Walker County's composite score of 72.5 towers 45% above the national median of 50.0, marking it as one of the more livable counties across the United States. This strength reflects consistent performance across tax, cost, and income dimensions.
2 / 5
Tops Georgia's middle tier
Walker's 72.5 score positions it just above Georgia's 70.9 state average, placing it in the upper-middle range of Georgia's 159 counties. It competes effectively with other growing Northwest Georgia communities.
3 / 5
Taxes, costs, and income balance
Walker boasts a tax score of 80.4 (effective rate: 0.778%) and a cost score of 79.8, with median home values at $173,900 and rent averaging $867 monthly. The income score of 19.9 reflects a median household income of $55,887, the strongest earnings profile among these eight counties.
4 / 5
Incomplete data picture
Safety, health, education quality, and environmental data are currently unavailable, making it impossible to fully assess school performance or community wellness. These dimensions could meaningfully shift the overall livability assessment once measured.
5 / 5
Smart choice for working families
Walker County appeals to families seeking reasonable incomes, manageable housing costs, and favorable tax treatment in a growing region. It's especially attractive to those working in Northwest Georgia who want rural character without complete economic isolation.
Walker County's composite score of 72.5 towers 45% above the national median of 50.0, marking it as one of the more livable counties across the United States. This strength reflects consistent performance across tax, cost, and income dimensions.
Tops Georgia's middle tier
Walker's 72.5 score positions it just above Georgia's 70.9 state average, placing it in the upper-middle range of Georgia's 159 counties. It competes effectively with other growing Northwest Georgia communities.
Taxes, costs, and income balance
Walker boasts a tax score of 80.4 (effective rate: 0.778%) and a cost score of 79.8, with median home values at $173,900 and rent averaging $867 monthly. The income score of 19.9 reflects a median household income of $55,887, the strongest earnings profile among these eight counties.
Incomplete data picture
Safety, health, education quality, and environmental data are currently unavailable, making it impossible to fully assess school performance or community wellness. These dimensions could meaningfully shift the overall livability assessment once measured.
Smart choice for working families
Walker County appeals to families seeking reasonable incomes, manageable housing costs, and favorable tax treatment in a growing region. It's especially attractive to those working in Northwest Georgia who want rural character without complete economic isolation.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛80.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 0.778% effective rate, Walker County ranks among the lowest-tax counties in the nation, sitting in the bottom 25% for property tax burden. The median tax of just $1,353 is less than half the national median of $2,690.
Walker ranks among Georgia's most affordable
Walker County's 0.778% rate is notably below Georgia's 0.898% average, making it one of the state's most tax-friendly counties for property owners. At $1,353, the median tax also falls well short of Georgia's $1,529 median.
Walker offers the lowest rates in its region
Walker's 0.778% rate beats all nearby competitors, including Wayne County (0.796%), Upson County (0.886%), and significantly undercuts higher-tax neighbors Ware County (1.011%) and Warren County (1.031%). Walker's advantage is one of the clearest in the region.
Median home tax runs about $1,353 annually
On Walker's median home value of $173,900, your annual property tax runs approximately $1,353. With a mortgage, expect closer to $1,520 once you factor in additional taxes and fees.
Even low-tax counties see overassessment
Walker's competitive tax rate doesn't mean every assessment is correct—overvalued properties still slip through the system. If your home's assessed value doesn't match recent comparable sales in your neighborhood, a formal appeal can provide additional relief.
Walker County renters spend 18.6% of gross income on rent, exactly matching Georgia's state average and falling comfortably within the national affordability window. At $867 monthly, Walker's median rent runs $140 above the state median, reflecting stronger local income support of $55,887.
Georgia's housing sweet spot
Walker County's 18.6% rent-to-income ratio ties the state average and places it squarely in the middle of Georgia's affordability spectrum among 159 counties. The county balances above-average rents with above-average incomes, sustaining stable housing markets.
Walker sits between bargains and premiums
Walker's $867 rent exceeds Upson County's $779 by $88 but trails Walton County's $1,231 by $364, positioning it as the regional middle ground. Home values follow suit: Walker's $173,900 median sits between Upson's $149,500 and Walton's $300,500.
Nearly one-fifth of income goes to rent
Walker County households earning $55,887 annually dedicate $867 monthly (18.6% of income) to rent or $852 to mortgage payments. This balanced allocation leaves substantial room in household budgets for savings, childcare, and other priorities.
Walker offers middle-class housing stability
Walker County delivers median housing costs paired with above-median local incomes, making it an attractive option for families seeking affordability without sacrificing amenities. The county's alignment with state-average rent ratios suggests stable, predictable housing markets relative to more volatile Georgia regions.
Walker County's median household income of $55,887 is 25% below the national median of $74,755, reflecting the economic realities of northwest Georgia. The county's economy is anchored by regional employers and smaller manufacturing operations.
Below state average, middle of the pack
Walker's median household income trails Georgia's statewide average of $60,488, placing it in the lower-middle tier of Georgia counties. Per capita income of $30,482 is slightly below the state average of $31,115.
Slightly above neighboring Upson
Walker County's $55,887 median income edges out Upson County ($50,904) and outpaces Ware County ($44,833), making it one of the stronger earners in the region. This modest advantage reflects Walker's more diverse regional economy.
Housing costs remain affordable
Walker's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% is well below the 30% affordability standard, ensuring housing remains accessible for most families. The median home value of $173,900 is reasonable for households earning the county median.
Strategic saving strengthens Walker families
Walker County households should leverage their stable housing costs to redirect savings toward retirement and investment accounts. Starting a workplace retirement plan or Roth IRA, even with modest contributions, builds long-term wealth.
Walker County's life expectancy of 73.3 years aligns with Georgia's state average but falls short of the U.S. average of 76.1 years by nearly 3 years. About one in five residents (21.8%) report poor or fair health, suggesting room for improvement in chronic disease management.
Walker sits at Georgia's median
At 73.3 years, Walker County's life expectancy matches Georgia's state average exactly, placing it in the middle tier of county health outcomes. This stability masks underlying health challenges that affect daily life for residents.
Walker trails nearby health leaders
Walker's 73.3-year life expectancy falls behind Walton County (74.7) and Webster County (76.0), both within reach geographically. However, Walker boasts strong mental health provider access at 68 per 100K, outpacing most neighboring counties.
Access gaps in Walker County
With 13.5% of residents uninsured—below the state average—Walker has better coverage than many Georgia counties, but 19 primary care providers per 100K is critically low. Residents often travel long distances for routine checkups, creating barriers to preventive care.
Secure affordable health coverage
One in seven Walker County residents remains uninsured; marketplace plans and Medicaid options can bridge that gap affordably. Reach out to healthcare.gov or a local community health center to enroll and access preventive services.
Walker County's composite risk score of 72.01 places it in the Relatively Low category but above Georgia's state average of 39.49. The county faces notably higher tornado exposure compared to most U.S. counties due to its northwest Georgia location.
High Risk Among Georgia Counties
Walker County ranks among Georgia's higher-risk counties with a composite score of 72.01, driven primarily by exceptionally high tornado risk of 93.13. This makes it one of the state's most tornado-prone areas, requiring residents to take severe weather seriously.
Tornado Hot Spot in Northwest Georgia
Walker County's tornado risk of 93.13 significantly exceeds nearby Catoosa County (74.8) and Dade County (81.2). Its position in Georgia's northwestern corner, combined with topography and wind patterns, creates a natural corridor for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes.
Tornadoes Dominate the Risk Picture
Tornadoes are Walker County's primary hazard, with a risk score of 93.13—among the highest in Georgia. Earthquakes (79.58) and flood risks (65.46) also pose meaningful threats, while wildfire and hurricane risks remain moderate at 60.88 and 52.65 respectively.
Tornado Preparation Is Essential Here
Standard homeowners insurance does not cover tornado damage; Walker County residents should prioritize a safe room or designated shelter and develop a family emergency plan. Ensure your property has proper tie-downs, and consider impact-resistant windows given the county's extreme tornado exposure.