Ware County's composite score of 71.8 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 44%, demonstrating solid livability credentials. This puts it among more desirable U.S. counties, particularly in housing affordability.
2 / 5
Marginally above Georgia's average
With a score of 71.8, Ware edges past Georgia's state average of 70.9, securing a solid position in the middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties. It represents a reliable livability option within the state.
3 / 5
Outstanding housing affordability
Ware's cost score of 85.0 is the highest in this group, with median home values of just $106,500 and gross rent at $786 monthly. These numbers make Ware one of Georgia's most affordable counties, ideal for budget-conscious homebuyers.
4 / 5
Income and tax room to grow
The income score of 12.7 reflects a median household income of $44,833, among the lowest in this group, while the effective tax rate of 1.011% is slightly higher than average. Safety, health, education, and environmental indicators are not yet available.
5 / 5
Ideal for affordability seekers
Ware County is perfect for retirees, first-time homebuyers, and families prioritizing rock-bottom housing costs over income potential. The trade-off is modest earnings and slightly higher tax rates, but the extreme affordability more than compensates for price-conscious residents.
Ware County's composite score of 71.8 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 44%, demonstrating solid livability credentials. This puts it among more desirable U.S. counties, particularly in housing affordability.
Marginally above Georgia's average
With a score of 71.8, Ware edges past Georgia's state average of 70.9, securing a solid position in the middle tier of Georgia's 159 counties. It represents a reliable livability option within the state.
Outstanding housing affordability
Ware's cost score of 85.0 is the highest in this group, with median home values of just $106,500 and gross rent at $786 monthly. These numbers make Ware one of Georgia's most affordable counties, ideal for budget-conscious homebuyers.
Income and tax room to grow
The income score of 12.7 reflects a median household income of $44,833, among the lowest in this group, while the effective tax rate of 1.011% is slightly higher than average. Safety, health, education, and environmental indicators are not yet available.
Ideal for affordability seekers
Ware County is perfect for retirees, first-time homebuyers, and families prioritizing rock-bottom housing costs over income potential. The trade-off is modest earnings and slightly higher tax rates, but the extreme affordability more than compensates for price-conscious residents.
Score breakdown
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🏛73.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
At 1.011% effective rate, Ware County exceeds the typical American property tax burden by roughly 15%. While the median tax of $1,077 remains below the national median of $2,690, that's primarily due to lower home values rather than lower rates.
Ware ranks above Georgia's tax average
Ware County's 1.011% effective rate surpasses Georgia's 0.898% average by 11%, putting it in the higher-tax group statewide. The median tax of $1,077 falls slightly below Georgia's $1,529 median because home values here are considerably lower.
Ware has among the highest regional rates
Ware County's 1.011% rate ranks among the highest in its region, exceeded only by Washington County (1.097%) and tied with Webster County (1.014%). Ware significantly outpaces lower-tax neighbors like Walker (0.778%), Wayne (0.796%), and Upson (0.886%).
Median home costs about $1,077 yearly
On Ware County's median home value of $106,500, you'll pay approximately $1,077 in annual property tax. With a mortgage, factor in closer to $1,378 once you account for additional taxes and fees.
Ware residents should appeal overassessments
Higher tax rates make accurate assessments even more important—an overvalued property in Ware costs more annually than in lower-tax counties. Review your assessment against recent comparable sales, and file an appeal if your property appears overvalued relative to market sales.
Ware County renters shoulder a 21.0% rent-to-income ratio—2.4 percentage points above Georgia's state average—as incomes of $44,833 fall short of national medians. At $786 monthly, Ware's rent remains modest in absolute terms, but creates tighter household budgets for working families.
Among Georgia's tightest housing pressures
Ware County's 21.0% rent-to-income ratio places it among the state's most burdened counties, reflecting lower-than-average incomes paired with below-average rents. This mismatch signals economic challenges beyond housing cost alone.
Ware renters face steeper burden than peers
Ware's $786 rent runs slightly below Upson's $779 and Walker's $867, yet its 21.0% burden exceeds both neighbors due to significantly lower incomes of $44,833. Only Washington County's residents face comparable housing pressure in the region.
Rents strain limited household budgets
Ware County households earning $44,833 annually allocate $786 monthly (21.0% of income) to rent—a hefty share that leaves limited cushion for transportation, food, and emergencies. Homeownership costs $610 monthly, a relative bargain that explains lower median home values of $106,500.
Ware suits budget-conscious relocators only
Ware County's low rents appeal primarily to very low-income households or retirees on fixed incomes, but working families should verify local wage levels before relocating. The county's affordability gains evaporate if your income prospects don't match local wage patterns.
Ware County's median household income of $44,833 trails the national median of $74,755 by 40%, one of the steepest gaps in the state. The county faces significant economic headwinds typical of rural southeast Georgia communities.
Among Georgia's lowest-earning counties
Ware's median household income of $44,833 is 26% below Georgia's state average of $60,488, placing it near the bottom tier of Georgia counties. Per capita income of $23,550 is the lowest in this comparison group.
Ware struggles economically versus peers
Ware County's $44,833 median income is the lowest among its regional peers, trailing Wayne County ($49,562) and Walker County ($55,887). This gap reflects Ware's reliance on agriculture and limited diversification.
Housing costs strain Ware families
At 21.0%, Ware's rent-to-income ratio approaches the 30% affordability threshold, signaling housing stress for many households. The median home value of $106,500 is modest, but still challenging for median-income families.
Ware households must prioritize savings
Ware County families earning $44,833 should focus first on building a modest emergency fund before investing, given tighter household budgets. Even small, consistent contributions to retirement accounts will create meaningful long-term security.
Ware County's life expectancy of 69.7 years ranks among Georgia's lowest, trailing the U.S. average by over 6 years. Nearly one in four residents (24.8%) report poor or fair health, indicating a community wrestling with chronic disease and limited wellness resources.
Ware ranks among Georgia's worst
At 69.7 years, Ware County's life expectancy falls 3.6 years below Georgia's state average of 73.3 years, placing it in the lowest tier statewide. This gap signals deep, systemic health disparities that demand targeted intervention.
Ware lags peers across metrics
Ware's 69.7-year life expectancy trails all nearby counties, including Wayne County (70.7) and Warren County (71.2). Paradoxically, Ware leads the region in both primary care (61 per 100K) and mental health providers (149 per 100K), yet community health outcomes remain the region's worst.
Healthcare access versus outcomes
Ware County's uninsured rate of 15.5% exceeds Georgia's state average, leaving one in six residents vulnerable to medical hardship. Despite strong provider numbers, barriers—transportation, poverty, health literacy—appear to limit residents' ability to benefit from available care.
Take action on coverage today
If you're among Ware's 15.5% uninsured, subsidized marketplace plans and Medicaid can provide affordable access to care. Head to healthcare.gov or call 1-800-318-2596 to enroll and start addressing health needs now.
Ware County's composite risk score of 49.36 slightly exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, with an exceptionally high hurricane risk of 87.73. The county's southern location in Georgia places it in the path of Atlantic hurricane systems, making wind and storm surge real concerns.
Georgia's Second-Highest Hurricane Risk
Ware County ranks among Georgia's most hurricane-threatened counties with a risk score of 87.73, second only to a handful of coastal and near-coastal peers. Its composite risk of 49.36 reflects this hurricane exposure combined with moderate wildfire (73.73) and tornado (62.18) hazards.
Higher Hurricane Risk Than South Georgia Peers
Ware County's hurricane risk of 87.73 substantially exceeds nearby Brantley County (68.2) and Charlton County (71.1). Its southeastern Georgia location, combined with exposure to Atlantic tropical systems, makes it uniquely vulnerable compared to inland southern Georgia counties.
Hurricanes and Wildfires Lead Threats
Hurricane risk dominates Ware County's hazard profile at 87.73, making tropical storms and severe coastal weather the primary concern for residents. Wildfire (73.73) is the second-largest threat, while tornadoes (62.18) and earthquakes (66.44) pose moderate additional risks.
Prepare for Hurricane Season
Ware County residents should ensure homeowners insurance includes hurricane/wind coverage, as standard policies often exclude damage from named hurricanes. Create and maintain a hurricane preparedness kit, secure outdoor items, and know your evacuation routes—tropical storms impact the county multiple times per decade.