countyscore
45.8
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.2Weather & Climate 68.2Water Quality 59.6

County Report Card

About Walton County, Georgia

Lagging Behind National Averages

Walton County posts a composite score of 45.8, trailing the national median of 50.0. High costs of living drag down its overall national standing.

Slightly Below the State Average

The county's 45.8 score sits just under the Georgia average of 46.7. While it is a popular residential choice, it ranks in the middle of the state’s pack for overall livability.

Strong Incomes and Safety

Walton excels in income with a score of 86.2, supported by a high median household income of $82,381. Residents also enjoy a relatively safe environment, evidenced by a 58.7 safety score.

Severe Housing Affordability Pressures

The cost score of 13.5 is the county's biggest hurdle, as median home values have climbed to $300,500. Renters also face pressure with a median gross rent of $1,231.

Best for High-Earning Professionals

Walton County is a premier fit for high-earning families who can afford its premium housing. It offers a safe, affluent lifestyle for those commuting toward the Atlanta metro.

Score breakdown

Tax52.4Cost13.5Safety58.7Health38.1Schools52.5Income86.2Risk45.1Water59.6Weather68.2
🏛52.4
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠13.5
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡58.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤38.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓52.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧59.6
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤68.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨17.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.9
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Barrow County
Georgia
37.2
Oconee County
Georgia
54.7
Morgan County
Georgia
55.7
Newton County
Georgia
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Rockdale County
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Clarke County
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Gwinnett County
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Jackson County
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Deep Dives

Walton County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Walton County

via TaxByCounty

Walton's taxes align closely with national rates

At 0.809% effective rate, Walton County hovers just below the typical American property tax burden. The median tax of $2,431 sits just under the national median of $2,690, placing Walton squarely in the middle of the national distribution.

Walton sits below Georgia's state average

Walton's 0.809% effective rate beats Georgia's 0.898% average, positioning it as a below-average tax county statewide. The median tax of $2,431 exceeds Georgia's $1,529 median due to higher home values, not higher rates.

Walton offers moderate taxes for the region

Walton's 0.809% rate outperforms higher-tax neighbors like Ware County (1.011%) and Warren County (1.031%), but trails the lowest-rate counties Walker (0.778%) and Wayne (0.796%). Walton sits solidly in the middle of the regional pack.

Median home costs roughly $2,431 per year

Walton's higher median home value of $300,500 means a median annual tax of approximately $2,431. Homeowners with mortgages should budget around $2,712 when accounting for additional taxes and fees.

Walton homeowners should verify assessments

Even in fairly-taxed counties like Walton, individual properties can be overassessed relative to the market. If your assessed value is significantly higher than recent sales of comparable homes, filing an appeal could reduce your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Walton County

via CostByCounty

Walton's high income supports premium rents

Walton County residents earn $82,381 annually—$7,626 above the national median—and allocate just 17.9% of income to rent, marking the region's strongest affordability position. Monthly rents of $1,231 rank among Georgia's highest, yet remain manageable given Walton's elevated earning power.

Georgia's income and affordability leader

Walton County boasts the region's highest median household income and lowest rent-to-income ratio at 17.9%, significantly outperforming the state average of 18.6%. This combination positions Walton as Georgia's premier affordability market for higher-earning households.

Walton's premium reflects strong fundamentals

Walton's $1,231 monthly rent and $300,500 median home value substantially exceed all neighboring counties, reflecting an income premium of $25,000+ over Upson and Walker County peers. This premium market supports both affluent renters and homebuyers seeking quality housing stock.

Highest earners allocate lowest housing share

With $82,381 in median household income, Walton renters dedicate $1,231 monthly (17.9% of income) to rent, while homeowners budget $1,347 for ownership costs. Walton households retain the largest discretionary income cushion in the region.

Walton rewards affluent relocators

If your household income exceeds $80,000 and you seek premium housing, Walton County delivers the region's strongest affordability metrics combined with higher-value properties and likely superior schools and services. This county represents a sound financial choice for successful professionals and families.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Walton County

via IncomeByCounty

Walton ranks above national median

Walton County's median household income of $82,381 exceeds the national median of $74,755 by 10%, placing it among Georgia's stronger-earning counties. This performance reflects Walton's proximity to the Atlanta metro and its more diverse economic base.

Well above Georgia's county average

At $82,381, Walton's median household income outpaces Georgia's state average of $60,488 by 36%. The county ranks in the upper tier of Georgia counties, with per capita income of $36,752 significantly exceeding the state's $31,115.

Clear income leader in the region

Walton's $82,381 median income substantially exceeds all comparison counties, particularly outpacing Ware ($44,833) and Walker ($55,887). This gap reflects Walton's suburban position and integration with Atlanta's job market.

Strong income supports higher home values

Walton's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% is the best in the region, demonstrating excellent affordability despite the median home value of $300,500. Higher incomes allow families to comfortably manage both rents and mortgages.

Walton's income enables aggressive investing

Walton County households earning $82,381 should maximize tax-advantaged retirement savings through 401(k)s and IRAs while exploring diversified investment portfolios. Their income advantage creates opportunity for generational wealth building through disciplined investing.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Walton County

via CrimeByCounty

Walton County Outperforms National Safety Trends

Walton County maintains a safety score of 98.5, reflecting a total crime rate of 952.4 per 100,000 residents. This rate is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Exceeding Georgia's Safety Benchmarks

Walton's safety score of 98.5 places it comfortably above the Georgia state average of 97.8. The county's total crime rate is also notably lower than the state average of 1,412.9.

Stability in the Atlanta Perimeter

As the metro area expands, Walton County keeps its crime rates lower than several more urbanized neighbors. It offers a safer alternative for residents while maintaining proximity to the state's largest economic hub.

Focusing on Property Protection

Property crime accounts for 845.0 incidents per 100,000, while the violent crime rate sits at 107.4. Both figures are much lower than national averages, indicating a high level of overall security.

Enhancing Home Security in Walton

Residents can mitigate the risk of property crime by installing smart doorbells and securing entry points. These proactive steps support the county's efforts to keep safety scores well above the state norm.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Walton County

via HealthByCounty

Walton leads Georgia on longevity

Walton County residents live to an average of 74.7 years, exceeding Georgia's state average of 73.3 years and narrowing the gap with the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Just under one in five (19.9%) report poor or fair health, the lowest rate among peer counties.

Walton outperforms Georgia average

At 74.7 years, Walton County's life expectancy ranks among the healthiest in Georgia, beating the state baseline by 1.4 years. The county's relatively low poor/fair health rate of 19.9% reflects stronger community health outcomes.

Walton: a health success story

Walton County's 74.7-year life expectancy outpaces Walker County (73.3) and Upson County (70.4), though Webster County edges ahead at 76.0. Walton's exceptional mental health infrastructure—124 providers per 100K—doubles most neighboring counties, supporting comprehensive behavioral health.

Walton's healthcare landscape

Walton leads the region with low uninsured rates (12.7%), ensuring most residents access preventive care and treatment. While primary care providers (24 per 100K) are modest, the county's robust mental health capacity fills a critical regional need.

Maintain Walton's health advantage

Even in Walton County, 12.7% of residents lack insurance; marketplace plans and community programs ensure continuous coverage. Visit healthcare.gov to verify your options and keep your family protected.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Walton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust System for Thousands of Students

Walton County manages 19 public schools serving a large enrollment of 16,498 students. The infrastructure is well-distributed with 11 elementary, 4 middle, and 4 high schools across two districts.

Exceptional Outcomes Despite Efficient Spending

The county boasts a stellar 92.5% graduation rate, significantly exceeding the national average of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure is lower than the state average at $6,795, the resulting school score of 54.4 remains competitive.

Walton County and Social Circle Districts

The Walton County district serves 14,557 students, while Social Circle City district manages 1,941 students across 4 schools. There are no charter schools, keeping the focus on strong traditional public education.

High-Energy Schools in Town and Country

Schools average 868 students each, primarily located in rural and town settings. Loganville High School is the largest institution in the county, providing a bustling environment for 1,808 students.

Secure a Home in a Top-Performing County

The high graduation rates in Walton County drive strong demand for residential real estate. Growing families should explore neighborhoods in the Loganville and Walnut Grove areas for access to some of the county's largest schools.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Walton County

via RiskByCounty

Walton County: Moderate Disaster Risk

Walton County's composite risk score of 54.96 exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it in the Relatively Low category. The county faces higher natural disaster exposure than most U.S. counties, driven by elevated tornado and seismic activity.

Mid-Range Risk for Georgia

Among Georgia's 159 counties, Walton ranks in the mid-to-upper tier for natural disaster risk with a score of 54.96. Tornado exposure (73.82) stands out as the primary driver, while flooding and seismic hazards also contribute meaningfully to the county's overall risk profile.

Riskier Than Eastern Neighbors

Walton County's 54.96 composite score exceeds neighboring Newton County (52.1) and Henry County (48.3), making it one of the higher-risk areas in the Atlanta metro-adjacent region. Its position east of the metro area places it squarely in Georgia's tornado corridor.

Tornadoes, Floods, and Earthquakes

Walton County faces the highest threat from tornadoes with a risk score of 73.82, followed by earthquakes (72.07) and flooding (65.17). These three hazards account for most of the county's elevated composite risk, while wildfire and hurricane threats remain lower at 35.91 and 55.61.

Multi-Hazard Insurance Strategy

Walton County residents should pair standard homeowners coverage with flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, given the county's above-average flood risk. Develop a tornado safety plan with a designated shelter, and consider earthquake insurance for properties in higher-risk zones.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Walton County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols Define the Landscape

Ultisols dominate the Walton County landscape with an average pH of 5.33. This acidic profile is slightly above the state average of 5.26 but falls well below the national median of 6.5.

Sandy Loam Texture and Workability

The soil features a sandy loam texture comprised of 56.3% sand, 23.0% silt, and 19.2% clay. This mix provides a balance of workability, though its high sand content requires careful nutrient management.

High Water Capacity, Lower Organic Matter

Organic matter sits at 1.42%, which is lower than the Georgia average of 1.83%. However, the available water capacity of 0.128 in/in exceeds the state benchmark of 0.114, showing good moisture retention.

Poor Drainage and Runoff Risks

Classified as poorly drained with a hydrologic group D, these soils often struggle with saturation. Farmers and builders must account for slow permeability when planning drainage systems or foundation work.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 8a

Hardiness Zone 8a provides a long growing season for Walton County residents. Peaches and pecans thrive in this environment if soil acidity is managed through regular lime applications.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Walton County

via LawnByCounty

Better than average conditions

With a difficulty score of 42.9, Walton County offers a more favorable environment for lawns than the typical Georgia county. The region benefits from a Hardiness Zone 8a designation, supporting a variety of lush turf options.

Manageable heat for Walton lawns

The county experiences a manageable 38 extreme heat days per year, well below the state average of 65. Combined with 50.9 inches of annual precipitation, the local climate reduces the need for constant supplemental irrigation.

Managing Walton's sandy loam

The ground consists of sandy loam with a 19.2% clay content, though it is often poorly drained. You must address the acidic 5.33 pH level with lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for healthy grass.

Surviving 100% severe drought

Severe drought currently covers 100.0% of the area, and the county has weathered 22 weeks of drought in the past year. Prioritizing drought-resistant varieties and reducing mowing height can help your lawn survive these stressed periods.

When to start in Walton

Warm-season grasses like Bermuda or Zoysia are excellent choices for Walton's 8a climate. Monitor local temperature trends to time your seeding once the ground warms thoroughly in early spring.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Walton County's county score?
Walton County, Georgia has a composite county score of 45.8 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 Walton County rank among counties in Georgia?
Walton County ranks #90 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 Walton County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Walton County is $2,431, with an effective tax rate of 0.81%. This earns Walton County a tax score of 52.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Walton County?
The median household income in Walton County, Georgia is $82,381 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Walton County earns an income score of 86.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Walton County, Georgia a good place to live?
Walton County scores 45.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #90 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Walton 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 Walton County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.