58.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 73.7Schools 68

County Report Card

About Toombs County, Georgia

Toombs County Surpasses National Median

Toombs County earns a composite score of 58.3, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This performance suggests a higher quality of life than many rural counterparts across the United States.

Outperforming the Georgia State Average

With a score of 58.3, Toombs County ranks well ahead of the Georgia average of 46.7. It stands out as a high-performing pocket of the state, particularly regarding community safety and school quality.

Exceptional Safety and School Performance

An elite safety score of 97.5 defines the county, making it one of the most secure areas in the region. Housing is highly affordable with a cost score of 73.7 and a median rent of only $714.

Health Outcomes and Water Quality

Residents face challenges in healthcare access, reflected in a health score of 17.6. Additionally, the water score of 19.3 indicates that infrastructure improvements are needed to match the county's other high standards.

Ideal for Safety-Conscious Families

Toombs County is a premier destination for families who prioritize public safety and low housing costs above all else. It offers a secure, community-oriented lifestyle with some of the best safety metrics in Georgia.

Score breakdown

Tax41Cost73.7Safety97.5Health17.6Schools68Income23.3Risk57.4Water19.3Weather33.1
🏛41
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠73.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼23.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
17.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓68
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
57.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧19.3
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤33.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty
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Deep Dives

Toombs County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Toombs County

via TaxByCounty

Toombs taxes rank well below the nation

Toombs County's 0.962% effective rate is less than half what most Americans pay, making it a tax-friendly destination compared to the national median implied rate. The median property tax of $1,223 is less than half the national median of $2,690, even accounting for Toombs' lower home values. This positions Toombs in the lowest-tax quartile nationally—competitive with the most affordable counties across America.

Toombs ranks among Georgia's higher-tax counties

At 0.962%, Toombs County sits above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. Despite collecting less total tax revenue per home than many Georgia counties, Toombs' rate is one of the state's highest when calculated as a percentage of home value. Among Georgia's 159 counties, Toombs falls in roughly the top 40% in terms of effective rate.

Toombs edges higher than most nearby counties

Toombs' 0.962% rate exceeds neighboring Tift County (0.936%) and Treutlen County (0.955%) by a small margin, suggesting slightly more aggressive tax collection. Home values in Toombs are lower at $127,100 versus Tift's $143,100, which partially offsets the higher rate when calculating actual tax bills. The regional pattern shows Toombs among the more aggressive taxers in South Georgia, though still well below the state's highest-rate counties.

What you'll pay on a typical Toombs home

A median-valued Toombs home of $127,100 carries an annual property tax of approximately $1,223 without mortgage deductions, or $1,558 with itemized deductions claimed. That's roughly $102 per month in property taxes, among the lowest in the nation despite Toombs' comparatively higher state ranking. For mortgaged properties, this amount flows through your escrow account alongside insurance and principal payments.

File an appeal if your assessment seems high

Many Toombs County property owners pay taxes on assessments that exceed actual market value, particularly in declining rural markets where appraisals lag behind reality. Georgia law allows you to challenge your county assessment within 45 days of receiving your notice—a free process often resulting in 10-15% reductions. If your home hasn't sold recently or property values have softened, a reassessment appeal could lower your Toombs County tax bill meaningfully.

Cost of Living in Toombs County

via CostByCounty

Toombs keeps housing costs remarkably low

At 15.8%, Toombs County residents spend notably less on rent than the national average, benefiting from a rent-to-income ratio well below Georgia's 18.6% state average. The median rent of $714 per month ranks among Georgia's most affordable, even as median income sits 27.6% below the national figure of $74,755.

Among Georgia's most affordable counties

Toombs County ranks in Georgia's top tier for housing affordability, with renters paying less than nearly all peer counties statewide. The 15.8% rent-to-income ratio places it firmly in the comfortable zone, suggesting strong buying power for renters and homebuyers alike.

Toombs offers the region's cheapest rent

At $714 per month, Toombs County undercuts Tift County ($799) and Towns County ($822), making it the rental bargain of the local region. Homeownership is similarly economical, with a median home value of $127,100 representing one of the lowest in the area.

Rent eats just 15.8% of income

The typical Toombs County renter earning $54,130 annually pays only $714 monthly for housing, leaving $3,789 for food, transportation, and savings. Homeowners invest $740 monthly into properties valued near $127,100, consuming just 16.4% of gross household income—among the region's best ratios.

Toombs delivers exceptional affordability

If you're stretching on a modest income, Toombs County's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio offers genuine breathing room unavailable in most Georgia markets. Budget-conscious relocators will find that savings here rival any rural county in the state.

Income & Jobs in Toombs County

via IncomeByCounty

Toombs households earn 28% below U.S. median

Toombs County's median household income of $54,130 lags the national median of $74,755 by over $20,600 annually. This income gap is typical of rural Georgia counties and reflects limited access to higher-wage industries and professional services.

Solid performer among Georgia counties

At $54,130, Toombs County exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by a narrow margin and ranks solidly in the middle of Georgia's 159 counties. The county demonstrates economic resilience comparable to other rural and agricultural regions in the state.

Slightly ahead of Tift and southern peers

Toombs County's $54,130 edges out Tift County ($53,165) and outpaces Turner County ($39,565) and Treutlen County ($43,750) by wide margins. It trails Twiggs County ($55,439) and Union County ($65,697), but remains competitive within its regional cluster.

Affordable housing supports household stability

Toombs County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% ranks among the best in the region, meaning renters spend roughly $712 monthly on housing while keeping more income for savings and essentials. The median home value of $127,100 makes homeownership achievable for many local families.

Leverage affordability to invest for the future

With one of the lower housing cost burdens in the region, Toombs County families have real opportunity to invest surplus income in retirement accounts or education. Even $100 monthly toward long-term wealth-building compounds into significant assets over 20–30 years.

Safety in Toombs County

via CrimeByCounty

Toombs County Reports Remarkable Safety Levels

Toombs County recorded a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents in 2022, resulting in a perfect safety score of 100.0. This figure is far below the national total crime rate of 2,385.5.

A Statistical Outlier in Georgia Safety

With zero reported crimes per 100,000 people, Toombs County ranks well above the Georgia state average of 1412.9. Two reporting agencies documented no major offenses during this specific data cycle.

Toombs County Compared to Nearby Districts

The county's reported rate is significantly lower than neighbors like Tift County, which sees over 1,700 crimes per 100,000 residents. This quiet profile suggests an exceptionally low-crime environment for the reporting year.

Decoding the Zero-Crime Reporting Period

Both violent and property crime rates stand at 0.0, placing the county far below the state violent crime average of 248.1. These numbers mean no qualifying incidents were reported to federal databases by local agencies in 2022.

Maintaining Vigilance in Toombs County

Even with perfect safety scores, homeowners should continue standard practices like locking doors and windows. Consistent vigilance ensures that the community remains a safe haven for all residents.

Health in Toombs County

via HealthByCounty

Toombs County faces significant health gaps

Toombs County residents live just 70.7 years on average, nearly 4.5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 75.1 years. This represents one of Georgia's lowest life expectancies, with 21.7% of adults reporting poor or fair health.

Among Georgia's shortest life spans

Toombs County ranks near the bottom statewide at 70.7 years life expectancy, well below Georgia's 73.3-year average. The county faces persistent health disparities that require urgent attention and targeted interventions.

Lowest life expectancy in the region

Toombs County's 70.7-year life expectancy is the lowest among its neighboring counties, trailing even Treutlen County's 70.3 years. At 16.1% uninsured, it mirrors regional challenges but falls just above Georgia's state average of 15.0%.

Good primary care, limited mental health access

Toombs County offers 78 primary care providers per 100,000 residents—above county average—but only 67 mental health providers per 100,000, creating gaps in behavioral health services. With 16.1% uninsured, many residents delay care or skip preventive visits due to cost.

Your coverage matters—get insured

Don't let cost prevent you from getting healthy. Apply for health insurance at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find plans under $100 monthly. Toombs County residents may qualify for Medicaid—check your eligibility today.

Schools in Toombs County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Multi-District Network in Toombs County

Toombs County is served by two school districts providing 9 public schools for 5,385 students. The landscape consists of 5 elementary, 2 middle, and 2 high schools across the region.

Exceptional Graduation and Higher Spending

Students here achieve a 94.5% graduation rate, significantly higher than the Georgia average of 88.1% and the national 87.0% benchmark. The county invests $7,519 per pupil, outpacing the state average investment of $7,405.

Toombs County and Vidalia City Districts

The Toombs County district is the larger provider with 3,019 students, while Vidalia City serves 2,366 students. No charter schools are currently operating in either district, maintaining a traditional public school focus.

A Blend of Rural and Town Campuses

Schools are split between 5 rural and 4 town locations, with an average size of 598 students. Toombs County High is the largest campus at 853 students, followed closely by Vidalia Comprehensive High at 732.

Secure a Home in Top-Performing Districts

With graduation rates far above the national average, Toombs County is a prime destination for families prioritizing academic success. Explore properties in Vidalia or Lyons to take advantage of these strong local districts.

Disaster Risk in Toombs County

via RiskByCounty

Toombs County carries very low overall risk

Toombs County's composite risk score of 42.65 falls into the very low category and sits just slightly above Georgia's state average of 39.49. While not immune to natural hazards, residents face fewer and less severe disaster threats than most American counties.

Among Georgia's safer counties

Toombs County ranks well below the state's riskier regions, placing it in the lower half of Georgia's 159 counties by hazard exposure. This favorable position reflects its distance from major seismic zones and relative protection from extreme weather patterns.

Safest county in this region

Toombs County's 42.65 score beats neighboring Tift County (56.01) and Treutlen County (2.07 is outlier data). It represents a balanced, moderate-risk environment compared to the more hazard-prone areas to its south.

Hurricanes and tornadoes pose modest threats

Hurricane risk reaches 84.15 and tornado risk 63.80—both elevated but manageable compared to other Georgia counties. Flood and wildfire risks remain relatively contained at 37.79 and 53.53 respectively.

Standard coverage with hurricane consideration

While Toombs County's overall risk is low, the 84.15 hurricane score warrants windstorm coverage on your homeowners policy. A standard policy paired with a windstorm rider provides solid protection without over-insuring for this region's modest hazard profile.

Soil Quality in Toombs County

via SoilByCounty

Uncharted Soil in Onion Country

Local taxonomic and pH data are currently unavailable for Toombs County. Growers here typically encounter acidic soils consistent with South Georgia's coastal plain trends.

Sandy Textures Dominate the Region

While specific sand and clay percentages are not recorded, the area is famous for the sandy loam that produces sweet onions. These textures offer excellent workability for local farmers.

Estimating Local Growth Potential

We lack specific data for organic matter compared to Georgia's 1.83% average. A local soil test is the best way to determine your plot's specific nutrient needs.

Monitoring Surface Drainage

Detailed drainage classes are not listed in this dataset for the county. Observe how water moves across your land after a storm to understand your specific drainage needs.

The Home of Vidalia Onions

Hardiness Zone 9a provides a long growing season for the world-famous Vidalia onion. Grab some seeds and take advantage of the warm climate to grow your own vegetables.

Lawn Care in Toombs County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Plain Lawn Care in Toombs

Toombs County sits in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a, where mild winters and long summers define the landscape. While specific difficulty scores are unavailable, the region shares the challenging growing conditions typical of South Georgia. Homeowners should prepare for a climate that favors warm-season grasses over traditional cool-season varieties.

Navigating a Long Growing Season

While specific temperature and rainfall data are limited for this county, the Zone 9a designation suggests a very long period for turf growth. Gardeners can expect a significant number of days with high humidity and heat, typical of the Georgia coastal plain. This environment generally requires consistent monitoring of moisture levels to maintain turf health.

Foundation for Toombs Turf

Detailed soil metrics like pH and sand content are currently unavailable for Toombs County. However, the region typically features the sandy, well-draining soils characteristic of southeastern Georgia. It is highly recommended that residents perform a local soil test to determine specific lime and fertilizer needs for their property.

Extended Drought Strains Local Lawns

Toombs County has endured 34 weeks of drought over the past year, with 100% of the area currently in severe drought conditions. This intense water stress makes efficient irrigation systems and moisture-retaining practices essential for lawn survival. Focus on early morning watering to minimize evaporation and ensure water reaches the root zone.

Select Heat-Hardy Grass Species

Bermuda and Zoysia grasses thrive in the warmth of Zone 9a and offer the best resilience against local heat. Because local frost dates are not recorded, watch for consistent nighttime temperatures above 60°F before seeding. Prepare your soil now to create a resilient green space that can withstand the coming summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Toombs County's county score?
Toombs County, Georgia has a composite county score of 58.3 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 Toombs County rank among counties in Georgia?
Toombs County ranks #16 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 Toombs County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Toombs County is $1,223, with an effective tax rate of 0.96%. This earns Toombs County a tax score of 41/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Toombs County?
The median household income in Toombs County, Georgia is $54,130 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Toombs County earns an income score of 23.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Toombs County, Georgia a good place to live?
Toombs County scores 58.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #16 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Toombs 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 Toombs County with other counties side by side.