CountyScore

Whitfield County

Georgia · GA

#126 in Georgia
64.3
County Score

County Report Card

About Whitfield County, Georgia

Whitfield delivers above-average U.S. livability

Whitfield County's composite score of 74.5 surpasses the national median of 50.0 by 49%, demonstrating solid livability across measured dimensions. This consistent performance ranks the county comfortably above typical U.S. standards.

Strong performer within Georgia

Whitfield County scores 74.5, beating Georgia's state average of 70.9, and ranks among the state's stronger counties. This positioning reflects reliable performance across tax, housing, and income dimensions tracked here.

Balanced affordability and reasonable incomes

Whitfield combines a cost score of 80.1 with an effective tax rate of 0.673%, delivering solid housing affordability and tax efficiency. A median household income of $64,262 provides reasonable financial capability, supported by moderate rent ($907/month) and home values ($198,900).

Limited income advantage and data gaps

Whitfield's income score of 25.3 indicates mid-range household earnings relative to national standards, which may constrain some purchasing decisions. Safety, health, education, and environmental quality metrics are unavailable, making full livability comparison difficult.

Solid choice for middle-income families

Whitfield County works best for middle-income families seeking balanced affordability, reasonable taxes, and modest income expectations. The county offers predictable livability fundamentals, though future data on schools and safety will help families with specific priorities finalize decisions.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax83.3Cost80.1SafetyComing SoonHealth52.6SchoolsComing SoonIncome25.3Risk18.5WaterComing Soon
🏛83.3
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠80.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼25.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤52.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Whitfield County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Highlands County
Florida
64.3
Median income: $55,581
Spalding County
Georgia
64.3
Median income: $60,217
Comanche County
Kansas
64.3
Median income: $49,417
Harford County
Maryland
64.3
Median income: $111,317
St. Mary's County
Maryland
64.3
Median income: $114,580

Deep Dives

Whitfield County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Whitfield County

via TaxByCounty

Whitfield taxes well below national median

Whitfield County's effective tax rate of 0.673% sits firmly in the bottom 10% nationally, offering significant relief compared to the typical American county. The median tax of $1,339 runs 50% below the national median of $2,690.

Whitfield ranks among Georgia's leanest

At 0.673%, Whitfield's effective rate beats the Georgia state average of 0.898% by a clear margin and places the county in the lower third of all Georgia counties. This reflects one of the state's lighter tax burdens.

Whitfield competitive in northwest Georgia

Whitfield's 0.673% rate undercuts most regional peers including Wilkinson (0.882%), Wilcox (1.058%), Worth (1.086%), and Wilkes (1.137%), though White County (0.661%) edges out slightly lower. Whitfield remains among the most affordable in its region.

Whitfield homeowners pay modest taxes

On the median home value of $198,900, Whitfield County residents pay approximately $1,339 annually—about $112 per month. Mortgage holders typically pay closer to $1,588 including escrow.

Request an assessment review today

Many Whitfield County homeowners unknowingly overpay due to outdated or incorrect assessments, leaving money on the table year after year. A free assessment appeal could reduce your already-reasonable tax bill even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Whitfield County

via CostByCounty

Whitfield Stays Below the National Norm

At 16.9%, Whitfield County's rent-to-income ratio is solidly below the national context, keeping housing costs manageable for a county with median household income of $64,262. The median rent of $907 aligns closely with Georgia's state average, making Whitfield a reasonable choice for renters statewide.

Affordable Housing for Georgia's Working Class

Whitfield County ranks in the affordable-to-moderate tier statewide with a 17.5% rent-to-income ratio below Georgia's 18.6% state average. The median home value of $198,900 positions Whitfield as accessible homeownership territory for middle-income families.

Whitfield Undercuts White County, Matches Regional Norms

Whitfield's $907 median rent is lower than White County's $1,015 but higher than rural neighbors Wheeler ($551) and Wilcox ($612), reflecting a mid-market position. Owner costs of $785 monthly put Whitfield competitively between smaller rural counties and growing mountain communities.

Under One-Fifth of Income Funds Housing

A Whitfield County household earning $64,262 annually dedicates roughly $907 to rent or $785 to mortgage, consuming 16.9% of gross income and leaving room for other financial goals. This favorable ratio reflects the county's strong employment base and moderate housing market.

Growing County With Solid Job Market Value

Whitfield County balances Northwest Georgia's economic opportunities with reasonable housing costs—your paycheck stretches further here than in adjacent mountain counties. Families relocating for industrial or manufacturing jobs will find 16.9% housing burden competitive with state norms.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Whitfield County

via IncomeByCounty

Whitfield Approaches National Average

Whitfield County's median household income of $64,262 trails the national median of $74,755 by 14%, yet remains solidly above the Georgia state average of $60,488. This upper-middle-income position reflects a diversified local economy with manufacturing and professional services.

Above Georgia's Median Income

With a median household income of $64,262, Whitfield exceeds Georgia's state average by $3,774 and ranks among the state's stronger-earning counties. The per capita income of $30,593 closely mirrors the state average of $31,115, indicating balanced household wealth distribution.

Second Highest in Its Region

Whitfield's $64,262 median income ranks second only to White County's $69,747, outperforming Worth ($57,201), Wilkes ($52,542), and Wilkinson ($46,673). This regional economic advantage reflects Whitfield's larger population and more diversified business community.

Balanced Housing Affordability

Whitfield's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio signals healthy housing affordability, with median home values at $198,900 reflecting solid middle-class investment potential. Residents can comfortably manage housing costs while building equity through homeownership.

Invest in Your Tomorrow

Whitfield's solid income base supports retirement planning, education savings, and moderate investment growth strategies. Explore employer 401(k) programs, IRAs, and local real estate opportunities to maximize your household's long-term financial security and wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Whitfield County

via HealthByCounty

Whitfield trails national health benchmarks

Life expectancy of 75.1 years falls 1 year short of the U.S. average and 1.8 years above Georgia's state average. One in four residents reports poor or fair health, well above the national norm.

Middle-of-pack health across Georgia

Whitfield's 75.1-year life expectancy exceeds the state average by 1.8 years, but its 24.1% poor/fair health rate ranks above the middle, suggesting chronic disease and health disparities persist. The county balances good longevity with meaningful population health struggles.

Strong providers, health gaps remain

Whitfield boasts the region's highest provider densities: 54 primary care and 144 mental health providers per 100K residents, far surpassing White (14 primary) and Wilkes (42 primary). Yet 21.4% uninsured and 24.1% poor/fair health rates suggest barriers beyond supply.

Coverage gaps despite robust provider networks

Whitfield County has the region's strongest healthcare infrastructure with 54 primary care and 144 mental health providers per 100,000, but a 21.4% uninsured rate—the highest among peers—means many residents can't access these services. Language barriers and income constraints likely drive the disconnect between supply and coverage.

Affordable plans are within reach

More than one in five Whitfield residents lacks health insurance, preventing access to the county's abundant primary and mental health services. Visit healthcare.gov or call Georgia Medicaid to find low-cost or free coverage options available this month.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Whitfield County

via RiskByCounty

Whitfield faces above-average national risk

Whitfield County's composite risk score of 81.49 significantly exceeds both Georgia's state average (39.49) and typical national risk levels, earning a relatively moderate rating. The county's location in Georgia's northwest corridor exposes it to multiple compounding hazards.

Among Georgia's highest-risk counties

Whitfield County ranks as one of the highest-risk counties in Georgia, substantially above the state average and among the most hazard-exposed areas in the entire state. Only a handful of Georgia counties face greater composite natural disaster risk.

Significantly riskier than all nearby counties

Whitfield County's 81.49 score far exceeds White County (45.74) to the east and Wheeler County (6.42) to the south. The county's northwestern location places it in Georgia's most hazard-prone region, with notably elevated exposure relative to neighboring areas.

Tornado risk is exceptionally high here

Whitfield County faces a tornado risk score of 93.99—among Georgia's highest and a critical concern for residents. Earthquake risk (90.65) and flood risk (75.54) also significantly exceed state averages, creating a multi-hazard environment requiring comprehensive preparation.

Multiple protections essential for this county

Whitfield County residents should ensure comprehensive homeowner's policies cover tornado, hail, wind, and flood damage—standard policies often exclude flood. Consider additionally reinforcing your home's structural integrity and maintaining updated documentation of assets for insurance claims in high-risk areas.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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