private well owners should conduct annual tests to ensure their water remains safe.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Taylor County

via WeatherByCounty

A rainy subtropical climate in Taylor County

Taylor County experiences a humid subtropical climate typical of the American South. The county receives 49.0 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the national median for rainfall.

Precipitation follows Georgia state trends

The county's 49.0 inches of annual rainfall stays just under the Georgia state average of 51.4 inches. While specific temperature averages are unavailable, local conditions generally mirror the warmth of the central Georgia region.

Shared rainfall patterns with regional neighbors

Taylor County shares a similar precipitation profile with neighboring Upson County, which records 50.5 inches annually. This high level of moisture keeps the local landscape lush and supports regional agriculture.

Snow-free winters and rainy summers

The region typically avoids significant snowfall, with most moisture falling as rain throughout the year. While specific heat data is limited, residents expect the long, humid summers characteristic of the Deep South.

Prepare for consistent humidity and rain

Residents should maintain gutters and drainage systems to handle the nearly 50 inches of water the county receives annually. Plan for high humidity levels and invest in moisture-control solutions for homes.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Taylor County

via SoilByCounty

Taylor's Acidic Baseline

Taylor County’s soil taxonomy is currently unrecorded, but its pH likely reflects Georgia’s typical acidic profile of 5.26. This acidity is significantly higher than the national median of 6.5.

Managing Soil Structure

Local data on sand, silt, and clay content is currently limited for this area. Determining these ratios is crucial for managing how quickly your soil dries out after a rainstorm.

Sustaining Soil Life

Specific organic matter levels are unavailable, though the county likely sits near the state’s 1.83% average. Improving organic content is the best way to exceed the state’s average water capacity of 0.114 in/in.

Watching the Water

Comprehensive drainage class and hydrologic data are not provided in this profile. Careful observation of local landscapes remains necessary to identify areas prone to erosion or saturation.

Gardening in Zone 8b

Taylor County falls in Hardiness Zone 8b, supporting a wide array of vegetables and ornamental shrubs. Grab a shovel and start a garden with reliable performers like okra or sweet potatoes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Taylor County

via LawnByCounty

Taylor County Nears National Lawn Averages

Taylor County boasts a lawn difficulty score of 49.0, making it the easiest place to grow a lawn in this Georgia group. It sits well above the state average of 35.8 and nearly matches the national median of 50.0. For Zone 8b, these are highly favorable conditions for a lush landscape.

Ideal Rainfall for Healthy Turf

The county receives 49.0 inches of precipitation annually, which falls perfectly within the ideal 30-50 inch range for lawns. While specific heat and growing degree data are unavailable, the moderate rainfall supports consistent growth without over-reliance on city water. This natural balance reduces the overall workload for local homeowners.

Testing Soil to Maintain Your Advantage

Even with a high difficulty score, success depends on a proper soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Because local soil texture data is not provided, a professional test is necessary to determine if your lawn needs more drainage or nutrients. Healthy soil will help you maintain your county's higher-than-average lawn quality.

Navigating 100% Severe Drought Coverage

Despite having a better difficulty score, Taylor County is currently 100% covered by Severe Drought (D2+) conditions. It has weathered 25 weeks of drought over the past year, requiring careful water management. Use smart irrigation controllers to ensure you are only watering when your lawn truly needs it.

A Strong Environment for Warm-Season Grass

Zone 8b is perfectly suited for durable warm-season grasses like Bermuda and Zoysia. Since local frost dates are unavailable, wait for soil temperatures to stabilize in late spring before starting new sod or seed. Your county's high score suggests your efforts will be rewarded with a resilient, beautiful lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taylor County's county score?
Taylor County, Georgia has a composite county score of 56.3 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 Taylor County rank among counties in Georgia?
Taylor County ranks #21 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 Taylor County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Taylor County is $744, with an effective tax rate of 0.90%. This earns Taylor County a tax score of 45.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Taylor County?
The median household income in Taylor County, Georgia is $41,743 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Taylor County earns an income score of 4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Taylor County, Georgia a good place to live?
Taylor County scores 56.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #21 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Taylor 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 Taylor 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.