65.2
County Score
Disaster Risk 97.6Safety 97.5Cost of Living 92.8

County Report Card

About Webster County, Georgia

A National Leader in Livability

Webster County earns an exceptional 65.2 score, placing it far above the national median of 50.0. It is one of the highest-rated rural counties in the United States.

Dominating the Georgia Rankings

With a 65.2 score, Webster crushes the Georgia average of 46.7. It serves as a model for rural safety and extreme housing affordability.

Elite Safety and Affordability

Webster scores a near-perfect 97.6 in environmental risk and 97.5 in safety. Housing is remarkably cheap, with a 92.8 cost score and a $92,200 median home value.

Significant Economic Limitations

Despite high livability, the income score is just 3.2, with a median income of $40,764. The local economy provides very few high-paying opportunities.

The Ultimate Safe Haven

Webster is the perfect match for remote workers or retirees seeking the highest levels of safety and affordability. It offers unparalleled peace of mind for those with outside income.

Score breakdown

Tax37.1Cost92.8Safety97.5Health24.5Schools65.8Income3.2Risk97.6Water86Weather46.9
🏛37.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty
🏠92.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty
💼3.2
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty
24.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty
🎓65.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty
97.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty
🌤46.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty
🪨12.4
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty
🌱37.7
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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Deep Dives

Webster County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Webster County

via TaxByCounty

Webster County's taxes exceed national average

At 1.014% effective rate, Webster County runs roughly 16% above the typical American property tax burden. The median tax of $935 remains well below the national median of $2,690, primarily due to notably lower home values rather than favorable rates.

Webster ranks above Georgia's tax average

Webster County's 1.014% effective rate surpasses Georgia's 0.898% average by roughly 13%, placing it among the state's higher-tax counties. The median tax of $935 falls significantly below Georgia's $1,529 median because home values here are substantially lower.

Webster has among the region's highest rates

Webster's 1.014% rate ranks near the top regionally, essentially tied with Ware County (1.011%) and behind only Washington County (1.097%). Webster significantly outpaces lower-tax neighbors like Walker (0.778%), Wayne (0.796%), and Upson (0.886%).

Median home costs about $935 per year

On Webster's median home value of $92,200, you'll pay approximately $935 in annual property tax. With a mortgage, factor in closer to $1,131 once you include additional taxes and fees.

Webster homeowners should verify assessments

Webster's above-average tax rate makes accurate assessments critical—overvaluation costs more here than in lower-tax counties. If your property's assessed value seems high relative to recent comparable sales in your area, filing an appeal could provide meaningful savings.

Cost of Living in Webster County

via CostByCounty

Webster's affordable rents suit tight budgets

Webster County renters spend 19.5% of income on rent, slightly above Georgia's state average, but earn just $40,764—the region's lowest median household income. At $663 monthly, Webster offers the region's second-lowest absolute rent, creating a relative value proposition for very low-income households.

Modest affordability in modest-income county

Webster County's 19.5% rent-to-income ratio ranks mid-pack statewide, but reflects the county's fundamental challenge: limited incomes ($40,764) leave renters with narrow financial margins despite low absolute rents. Affordability ratios alone mask the true economic strain.

Webster's rock-bottom rents attract low-income residents

Webster's $663 monthly rent ties with Warren County as the region's lowest, undercutting every peer except Warren by meaningful margins. The county's $92,200 median home value similarly anchors the region's affordability floor.

Limited income constrains housing choices

With the region's lowest median household income at $40,764, Webster County renters dedicate $663 monthly (19.5% of income) to rent, while homeowners budget $501 for mortgages. This leaves minimal income for other essentials, creating genuine economic vulnerability.

Webster serves only the most economically vulnerable

Webster County's rock-bottom rents and home prices make it nominally affordable, but the county's extremely limited incomes mean relocators must arrive with above-local earning prospects or existing savings. Without income above the county median, affordability gains evaporate into hardship.

Income & Jobs in Webster County

via IncomeByCounty

Webster's income severely lags nation

Webster County's median household income of $40,764 is 45% below the U.S. median of $74,755, representing one of Georgia's most economically distressed counties. The county faces substantial structural challenges in workforce development and business retention.

Among Georgia's lowest counties

Webster's median household income of $40,764 is 33% below Georgia's state average of $60,488, placing it in the bottom tier of all Georgia counties. Per capita income of $25,407 trails the state average by 18%.

Webster's economy faces serious headwinds

Webster County's $40,764 median income is the lowest in this comparison except for Washington County ($44,009), reflecting shared economic struggles across rural Georgia. The county's employment base has contracted significantly over recent decades.

Modest homes, moderate rent burden

Webster's rent-to-income ratio of 19.5% is reasonable, and the median home value of $92,200 is among the most affordable in the region. Low housing costs provide essential relief for households with limited incomes.

Webster families must prioritize basics

Webster County households earning $40,764 should first establish emergency savings and address high-interest debt before investing. Local nonprofits and financial counseling services can help build foundational financial literacy and stability.

Safety in Webster County

via CrimeByCounty

Minimal Reported Crime in Webster County

Webster County shows a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000, resulting in a safety score of 100.0. However, this data should be viewed with caution as it comes from a single reporting agency.

Ranking at the Top for Safety

The reported safety score of 100.0 is significantly higher than the Georgia average of 97.8. This suggests a very quiet environment, though data may be incomplete for the 2022 period.

A Quiet Corner of Southwest Georgia

Compared to its neighbors, Webster County reports virtually no crime to national databases. While likely a very safe area, the lack of reported incidents may reflect limited administrative tracking rather than total absence of crime.

Limited Data on Crime Breakdown

Both violent and property crime rates are reported as zero for the current data cycle. In a small county with one agency, this often indicates that no incidents were officially logged in the reporting system.

Maintaining Vigilance Despite Low Numbers

Even with perfect safety scores, residents should maintain basic security habits like locking doors and vehicles. Relying on neighbor networks is often the most effective safety tool in smaller, tight-knit counties.

Health in Webster County

via HealthByCounty

Webster's longevity paradox

Webster County boasts the highest life expectancy in the comparison group at 76.0 years, meeting the U.S. average of 76.1 years. Yet one in four residents (25.5%) report poor or fair health—the highest rate statewide—suggesting hidden vulnerabilities beneath aggregate longevity gains.

Webster leads Georgia on longevity

At 76.0 years, Webster County's life expectancy exceeds Georgia's state average of 73.3 years by 2.7 years, ranking among the state's healthiest. This achievement masks a paradox: the highest poor/fair health rate in the dataset warns of underlying health inequality.

Webster's contradictory health profile

Webster's 76.0-year life expectancy outpaces all nearby counties, including Walton (74.7) and Walker (73.3), yet its 25.5% poor/fair health rate exceeds peers. With 42 primary care providers per 100K and limited mental health data, Webster's health infrastructure remains incomplete.

Insurance gaps in Webster County

Webster County's uninsured rate of 20.4% is the highest in the comparison group, affecting one in five residents and likely driving the elevated poor/fair health reports. Provider capacity (42 primary care per 100K) appears insufficient, and mental health provider data is unavailable, leaving care gaps unresolved.

Close Webster's coverage gap

One in five Webster residents lack insurance; marketplace subsidies and Medicaid expansion can reduce that burden dramatically. Start at healthcare.gov or contact a local health navigator to find affordable coverage and improve your health outcomes today.

Schools in Webster County

via SchoolsByCounty

Intimate Learning in Georgia's Smallest System

Webster County operates just 2 schools serving a total enrollment of 265 students. The infrastructure includes one elementary/middle school and one high school, all within a single district.

High Funding and Strong Results

The county leads the region in per-pupil spending at $9,270, which is significantly higher than the state average. This investment pays off with a 90.0% graduation rate and an impressive school score of 58.4.

Personalized Attention in One District

The Webster County district manages the entire student body, and no charter schools are available. This small-scale environment ensures that all 265 students receive focused district resources.

The Ultimate Small-School Experience

Both schools are rural with an average size of only 133 students. Webster County High School is particularly tiny, with only 70 students, offering a close-knit learning environment.

Discover Rural Life and Personal Education

Families who value small class sizes and high per-pupil investment should look closely at Webster County. Explore residential options in this quiet rural district to provide your children with a unique public education.

Disaster Risk in Webster County

via RiskByCounty

Webster County: Extremely Low Risk

Webster County's composite risk score of 2.45 represents the lowest natural disaster risk in Georgia and among the safest counties in the entire United States. The county faces minimal exposure to flooding, tornadoes, earthquakes, and all other major hazards.

Georgia's Safest County

Webster County ranks as Georgia's lowest-risk county by a significant margin with a composite score of 2.45, roughly 94% lower than the state average of 39.49. This exceptional safety reflects the county's inland location, stable geology, and geographic isolation from major disaster zones.

Standout Safe Zone in Southwest Georgia

Webster County's 2.45 score far surpasses neighboring Marion County (8.3) and Quitman County (11.7), making it a standout safe zone in southwest Georgia. Its remote interior location shields it from tornado corridors, hurricane paths, and seismic activity.

All Hazards Below Threshold

Webster County faces minimal risk across every natural hazard category, with the highest score being hurricane risk at 64.04—still moderate in absolute terms. Flooding (2.67), tornadoes (18.16), earthquakes (22.26), and wildfire (29.01) are all dramatically lower than state and national averages.

Standard Insurance Provides Full Protection

Webster County residents can rely on basic homeowners insurance as sufficient protection given the county's exceptionally low disaster risk across all hazards. Routine property maintenance and adequate coverage limits are the only disaster-preparedness measures typically needed.

Weather & Climate in Webster County

via WeatherByCounty

A Wet Subtropical Climate

While temperature data is limited, Webster County records 53.1 inches of annual precipitation, which is well above the national median. This indicates a lush, humid environment typical of the Gulf-influenced Southeast.

Wetter Than Most of Georgia

The county receives 53.1 inches of rain annually, exceeding the state average of 51.4 inches. This high rainfall helps support the local agriculture and forested landscapes.

Comparing Regional Precipitation

Webster County is wetter than Wilcox County, which averages 47.9 inches of rain. Both counties share a similar lack of winter weather, recording 0.0 inches of annual snowfall.

Rain Over Snow

Winter weather is characterized by rain rather than ice, as the county averages 0.0 inches of snow. Detailed seasonal temperature records are currently unavailable, but the lack of snow suggests very mild winters.

Focus on Water Management

Given the 53.1 inches of rain, maintaining clear gutters and proper yard drainage is essential. You can skip the snow shovel, as the county effectively never sees measurable snowfall.

Soil Quality in Webster County

via SoilByCounty

Sandy Entisols of Webster

Webster County features Entisols with an average pH of 5.32. This value is slightly less acidic than the state average of 5.26 but stays below the 6.5 national median.

High Sand, Low Retention

The mineral mix is 74.4% sand, 13.6% silt, and 12.0% clay. This high sand content provides excellent aeration but means the soil has lower nutrient-holding capacity than heavier clay soils.

Nutrient and Water Needs

Organic matter is relatively low at 1.26%, trailing the state average of 1.83%. The available water capacity of 0.104 in/in is also slightly below the state benchmark of 0.114 in/in.

Inferred Drainage Patterns

No dominant drainage class is specified in the available data. However, the 74.4% sand percentage suggests that most areas likely drain quickly unless a subsurface clay layer is present.

Warm-Weather Crops for Zone 8b

Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, Webster County is perfectly suited for warm-weather crops. Boosting your organic matter will help you grow bountiful harvests of corn and legumes.

Lawn Care in Webster County

via LawnByCounty

Webster's manageable lawn environment

Webster County holds a lawn difficulty score of 37.7, making it slightly easier to manage than the average Georgia lawn. Its location in Hardiness Zone 8b provides a warm environment suitable for many popular turf varieties.

Abundant rainfall and humidity

The county receives 53.1 inches of annual precipitation, which exceeds the ideal range for healthy turf. This extra moisture supports growth but requires homeowners to monitor for fungal issues during the humid summer months.

Treating acidic sandy soils

The soil is predominantly sandy at 74.4% and has a moderately acidic pH of 5.32. To reach the ideal 6.0 pH level, you will likely need to apply lime before the main growing season begins.

Building roots through drought

Severe drought currently impacts 100.0% of the county, following 24 weeks of drought conditions this past year. Deep watering once or twice a week is more effective than daily light sprinkling for building drought resilience.

Timing your Webster lawn

Centipede and Bermuda grasses are highly recommended for Webster’s sandy soil and 8b climate. Time your seeding or sodding projects for late spring once the soil temperatures consistently stay above 65 degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Webster County's county score?
Webster County, Georgia has a composite county score of 65.2 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 Webster County rank among counties in Georgia?
Webster County ranks #2 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 Webster County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Webster County is $935, with an effective tax rate of 1.01%. This earns Webster County a tax score of 37.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Webster County?
The median household income in Webster County, Georgia is $40,764 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Webster County earns an income score of 3.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is Webster County, Georgia a good place to live?
Webster County scores 65.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #2 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Webster 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 Webster County with other counties side by side.