countyscore
54
County Score
Water Quality 86Safety 85.2Cost of Living 74

County Report Card

About Ware County, Georgia

A Solid National Competitor

Ware County scores a 54.0, placing it well above the national median of 50.0. This indicates a high level of livability compared to the rest of the country.

Outpacing the Georgia Average

Ware's 54.0 score easily clears the Georgia average of 46.7. It represents one of the strongest livability values in the southern part of the state.

Safety and Extreme Affordability

The county shines with a safety score of 85.2 and a cost score of 74.0. Housing is very accessible, with a median home value of just $106,500.

Economic and Health Struggles

Income is a major weak point with a score of 7.1, as the median income sits at $44,833. Health outcomes also lag behind, scoring only 11.3.

Great for Budget-Conscious Residents

Ware County is a top choice for retirees or those on a fixed income who value safety and low housing costs. It offers significant peace of mind for very little money.

Score breakdown

Tax37.3Cost74Safety85.2Health11.3Schools60.5Income7.1Risk50.7Water86Weather27.3
🏛37.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼7.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡85.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓60.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡50.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤27.3
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨36.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱21.1
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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Nearby counties

Pierce County
Georgia
35.2
Clinch County
Georgia
49.6
Brantley County
Georgia
48.6
Atkinson County
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Bacon County
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Charlton County
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Lanier County
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Coffee County
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Deep Dives

Ware County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Ware County

via TaxByCounty

Ware County charges above national average

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Ware County

via CostByCounty

Ware's rent burden exceeds regional norms

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Ware County

via IncomeByCounty

Ware's income lags national average

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Ware County

via CrimeByCounty

High Safety Scores in Ware County

Ware County earns a high safety score of 99.5, with a total crime rate of 342.5 per 100,000 people. This is substantially better than the national average rate of 2,385.5.

One of Georgia's Safer Counties

The county's safety score of 99.5 is significantly higher than the Georgia average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 342.5 is roughly one-quarter of the statewide average of 1,412.9.

Regional Safety Leader in South Georgia

Ware County demonstrates strong safety metrics compared to neighboring counties in the Okefenokee region. Its low crime rates make it a secure hub for both residents and visitors.

Minimal Violent and Property Crime

Violent crime is low at 75.2 per 100,000, while property crime is reported at 267.3. These numbers suggest that local law enforcement and community efforts are highly effective at maintaining order.

Maintaining a Secure Ware County Home

To protect against property crime, consider joining local neighborhood watch groups and keeping home exteriors well-lit. Community vigilance is the best defense in preserving the county's impressive safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Ware County

via HealthByCounty

Ware faces severe health burden

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.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Ware County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Unified View of Ware County Education

Ware County operates 10 public schools, including an alternative learning center and a large high school. These facilities serve 5,983 students under a single school district.

Above-Average Scores and High Spending

The county invests $7,575 per pupil, which is higher than the state average, resulting in a solid school score of 55.8. Students excel with a 92.0% graduation rate, well above the national benchmark of 87.0%.

The Unified Ware County District

The Ware County district manages nearly all students in the area, providing a consistent curriculum across its 9 main campuses. There are currently no charter schools operating in the county.

Town-Centered Schools with Diverse Sizes

Most schools are located in town settings with an average enrollment of 598 students per campus. Ware County High School serves as a major hub for the community with 1,589 students.

Find Your Place in Ware County

High per-pupil spending and great graduation outcomes make this county a smart choice for home buyers. Look for available properties in the Waycross area to stay close to the county's central academic corridor.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Ware County

via RiskByCounty

Ware County: Hurricane Threat Dominates

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Ware County

via SoilByCounty

Deeply Acidic Coastal Soils

Ware County features a highly acidic soil profile with an average pH of 4.38. This is significantly more acidic than both the state average of 5.26 and the national median of 6.5.

High Sand and Low Clay

The soil is dominated by 74.6% sand, with very low silt and clay levels at 5.4% and 5.9% respectively. This high sand content typically allows for rapid drainage but offers limited ability to retain fertilizers.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Organic matter is impressively high at 10.14%, dwarfing the state average of 1.83%. Coupled with a water capacity of 0.139 in/in, this soil holds high potential despite its extreme acidity.

Fast Drainage Considerations

While specific drainage classes are unlisted, the 74.6% sand percentage indicates rapid water movement. Gardeners should monitor for moisture loss during the hot, dry spells common in South Georgia.

Acid-Loving Plants in Zone 9a

This Zone 9a region is perfect for heat-loving crops and acid-loving plants like blueberries. Your high organic matter provides a strong foundation for a productive and thriving home garden.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Ware County

via LawnByCounty

Ware's tough lawn environment

Ware County faces significant lawn challenges with a low difficulty score of 21.1, falling far below the state average. This Zone 9a region requires intensive management to overcome environmental hurdles that make maintenance difficult.

Warm Zone 9a demands care

While specific temperature data is limited, the 9a hardiness zone indicates a long, hot growing season that demands heat-hardy turf. Homeowners should prepare for high evaporation rates and significant watering needs throughout the year.

Correcting highly acidic sand

The soil is very sandy at 74.6% and highly acidic with a 4.38 pH level. Significant amendments are required to raise the pH toward the 6.0 target and improve the soil's ability to hold nutrients.

Watering through severe drought

Severe drought conditions currently impact 100.0% of the county, which has seen 26 weeks of drought over the last year. Focus on water conservation by using smart irrigation controllers and drought-tolerant grass varieties.

Heat-tolerant choices for Ware

St. Augustine and Bahia grass are top contenders for this warm 9a zone because of their superior heat tolerance. Aim to establish your lawn during the warm spring months to ensure it survives the intense South Georgia summer.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ware County's county score?
Ware County, Georgia has a composite county score of 54 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 Ware County rank among counties in Georgia?
Ware County ranks #39 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 Ware County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Ware County is $1,077, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Ware County a tax score of 37.3/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Ware County?
The median household income in Ware County, Georgia is $44,833 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Ware County earns an income score of 7.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Ware County, Georgia a good place to live?
Ware County scores 54/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #39 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Ware 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 Ware 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.