54.7
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 83.5Disaster Risk 83.4

County Report Card

About Turner County, Georgia

Turner County Outpaces National Median

Turner County achieves a composite score of 54.7, exceeding the national median of 50.0. Despite its rural profile, it manages to provide a higher level of general livability than many peers.

Stronger than the Georgia Average

At 54.7, Turner County performs better than the Georgia state average of 46.7. It stands out as a reliable option for those looking for a balanced rural lifestyle in the heart of Georgia.

High Safety and Total Affordability

The county shines with a water score of 86.0 and an impressive safety score of 77.7. Housing is exceptionally affordable, with a cost score of 83.5 and median home values at just $95,200.

Significant Income and Health Needs

Income is the primary challenge, with a score of 2.6 and a median household income of $39,565. The health score of 13.2 also indicates that medical access and outcomes are areas for growth.

A Safe Bet for Affordable Living

Turner County is ideal for retirees or remote workers who prioritize safety and rock-bottom housing costs. It offers a secure, low-risk environment for those who don't rely on the local job market.

Score breakdown

Tax29.1Cost83.5Safety77.7Health13.2Schools59.2Income2.6Risk83.4Water86Weather40
🏛29.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠83.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼2.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡77.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
13.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓59.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
83.4
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤40
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱20.7
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

Turner County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Turner County

via TaxByCounty

Turner's property taxes run well below national levels

Turner County's 1.131% effective rate is less than half the implied national median, placing it firmly in America's lower-tax tier despite ranking among Georgia's higher rates. The median property tax of just $1,077 is 60% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting Turner's very low median home value of $95,200. This creates minimal tax exposure for homeowners even though the percentage rate appears comparatively high within Georgia.

Turner ranks among Georgia's highest-tax counties

At 1.131%, Turner County has one of Georgia's highest effective property tax rates, exceeding the state average of 0.898% by a notable margin. This places Turner in roughly the top 20% statewide—among the most aggressive tax collectors in Georgia's 159 counties. However, Turner's very low home values ($95,200 median) mean residents still pay less in absolute dollars than homeowners in more modest-rate, higher-value counties.

Turner taxes highest in its region by far

Turner's 1.131% rate exceeds every nearby South Georgia county significantly—Toombs (0.962%), Tift (0.936%), Treutlen (0.955%), and Troup (0.972%) all charge considerably less. This makes Turner the region's most aggressive tax collector, a distinction that may reflect smaller assessment base and limited revenue sources in this rural community. Home values in Turner are also the region's lowest, creating additional pressure on tax rates to fund services.

What you'll pay on a typical Turner home

The median Turner County home valued at just $95,200 generates an annual property tax of approximately $1,077—roughly $90 per month, still among the nation's lowest despite Turner's high rate. With mortgage deductions, taxes rise modestly to $1,384 annually, remaining extremely affordable. This low absolute cost creates a paradox: Turner has Georgia's highest rate but residents often pay among the state's smallest tax bills.

File an appeal to verify your property's true value

In rural counties with limited comparable sales, assessments sometimes overstate fair market value simply due to sparse recent transaction data. Turner County property owners can file a free reassessment appeal within 45 days of receiving notice, requiring only evidence that comparable homes sold for less. Given Turner's very low home values, even modest assessment reductions can provide meaningful relief to cost-conscious residents.

Cost of Living in Turner County

via CostByCounty

Turner balances tight income with low rent

Turner County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio sits modestly above Georgia's 18.6% average, but the county's median household income of just $39,565 ranks among the state's lowest. At $655 per month, rents remain a genuine bargain in absolute terms, providing crucial relief for residents with limited earning power.

Lowest income, nearly lowest rent

Turner County ranks near the bottom of Georgia's income distribution yet achieves below-average rents, suggesting economic dormancy that benefits existing residents seeking affordability. The 19.9% rent-to-income ratio places the county in the lower-middle tier for state affordability—respectable given the income constraints.

Competitive budget rents and home prices

Turner's $655 rent ranks second-lowest in the region, just above Treutlen's $668, while the median home value of $95,200 matches the area's bottom tier. The county competes closely with Treutlen for ultra-affordable status, with nearly identical housing economics.

Rent takes a fifth of meager income

Turner County renters earning just $39,565 annually spend $655 on rent, consuming 19.9% of gross income and leaving approximately $2,630 monthly for all other expenses. Homeowners pay $663 monthly on properties valued near $95,200, representing 20.0% of household income—among the region's highest burden ratios.

Turner for the rural resilience-minded

If you're relocating with minimal income but maximum resilience, Turner County's $655 rent and $95,200 median homes offer survival-level affordability. Expect limited job growth and services, but genuine breathing room on a tight budget.

Income & Jobs in Turner County

via IncomeByCounty

Turner struggles with profound income gap

Turner County's median household income of $39,565 ranks among Georgia's lowest, falling 47% below the U.S. median of $74,755. Per capita income of $23,275 signals limited earning opportunities and educational attainment across the population.

Lowest income among these eight counties

Turner County's $39,565 median household income ranks second-lowest statewide and falls over $20,900 short of Georgia's state average of $60,488. The county faces severe economic distress, typical of rural South Georgia's agriculture-dependent areas.

Lowest earner in the region

Turner County's $39,565 trails all seven peer counties, with only Treutlen County ($43,750) approaching it from above. The gap to Tift County ($53,165) exceeds $13,600 annually, underscoring Turner's isolation from the broader regional economy.

Tight housing costs strain limited income

Turner County's rent-to-income ratio of 19.9% approaches the concerning threshold, consuming roughly $656 monthly in rent payments from a median household income of just $39,565. The median home value of $95,200 offers minimal wealth-building potential.

Seek employment pathways and regional opportunity

Turner County residents must actively pursue higher-wage work through skill training, commuting to neighboring job centers, or remote employment to move beyond the county's constrained income profile. Even modest increases in household income through second jobs or certifications compound significantly over time, breaking the cycle of limited local opportunity.

Safety in Turner County

via CrimeByCounty

Turner County Ranks High for Safety

Turner County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.2. Its total crime rate of 528.5 per 100,000 residents is a fraction of the national average of 2,385.5.

Turner County Leads Georgia Safety Rankings

The county's crime rate of 528.5 is significantly lower than the Georgia state average of 1412.9. It provides one of the most secure living environments in the state.

Comparing Turner to Surrounding Counties

Turner County is notably safer than neighboring Tift County, which has a much higher rate of 1738.3. Four agencies cooperate to maintain these impressive safety standards across the county.

Evaluating Low Property and Violent Crime

Violent crime is very rare at 101.2 per 100,000, while property crime is also low at 427.3. Both metrics are far below their respective state and national averages.

Keeping Turner County Safe and Secure

Homeowners can maintain this safe environment by practicing routine security habits like using smart locks. Community cooperation ensures Turner County remains a leader in public safety.

Health in Turner County

via HealthByCounty

Turner County health lags national standard

Turner County residents live 72.0 years on average, about 3.1 years shorter than the U.S. average of 75.1 years. Nearly 27% report poor or fair health, the second-highest rate in this county cluster.

Well below Georgia's health average

Turner County's 72.0-year life expectancy trails Georgia's 73.3-year average, and its 26.9% poor/fair health rate ranks among the state's worst. The county faces serious health equity challenges.

Near bottom of regional health rankings

Turner County's 72.0-year life expectancy matches Tift County but trails most neighbors except Toombs and Treutlen. Its 26.9% poor/fair health rate ranks second-worst in the region, just behind Treutlen's 27.5%.

Severe shortage of mental health providers

Turner County has limited primary care provider data but critically low mental health capacity at just 11 providers per 100,000 residents. With 15.5% uninsured, many residents cannot access the limited behavioral health services available.

Get covered and get healthy

Turner County's health crisis demands action. Apply for health insurance at healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to find affordable plans. Medicaid may cover you—check eligibility and enroll today.

Schools in Turner County

via SchoolsByCounty

Three-School Infrastructure in Turner County

Turner County serves 1,189 students through a single district with 3 public schools. The system is divided into one elementary, one middle, and one high school.

Strong Graduation Rates and Fair Funding

The graduation rate is a high 92.0%, outperforming the Georgia state average of 88.1%. The county spends $7,482 per student, which sits slightly above the state average of $7,405.

A Unified Community District

The Turner County district provides all public education for the area, and there are zero charter schools currently available. This centralized structure ensures a consistent experience for all local students.

Town-Based Schools with Intimate Settings

All three schools are located in town settings, averaging 396 students per campus. Turner County Elementary is the largest school with 591 students, while the middle school is the smallest with 242.

Make a Home in a High-Achieving District

Turner County's impressive graduation rates make it a smart choice for families relocating to Georgia. Focus your home search near Ashburn to be close to these high-performing town schools.

Disaster Risk in Turner County

via RiskByCounty

Turner County enjoys very low overall risk

Turner County's composite risk score of 16.60 falls well into the very low category, significantly below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This south-Georgia county benefits from geographic and climatic factors that limit disaster exposure.

Among Georgia's safest counties

Turner County ranks in the lower tier of Georgia's 159 counties by composite risk, placing it among the state's most protected regions. Its 16.60 score reflects consistently low threat levels across nearly all major hazard categories.

Safest in south Georgia region

Turner County's 16.60 score significantly beats nearby Tift County (56.01) and Toombs County (42.65), making it the standout safe haven in its region. This favorable position protects residents from the elevated risks experienced in surrounding counties.

Hurricane exposure is the main concern

Hurricane risk reaches 76.30—the only significant hazard facing Turner County residents, while flood (8.33) and tornado (49.43) risks remain among Georgia's lowest. The hurricane score reflects the county's southern location, though other threats remain minimal.

Windstorm coverage completes your safety

Turner County's very low overall risk means standard homeowners insurance provides solid basic protection, but windstorm coverage is wise given the 76.30 hurricane score. This targeted add-on addresses the county's primary natural hazard without requiring extensive supplemental policies.

Weather & Climate in Turner County

via WeatherByCounty

Hotter than most of the nation

Turner County is one of the warmer spots in the nation with an average annual temperature of 65.6°F. It avoids snow entirely, making it much warmer and milder in winter than the national median.

Warmer than the Georgia state average

At 65.6°F, the county is nearly two degrees warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It faces significant heat stress with 74 days per year reaching at least 90°F.

Leading the region in average temperature

Turner is warmer than Tift County, though both share the same frequency of 74 extreme heat days. Its summer average of 80.1°F is among the highest in the south-central Georgia region.

Long, oppressive summers and warm winters

Summers are long, with July averages hitting 80.8°F and consistent high humidity. Winters stay very mild, averaging 50.1°F during the coldest months with no recorded snowfall.

Prioritize heat safety and cooling

Reliable air conditioning is critical here to combat the 74 days of 90-degree heat. Since precipitation data is limited, residents should prioritize sun protection during the 80.1°F summer season.

Soil Quality in Turner County

via SoilByCounty

Inland Coastal Plain Soils

Soil classification and pH data remain unavailable for Turner County. Most regional soils are acidic, falling near the state average of 5.26 pH.

Gritty Textures for Agriculture

We lack specific sand, silt, and clay measurements for this area. Based on its location, the soil likely contains a high percentage of sand, making it favorable for row crops.

Evaluating Soil Health

There is no current data for organic matter or available water capacity in this county. Farmers should focus on building organic matter to exceed the 1.83% state average.

Local Hydrology and Drainage

Drainage classifications are not listed for Turner County. Local knowledge and historical weather patterns are key to understanding how your specific site handles water.

Cotton and Peanuts in Zone 9a

Hardiness Zone 9a offers an exceptionally long growing season for cotton and peanuts. Start a vegetable garden today and enjoy a climate that stays warm well into the autumn.

Lawn Care in Turner County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf Conditions in Turner

Turner County presents a significant challenge with a lawn difficulty score of 20.7, well below the Georgia average of 35.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 9a, this area is one of the more difficult places in the state to maintain a perfect green space. Homeowners should prepare for high-maintenance requirements to overcome the local environmental pressures.

Long, Hot Growing Cycles

Turner County experiences 74 extreme heat days per year, contributing to a high 6,071 growing degree days. This heat drives a long, aggressive growing season that requires frequent mowing and heavy monitoring of turf stress. While specific rainfall data is unavailable, the high heat typically makes moisture retention a top priority.

Prioritizing Soil Health

Detailed soil data for Turner County is unavailable, but the region typically features the sandy loams of the coastal plain. For a successful lawn, it is vital to perform a soil test to check for pH and nutrient deficiencies common in South Georgia. Adding organic matter can help improve the water-holding capacity of the local substrate.

Navigating Critical Water Shortages

With 100% of the county currently in severe drought, water management is the most critical factor for lawn survival. Turner County has seen 28 weeks of drought over the past year, making supplemental irrigation a necessity during the long hot months. Focus on efficient water use to keep your lawn alive without exceeding local conservation guidelines.

Seizing the Long Growing Window

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda and St. Augustine are the best bets for surviving Turner's Zone 9a heat. The growing season typically begins after the last frost on March 11 and extends until the first frost on November 20. Start your soil preparation early in March to give your turf the best chance to establish before summer peaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Turner County's county score?
Turner County, Georgia has a composite county score of 54.7 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 Turner County rank among counties in Georgia?
Turner County ranks #36 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 Turner County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Turner County is $1,077, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Turner County a tax score of 29.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Turner County?
The median household income in Turner County, Georgia is $39,565 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Turner County earns an income score of 2.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Turner County, Georgia a good place to live?
Turner County scores 54.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #36 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Turner 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 Turner County with other counties side by side.