47.1
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 82.9Cost of Living 63

County Report Card

About Upson County, Georgia

Upson Trails the National Median

Upson County earns a composite score of 47.1, placing it just below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates that the county faces some headwind compared to the average American locality.

Beating the Georgia Average

Despite national trends, Upson outperforms the Georgia state average of 46.7. It ranks as a competitive mid-tier option within the state's 159 counties.

Environmental Stability and Water Quality

The county boasts an exceptional water score of 86.0 and a low environmental risk score of 82.9. Residents also benefit from a cost score of 63.0, driven by an affordable median home value of $149,500.

Economic and Health Headwinds

Income and health are primary challenges, with both dimensions scoring a low 16.5. The median household income of $50,904 reflects limited local economic opportunity compared to neighboring hubs.

A Haven for Rural Stability

Upson is a solid choice for retirees or remote workers who prioritize low environmental risk and cheap housing. Those seeking high-growth career paths or robust healthcare infrastructure may find it less suitable.

Score breakdown

Tax46Cost63Safety50.4Health16.5Schools45.6Income16.5Risk82.9Water86Weather51
🏛46
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠63
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼16.5
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡50.4
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
16.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓45.6
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
82.9
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤51
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱34.5
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

Upson County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Upson County

via TaxByCounty

Upson's taxes are well below national average

At 0.886% effective rate, Upson County homeowners pay roughly half what the typical American household pays in property taxes. The county's median tax of $1,325 is less than half the national median of $2,690, placing it in the bottom 30% nationwide for tax burden.

Upson ranks slightly below Georgia average

Upson's 0.886% rate sits just under Georgia's state average of 0.898%, making it a middle-of-the-road county for Georgia taxpayers. The median property tax of $1,325 is also slightly lower than the state median of $1,529.

Upson compares favorably to nearby counties

Walker County (0.778%) and Wayne County (0.796%) charge less, but Upson undercuts higher-tax neighbors like Ware County (1.011%) and Warren County (1.031%). Upson sits squarely in the middle range of its regional peer group.

A median home costs about $1,325 yearly

On Upson's median home value of $149,500, you'll pay roughly $1,325 in annual property tax. If you carry a mortgage, factor in an extra $130 for potential taxes and fees, bringing your actual bill to about $1,455.

Many Upson homeowners can lower their taxes

Property assessments aren't always accurate—many homeowners across Georgia are overassessed and don't realize they can file an appeal. If your home was recently reassessed higher than comparable properties sold nearby, a formal appeal could reduce your tax bill.

Cost of Living in Upson County

via CostByCounty

Upson's rent burden beats national norms

Upson County renters spend 18.4% of income on rent, slightly below the national norm and tracking with Georgia's state average of 18.6%. At $779 monthly, Upson's median rent falls well below the national median household income of $74,755—a solid affordability cushion for working families.

Mid-tier affordability in Georgia

Upson ranks near the state median for housing affordability among Georgia's 159 counties, with rents running $148 below the state average of $927 monthly. The county's 18.4% rent-to-income ratio places it in the comfortable zone for renters statewide.

Upson undercuts nearby housing markets

Upson's $779 rent sits $88 below Walker County's $867 and $452 below Walton County's $1,231, making it the most affordable option for renters in the region. Homebuyers face a different story: Upson's median home value of $149,500 falls between Warren County's bargain $78,000 and Walton's premium $300,500.

Housing eats modest slice of income

With a $50,904 median household income, Upson renters allocate roughly $779 monthly (18.4% of income) to rent, while homeowners budget $774 for mortgage payments. Combined, housing costs claim less than one-third of typical household earnings, leaving room for other necessities.

Consider Upson for balanced living costs

Upson County offers renters and first-time homebuyers a rare combination: below-state-average rent, manageable homeownership costs, and income levels that stretch further than national medians. If affordability matters in your relocation calculus, Upson deserves a closer look against pricier Georgia alternatives.

Income & Jobs in Upson County

via IncomeByCounty

Upson trails the national income average

Upson County's median household income of $50,904 falls 32% below the U.S. median of $74,755. This gap reflects broader economic challenges in rural Georgia counties that depend on agriculture and manufacturing rather than high-wage services.

Below Georgia's county average

Upson ranks below Georgia's state median household income of $60,488, placing it among the lower-earning counties statewide. The county's per capita income of $29,772 also lags Georgia's average of $31,115.

Competitive with nearby rural counties

Upson's $50,904 median income sits between nearby Ware County ($44,833) and Walker County ($55,887), reflecting similar economic conditions across south-central Georgia. These counties share comparable employment structures and housing markets.

Housing costs are manageable here

At 18.4%, Upson's rent-to-income ratio is below the 30% affordability threshold, meaning housing remains accessible for most households. The median home value of $149,500 is within reach for median-income families with conventional financing.

Build financial security in Upson

Upson households earning $50,904 should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring low-cost retirement accounts like IRAs. With affordable housing and stable living costs, investing even modest amounts can compound significantly over time.

Safety in Upson County

via CrimeByCounty

Upson County Shows Strong National Safety Profile

Upson County reports a total crime rate of 1,118.0 per 100,000 residents, which is less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This performance earns the county an impressive safety score of 98.2 out of 100.

Staying Ahead of the Georgia Average

With a safety score of 98.2, Upson County ranks above the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate remains significantly lower than the state average of 1,412.9 per 100,000 people.

A Secure Choice Among Regional Neighbors

Upson County maintains a stable safety profile compared to its Central Georgia neighbors. The county's 1,118.0 crime rate represents a level of public safety that outpaces many similar rural-suburban corridors in the state.

Property Crimes Drive Local Statistics

The local crime landscape is dominated by property offenses at 958.8 per 100,000, while the violent crime rate is 159.2. This violent crime rate is notably lower than both the national average of 369.8 and the state average of 248.1.

Securing Your Upson County Property

Since property crime accounts for over 85% of local reports, residents should focus on home security fundamentals like outdoor lighting and smart locks. Staying vigilant in neighborhood watch programs helps maintain the county's high safety standing.

Health in Upson County

via HealthByCounty

Upson lags behind on life expectancy

At 70.4 years, Upson County residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Nearly a quarter of the county (23.3%) report poor or fair health, a sign that chronic conditions and preventable diseases weigh heavily on the community.

Below Georgia's health baseline

Upson's life expectancy of 70.4 years trails Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 2.9 years. The county ranks among the lower-performing counties statewide on health outcomes, suggesting systemic barriers to care and wellness.

Upson faces steeper health challenges

Upson's 70.4-year life expectancy ranks lower than nearby Walker County (73.3) and Walton County (74.7), though it has more primary care providers at 51 per 100K compared to Walker's 19. The uninsured rate of 14.1% mirrors the state average, but underlying health disparities suggest access alone isn't solving the problem.

Healthcare reality in Upson County

One in seven Upson residents (14.1%) lack health insurance, putting them at risk for catastrophic medical debt and delayed care. With 51 primary care providers per 100K population, Upson has decent medical infrastructure, but 39 mental health providers per 100K may strain behavioral health access.

Explore coverage options now

If you're among the 14.1% of Upson residents without insurance, marketplace plans and Medicaid expansion programs may lower your costs. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health department to find affordable coverage and preventive services today.

Schools in Upson County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Small but Focused Education Network

Thomaston-Upson County operates a streamlined network of 4 schools serving 4,060 students. The infrastructure includes two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school centered in a single district.

Strong Graduation Rates Exceed State Averages

Upson County achieves an 89.0% graduation rate, outperforming both the state average of 88.1% and the national mark of 87.0%. While per-pupil spending of $7,298 is slightly below the state average, the county maintains a solid school score of 53.6.

The Thomaston-Upson County District Hub

The Thomaston-Upson County district manages all local public education, including the large Upson-Lee campus cluster. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all 4,060 students attending traditional public schools.

Large Campus Feel in a Rural Setting

Most schools are in rural settings and feature a large average enrollment of 1,015 students. Upson-Lee High School is the largest in the county with 1,178 students, while Upson-Lee Elementary serves 906 students.

Building a Future in Upson County

Families seeking high graduation rates and a consolidated school system often focus on homes in the Thomaston area. Use our resources to explore properties near the Upson-Lee schools and secure a quality education for your children.

Disaster Risk in Upson County

via RiskByCounty

Upson County: Well Below National Risk

Upson County scores 17.14 on the composite risk scale—placing it in the Very Low category and significantly below the national average. This means residents face substantially lower exposure to major natural disasters compared to most American counties.

Georgia's Safer County

Among Georgia's 159 counties, Upson ranks among the safest for composite disaster risk at 17.14 versus the state average of 39.49. This protective standing reflects lower frequencies of flooding, tornadoes, and other major hazards across the region.

Safer Than Nearby Counties

Upson County's 17.14 score puts it well ahead of neighboring Lamar County and comparable to nearby Marion County. The county benefits from its inland location, which shields it from hurricane and coastal storm impacts that affect southern Georgia neighbors.

Top Hazards: Earthquakes & Hurricanes

Upson County's highest risk scores are earthquake exposure (50.67) and hurricane potential (64.16), though both remain moderate in absolute terms. Flooding and wildfire pose lower threats, with scores of 31.71 and 41.57 respectively, making them less frequent concerns for residents.

Insurance Priorities for Upson

Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wind damage from hurricanes, but earthquake coverage requires a separate policy riders—consider adding it given the county's moderate seismic exposure. Flood insurance is available through the National Flood Insurance Program for properties in identified flood zones.

Weather & Climate in Upson County

via WeatherByCounty

A classic warm subtropical environment

Upson County's annual average temperature of 63.5°F is nearly ten degrees warmer than the national median temperature. This ensures a long growing season and very mild winters for residents.

A perfect reflection of Georgia's climate

The county's temperature almost perfectly mirrors the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It is slightly drier than the state norm, receiving 50.5 inches of rain compared to the 51.4-inch average.

Hotter summers than nearby Troup County

Upson is warmer than Troup County to the west, averaging 62 days of extreme heat versus Troup's 56. It receives similar annual rainfall to neighboring Taylor County.

High summer heat and minimal snow

Summer heat is persistent, with 62 days hitting 90°F and a July average of 80.1°F. Winters are mild with a January average of 45.6°F and only 0.3 inches of snow.

Manage heat stress and spring rain

Homeowners should invest in high-quality insulation to manage the 62 extreme heat days. Outdoor planning should account for the 50.5 inches of rain, primarily distributed across the spring and summer.

Soil Quality in Upson County

via SoilByCounty

Regional Soil Identity Trends

Official taxonomic and pH data for Upson County are currently unavailable in the central dataset. While the national median pH sits at 6.5, local growers should test their land to confirm specific acidity levels.

Understanding Local Soil Texture

Detailed measurements for sand, silt, and clay percentages are not recorded for this area. Identifying your soil texture through a simple jar test helps determine how well it will manage water and nutrients.

Monitoring Organic Matter and Water

Organic matter and water capacity metrics remain unlisted for Upson. Compared to the Georgia state average organic matter of 1.83%, adding compost is likely necessary to achieve peak productivity.

Drainage Patterns and Water Movement

Records do not currently specify a dominant drainage class or hydrologic group for the county. Observing how water moves across your property after heavy rain provides the best insight for building or farming.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 8b

Upson falls within Hardiness Zone 8b, which supports a long and productive growing season. High-yielding crops like peppers and squash thrive here with consistent irrigation and care.

Lawn Care in Upson County

via LawnByCounty

Upson's lawn care challenge score

Upson County earns a 34.5 lawn difficulty score, placing it just below the Georgia state average of 35.8. While Hardiness Zone 8b supports many grass types, maintenance proves tougher here than the national median of 50.0.

Heat and rain in Upson

The county sees 62 extreme heat days annually, requiring diligent watering to survive the 5,500 growing degree days. Abundant annual precipitation of 50.5 inches falls right within the ideal range for healthy turf growth.

Preparing Upson's soil foundation

While local soil data is limited, homeowners should test for the acidic conditions common across this region of Georgia. Proper drainage and nutrient balance are essential for establishing a resilient lawn foundation that can withstand the heat.

Managing severe drought conditions

Severe drought conditions currently grip 100.0% of the county, a significant challenge given the 25 weeks of drought over the past year. Deep, infrequent watering early in the morning helps grass develop the roots needed to survive these dry spells.

Best growing windows for Upson

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Centipede thrive in this 8b zone once the risk of frost passes after March 23. Plan your sodding or seeding projects to finish well before the first fall frost arrives around November 12.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Upson County's county score?
Upson County, Georgia has a composite county score of 47.1 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 Upson County rank among counties in Georgia?
Upson County ranks #77 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 Upson County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Upson County is $1,325, with an effective tax rate of 0.89%. This earns Upson County a tax score of 46/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Upson County?
The median household income in Upson County, Georgia is $50,904 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Upson County earns an income score of 16.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Upson County, Georgia a good place to live?
Upson County scores 47.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #77 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Upson 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 Upson County with other counties side by side.