countyscore
47.9
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 83.5Safety 70.4

County Report Card

About Terrell County, Georgia

Stable Performance vs National Median

Terrell County earns a composite score of 47.9, which is just slightly under the national median of 50.0. It remains a competitive choice for rural living.

Exceeding the State Average

Terrell's score of 47.9 is higher than the Georgia state average of 46.7. This indicates it performs better than the typical Georgia county in overall livability.

Excellent Water and High Resilience

The county scores high in water quality at 86.0 and environmental resilience at 83.5. These scores demonstrate a stable infrastructure and low natural disaster risk.

Healthcare and Income Gaps

Health is a significant challenge with a score of 8.2, alongside a low income score of 5.9. The $43,812 median household income is well below the national average.

A Reliable Rural Choice

Terrell suits those who value environmental stability and clean water in a rural setting. It is best for individuals who have external income but want to live in a resilient, mid-cost area.

2040608010031.368.870.48.244.15.983.58644.1Tax31.3Cost68.8Safety70.4Health8.2Schools44.1Income5.9Risk83.5Water86Weather44.147.9/100
This county
National avg
4 above average4 below average

Terrell County DNA

Foverall

How Terrell County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Terrell County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (83.5/100) but notably weak in Income (5.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
31.3-20.7
Cost
68.8+20.799999999999997
Safety
70.4+15.400000000000006
Health
8.2-41.8
Schools
44.1-9.899999999999999
Income
5.9-45.1
Risk
83.5+36.5
Water
86+28
Weather
44.1-11.899999999999999
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Think property taxes are too high in Terrell County?

Many homeowners in Terrell 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

$111,500

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$727/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$111,500/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$29,080/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $43,812/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
Compare Terrell County with Southeast Fairbanks Census Area →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

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Nearby counties

Randolph County
Georgia
52.5
Lee County
Georgia
42.3
Webster County
Georgia
65.2
Calhoun County
Georgia
57.7
Dougherty County
Georgia
29.6
Sumter County
Georgia
32.8
Stewart County
Georgia
58.6
Schley County
Georgia
57.1

Deep Dives

Terrell County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Terrell County

via TaxByCounty

Terrell's rate runs above national level

Terrell County's effective tax rate of 1.096% is roughly 22% above the national median of 0.898%, placing it in the upper 30% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Annual taxes on the median home value of $111,500 total $1,222, far below the national median tax of $2,690.

Above average across Georgia

Terrell County's 1.096% effective rate exceeds Georgia's average of 0.898% by about 22%, ranking it in the higher-tax tier of the state's 159 counties. This places Terrell among the counties with steeper property tax burdens.

Comparable to regional peers

Terrell's 1.096% rate closely tracks Telfair (1.091%) and sits above Tattnall (1.018%) and Taylor (0.897%), but well below Sumter (1.321%) and Taliaferro (1.254%). It's firmly in the upper-middle range of the eight-county comparison.

What a $111,500 home costs

A homeowner with a median-valued property in Terrell County pays approximately $1,222 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that reaches $1,325; without mortgage relief, it climbs to $1,130.

Challenge your assessment value

Terrell residents should compare their assessed values to recent comparable sales and neighboring properties. If your assessment appears inflated, filing a timely appeal could reduce your annual tax burden.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Terrell County

via CostByCounty

Terrell approaches national standards

Terrell County renters spend 19.9% of income on housing, just above the national 18.6% benchmark but within typical American affordability ranges. With $43,812 median household income and $727 monthly rent, Terrell offers reasonable—though slightly strained—housing costs.

Terrell sits above Georgia average

At 19.9%, Terrell's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Georgia's 18.6% state average by 1.3 percentage points, placing it in the moderate affordability tier. The $727 rent runs below Georgia's $927 state median, but lower incomes offset this advantage.

Terrell in the regional middle

Terrell's 19.9% rent burden sits squarely between Taylor's 19.1% and Talbot's 25.3%, with moderate rent ($727) and moderate income stress. The county offers neither the region's best nor worst affordability, making it a middle-ground option.

Terrell's moderately stretched budget

Renters allocate $727 monthly (19.9% of income) while owners spend $784 (21.4% of income)—both figures indicating moderate housing strain. The $111,500 median home value requires household commitment but remains achievable for stable-income residents.

Terrell works for stable relocaters

If you're relocating with steady income and modest housing expectations, Terrell County provides middle-ground affordability in rural Georgia. The county suits workers whose employers offer competitive rural compensation packages and families comfortable with moderate housing allocation.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Terrell County

via IncomeByCounty

Terrell's income lags far behind U.S.

Terrell County's median household income of $43,812 is 41% below the national median of $74,755, among America's lower-income counties. This substantial gap reflects the broader rural-urban income divide that characterizes interior Georgia.

Ranks low within Georgia counties

At $43,812, Terrell's median household income trails Georgia's county average of $60,488 by more than $16,600. The county ranks in Georgia's lowest income tier, comparable to other economically challenged rural communities statewide.

Modest earnings within rural cluster

Terrell's $43,812 sits between Taylor ($41,743) and Telfair ($44,948), all within the tight $41,000-$45,000 band that characterizes rural southwest Georgia. This clustering suggests shared economic structures and limited income diversity across the region.

Housing remains within reach

Terrell's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% shows families spend about one-fifth of earnings on housing, approaching but not exceeding the 30% threshold. The median home value of $111,500 offers accessible pathways to homeownership for working families.

Strategic saving despite modest income

Terrell households at $43,812 can commit to regular saving by treating it as a non-negotiable expense, automating transfers to dedicated accounts. Even small amounts—$25-50 weekly—compound significantly over decades, building resilience and wealth for future generations.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Terrell County

via CrimeByCounty

Safe Living in Terrell County

Terrell County reports a safety score of 98.9, placing it well above the national average for security. Its total crime rate of 699.7 per 100K is much lower than the 2,385.5 national average.

Comparing Terrell to Georgia

The county’s safety profile is stronger than the Georgia state average safety score of 97.8. Terrell’s crime rate of 699.7 is roughly half of the average state-wide rate of 1,412.9.

Local County Comparison

Terrell County experiences slightly more crime than nearby Telfair (404.1) but remains significantly safer than Sumter (3,015.9). Two reporting agencies provide the current safety data for the county.

Crime Type Statistics

Property crime accounts for 510.9 incidents per 100K, while violent crime stays low at 188.8 per 100K. These rates suggest that crimes are infrequent compared to both state and national trends.

Smart Security Measures

Maintaining home security with motion sensors or cameras can discourage property-related offenses. Local residents benefit from being part of a community with consistently low crime rates.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Terrell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Schooling in Terrell County

Terrell County hosts four schools serving 1,050 students. The infrastructure includes elementary, middle, and high schools, alongside specialized services for juvenile justice.

Steady graduation and solid funding

Terrell County hits the national graduation benchmark at 87.0%. The county spends $7,616 per pupil, which is slightly above the Georgia state average of $7,405.

Terrell County District spotlight

The Terrell County district manages 1,035 students across three main schools. A small portion of the county's educational landscape is dedicated to a Department of Juvenile Justice facility.

Rural schools with small classes

Every school in Terrell County is located in a rural setting, averaging just 263 students per campus. Cooper-Carver Elementary is the largest school, providing a home for 482 students.

Your future in Terrell County

If you are looking for small rural schools with individual attention, Terrell County is a prime candidate. Research homes near these intimate campuses for a personalized education for your children.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Terrell County

via RiskByCounty

Terrell maintains well-below-average risk

Terrell County's composite risk score of 16.54 places it in the Very Low category, representing just 42% of Georgia's state average of 39.49. This southwest Georgia county experiences substantially lower natural disaster exposure than most U.S. jurisdictions.

Georgia's lower-risk counties

Terrell ranks in Georgia's safer half, with a composite score 58% below the state average of 39.49. The county's natural hazard profile positions it well below the typical Georgia county for disaster risk.

Terrell offers moderate safety in the region

Terrell's 16.54 score exceeds the exceptional safety of Taliaferro (0.73) and Talbot (2.86) but remains well below Sumter (53.18) and Tattnall (68.38). The county occupies a protective middle ground within southwest Georgia's hazard landscape.

Hurricane and tornado pose seasonal concerns

Hurricane risk reaches 73.51 in Terrell—the highest individual hazard score and well above state norms—making Atlantic storms the primary seasonal threat. Tornado risk (50.13) also moderately exceeds state averages, while flood (12.88), wildfire (41.51), and earthquake (40.08) risks remain below regional levels.

Hurricane and wind protection advised

Terrell County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes comprehensive hurricane and wind damage coverage, reflecting the 73.51 hurricane risk score. A separate flood insurance policy provides valuable protection during peak Atlantic hurricane season and spring storms.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Terrell County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Score for Terrell Drinking Water

Terrell County maintains an 'A' grade with zero health violations over the past five years. This pristine record stands in sharp contrast to the Georgia state average violation rate of 152.5 per 100,000 people. Residents can have high confidence in the safety and management of their public water systems.

Three-Quarters of Local Streams are Impaired

Despite clean drinking water, 75.0% of Terrell County’s 12 assessed water bodies are classified as impaired. This is far above the state average of 48.4%, according to the 2022 reporting cycle. Leading causes for these failures include poor fish health, fecal coliform, and mercury in fish tissue.

Minimal Monitoring Data for Terrell County

There is only one active monitoring site in Terrell County, which has recorded 159 measurements over the last five years. Data collection primarily covers organics and pesticides rather than frequent physical testing. This very limited footprint means that localized pollution events may not be captured by federal data.

No USGS Streamflow Data for Terrell

There is currently no active USGS streamgage in Terrell County providing real-time data on river discharge. Residents lack a live signal for local water volume, though the high watershed impairment rate suggests environmental stress. Monitoring regional rainfall and neighboring gauges is the best way to estimate local flow conditions.

Check Private Wells and Fish Consumption

While public tap water is excellent, the 75% impairment rate in local streams is a reminder to avoid untreated surface water. Mercury and fecal coliform are significant issues, so follow all local fishing and swimming advisories carefully. Given the presence of pesticides in the limited monitoring data, private well owners should consider periodic testing for runoff contaminants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Terrell County

via WeatherByCounty

High rainfall defines the Terrell climate

Terrell County averages 55.4 inches of precipitation, significantly outpacing the national average for annual rainfall. The recorded zero-inch snowfall average indicates a consistently warm climate compared to the national median.

Wetter than the average Georgia county

With 55.4 inches of rain, Terrell is wetter than the average Georgia county which receives 51.4 inches. It sits in a high-moisture corridor of the state that is conducive to heavy summer downpours.

Wetter than its eastern Georgia neighbors

This county is notably wetter than Tift County to the east, which records only 48.2 inches of rain. Both counties share a lack of snowfall, a regional constant for southern Georgia.

Snowless winters and heavy seasonal rains

Winters are historically snow-free, while summers are characterized by high humidity and heavy rainfall. The absence of specific temperature data suggests residents should still prepare for the high heat typical of this latitude.

Waterproofing is a local priority

With over 55 inches of annual rain, ensuring proper home sealing and drainage is essential. Residents should also plan for a long growing season and maintain cooling systems that can handle subtropical humidity.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Terrell County

via SoilByCounty

Terrell's Low-pH Soils

Terrell’s soil taxonomy is currently unlisted, though the region generally shares the state’s acidic pH average of 5.26. This represents a significant deviation from the national 6.5 pH median.

Analyzing Nutrient Retention

Specific mineral composition data for sand and clay is unavailable for this location. Understanding texture is key to knowing how well your soil will hold onto essential nutrients.

Enhancing Water Capacity

This county lacks specific organic matter data, likely following the state average of 1.83%. Enhancing soil fertility will help it hold more moisture than the state average of 0.114 in/in.

Assessing Soil Drainage

Hydrologic and drainage classifications are not currently recorded for Terrell. You should check your site’s slope and soil depth to assess potential drainage challenges for new projects.

A Gardeners' Haven

Terrell County is located in Hardiness Zone 8b, providing plenty of warmth for gardening enthusiasts. It is a great place to start a backyard orchard with figs or blueberries.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Terrell County

via LawnByCounty

High Difficulty for Terrell County Turf

Terrell County presents a challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 29.9, which is below the Georgia average of 35.8. Homeowners here face a significantly harder task than the national median of 50.0. The Zone 8b climate requires a more hands-on approach to maintain a lush green space.

Abundant Rain but High Growth Potential

The county receives 55.4 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. This extra moisture can lead to faster growth and potential disease issues if drainage is poor. While other climate metrics are unavailable, the high rainfall is the defining factor for local mowing schedules.

Addressing Drainage in a Wet Climate

Given the high annual rainfall of 55.4 inches, ensuring your soil has a good drainage class is vital. Since local soil data is unavailable, a professional test can help determine if you have heavy clay that might trap too much water. Maintaining a 6.0 to 7.0 pH remains the goal for healthy Georgia lawns.

Total County Coverage of Severe Drought

Terrell County has spent 30 weeks in drought this past year, and the entire county is currently experiencing Severe Drought (D2+). Even with high annual rainfall, these dry spells can be devastating to turf. Efficient irrigation is a must to bridge the gap during these 30 weeks of water scarcity.

Selecting Hardy Varieties for Zone 8b

Bermuda and Bahia grass are top choices for Terrell County due to their ability to handle both heavy rain and dry spells. While specific frost dates are not provided, spring remains the best time to seed as the soil warms. A well-established lawn in late spring will be better equipped to handle the erratic rainfall patterns of the region.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Terrell County's county score?
Terrell County, Georgia has a composite county score of 47.9 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 Terrell County rank among counties in Georgia?
Terrell County ranks #70 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 Terrell County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Terrell County is $1,222, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Terrell County a tax score of 31.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Terrell County?
The median household income in Terrell County, Georgia is $43,812 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Terrell County earns an income score of 5.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is Terrell County, Georgia a good place to live?
Terrell County scores 47.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #70 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Terrell 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 Terrell 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.