Walton County's composite score of 67.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 35%, reflecting solid overall livability fundamentals. This performance places it in the upper third of American counties despite some internal trade-offs.
2 / 5
Below Georgia average, but growing
At 67.2, Walton ranks slightly below Georgia's state average of 70.9, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 159 counties. However, its income profile suggests economic momentum compared to many rural peers.
3 / 5
Income and tax efficiency lead
Walton's income score of 37.2 is exceptional among these eight counties, reflecting a median household income of $82,381—65% above the group average. The tax score of 79.5 (effective rate: 0.809%) keeps tax burden manageable despite higher property values.
4 / 5
Housing costs tell the trade-off story
The cost score of 65.4 reflects median home values of $300,500 and gross rent at $1,231 monthly—substantially higher than peers in this group. Safety, health, education, and environmental data remain unavailable, leaving other livability dimensions uncertain.
5 / 5
Walton for the upwardly mobile
Walton County suits higher-earning families and professionals seeking suburban character with solid incomes and manageable taxes. The trade-off is higher housing costs; it's the most expensive option among these eight counties but offers the strongest income foundation.
Walton County's composite score of 67.2 exceeds the national median of 50.0 by 35%, reflecting solid overall livability fundamentals. This performance places it in the upper third of American counties despite some internal trade-offs.
Below Georgia average, but growing
At 67.2, Walton ranks slightly below Georgia's state average of 70.9, positioning it in the lower-middle tier of the state's 159 counties. However, its income profile suggests economic momentum compared to many rural peers.
Income and tax efficiency lead
Walton's income score of 37.2 is exceptional among these eight counties, reflecting a median household income of $82,381—65% above the group average. The tax score of 79.5 (effective rate: 0.809%) keeps tax burden manageable despite higher property values.
Housing costs tell the trade-off story
The cost score of 65.4 reflects median home values of $300,500 and gross rent at $1,231 monthly—substantially higher than peers in this group. Safety, health, education, and environmental data remain unavailable, leaving other livability dimensions uncertain.
Walton for the upwardly mobile
Walton County suits higher-earning families and professionals seeking suburban character with solid incomes and manageable taxes. The trade-off is higher housing costs; it's the most expensive option among these eight counties but offers the strongest income foundation.
Score breakdown
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🏛79.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.