countyscore
38.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 63.5Cost of Living 59.3

County Report Card

About Worth County, Georgia

Below the National Median

Worth County's composite score of 38.4 puts it well behind the national median of 50.0. This score indicates significant room for improvement across multiple lifestyle categories.

Underperforming the State Average

The county's 38.4 score falls short of the Georgia average of 46.7. It ranks in the lower tier of counties within the state based on the composite index.

Strong Water Quality

Water quality is a standout feature with a score of 86.0. The county also offers moderate affordability with a cost score of 59.3 and median home values of $112,400.

Struggling School Systems

The school score of 10.7 is a primary concern for local development. Health access also remains low with a score of 25.4, while taxes remain relatively high for the region.

Fits Practical, Childless Households

Worth County is best suited for individuals or households without school-aged children who value reliable utilities. It offers an affordable entry point for those who prioritize water quality and lower home prices.

Score breakdown

Tax32.2Cost59.3Safety42.7Health25.4Schools10.7Income30.8Risk63.5Water86Weather36.7
🏛32.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠59.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼30.8
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡42.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓10.7
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡63.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.7
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨11
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱26.1
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

Turner County
Georgia
54.7
Tift County
Georgia
38.2
Dougherty County
Georgia
29.6
Crisp County
Georgia
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Lee County
Georgia
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Colquitt County
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Irwin County
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Mitchell County
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Deep Dives

Worth County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Worth County

via TaxByCounty

Worth taxes above the national average

Worth County's effective tax rate of 1.086% exceeds the national median effective rate, placing it in the upper tier nationally. The median tax of $1,221 runs 55% below the national median due to lower property values.

Worth ranks among Georgia's high-tax counties

At 1.086%, Worth County's effective rate significantly outpaces Georgia's state average of 0.898%, ranking in the upper 20% of all state counties. This reflects one of Georgia's steeper tax burdens.

Worth second-highest in the region

Worth's 1.086% rate ranks second-highest in this regional dataset, exceeded only by Wilkes County (1.137%) but well above Wilcox (1.058%), Wilkinson (0.882%), Whitfield (0.673%), Wheeler (0.753%), and White (0.661%). This makes Worth among the region's more expensive tax jurisdictions.

Worth homeowners face elevated bills

On the median home value of $112,400, Worth County residents pay approximately $1,221 annually—about $102 per month. Mortgage holders typically pay closer to $1,382 including escrow.

Challenge your assessment and save

With above-average tax rates, any assessment error costs you proportionally more—making an appeal especially worthwhile in Worth County. Request a property valuation review today and potentially recover hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Worth County

via CostByCounty

Worth County Matches National Housing Burdens

At 17.9%, Worth County's rent-to-income ratio sits near the national context, reflecting a South Georgia market where housing costs remain reasonable relative to median household income of $57,201. The $855 median rent offers a middle-ground option between rural and small-metro markets.

Solid Affordability Among Georgia's Counties

Worth County's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio sits below Georgia's 18.6% state average, placing it in the affordable-to-moderate category statewide. The median home value of $112,400 provides accessible homeownership for working families across South Georgia.

Mid-Range Pricing in South Georgia's County Belt

Worth's $855 median rent positions it squarely in the regional middle—higher than Wheeler ($551), Wilcox ($612), and Wilkinson ($766) but lower than Whitfield ($907) and White County ($1,015). Owner costs of $701 monthly reflect Worth's balanced position in the regional housing market.

Under One-Fifth of Income Covers Housing

Worth County households earning $57,201 annually spend approximately $855 on rent or $701 on mortgage, consuming 17.9% of gross income. This leaves families with solid discretionary income while supporting a median home value around $112,400.

South Georgia's Balanced Affordability Option

Worth County delivers moderate South Georgia living costs with reasonable household incomes—your 17.9% housing burden keeps families financially stable without extreme sacrifice. If you're relocating to South Georgia, Worth County's balanced rent-to-income ratio offers better value than many neighboring counties.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Worth County

via IncomeByCounty

Worth Approaches National Levels

Worth County's median household income of $57,201 trails the national median of $74,755 by 23.5%, but reflects more robust earning power than many peers. This mid-range position suggests a functioning local economy with agriculture, retail, and small business as primary income sources.

Modestly Above Georgia Average

Worth's median household income of $57,201 falls just short of Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $3,287, placing it near the state median. The per capita income of $28,059 trails the state average of $31,115, suggesting concentrated household income in certain demographics.

Middle Tier Earner Regionally

Worth's $57,201 median income ranks fourth among six regional peers, outpacing Wheeler ($45,262), Wilcox ($48,036), Wilkinson ($46,673), and Wilkes ($52,542), but trailing Whitfield ($64,262) and White ($69,747). This positions Worth in the regional middle class.

Housing Costs Rising Moderately

Worth's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio indicates moderately higher housing costs relative to income, with median home values reaching $112,400. Residents can build equity through homeownership while managing housing expenses on local median incomes.

Steady Growth Through Planning

Worth residents with near-average incomes should focus on consistent savings, tax-advantaged retirement accounts, and education investments for household advancement. Consider entrepreneurship in agriculture or small business as pathways to increased family income and long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Worth County

via CrimeByCounty

Worth County beats national crime averages

Worth County features a total crime rate of 1,299.1 per 100K, significantly lower than the U.S. average of 2,385.5. It holds a strong safety score of 97.9. This indicates that the county is generally safer than the typical American community.

Surpassing the Georgia state average

The county's safety score of 97.9 is slightly higher than the state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,299.1 also remains lower than the Georgia average of 1,412.9. Four reporting agencies work together to keep local crime trending in a positive direction.

Comparative safety within the region

Worth County is safer than Whitfield County but sees more crime than the very quiet Wilkinson County. Its violent crime rate of 260.8 is close to the state average but remains below national levels. The area serves as a middle ground for safety in rural Georgia.

Breakdown of local property and violent crime

Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at 1,038.3 per 100K. Violent crime stands at 260.8 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Residents should focus their security efforts on preventing theft and burglary.

Smart strategies for home protection

Because property crime is the most likely issue, use outdoor lighting and home security cameras to discourage intruders. Ensure all vehicles are locked and valuables are kept out of sight. Simple community awareness helps maintain Worth County's above-average safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Worth County

via HealthByCounty

Worth approaches national health standards

At 72.9 years, Worth County's life expectancy sits 3.2 years below the U.S. average but 0.4 years below Georgia's state average, placing it near the middle of the regional pack. One in five residents reports poor or fair health, indicating room for improvement.

Near Georgia's average health outcomes

Worth County's 72.9-year life expectancy trails Georgia's average by 0.4 years, marking it as a borderline performer statewide. The 22.0% poor/fair health rate suggests manageable but significant chronic disease burden.

Mid-tier longevity in region

Worth's 72.9-year life expectancy exceeds Wilcox (70.6), Wilkinson (69.9), and Wilkes (72.0), but lags Wheeler (76.5) and Whitfield (75.1). With 29 primary care providers per 100,000, Worth has moderate physician access comparable to Wheeler.

Low uninsured rate, limited mental health access

Worth County has a 13.8% uninsured rate—among the region's lowest—and 29 primary care providers per 100K, but only 15 mental health providers per 100K limits behavioral health support. Coverage is strong relative to peers, yet mental health infrastructure lags.

Maximize coverage for your health

Though Worth's uninsured rate is relatively low at 13.8%, one in seven residents still lacks coverage, risking medical debt and delayed care. Confirm your coverage at healthcare.gov and ask your primary care doctor about mental health resources and referrals.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Worth County

via SchoolsByCounty

Five Schools Serving Worth County

Worth County operates five public schools: two elementary, one middle, and two high schools. A single district manages the enrollment of 3,118 students. The system is designed to provide comprehensive coverage from primary grades through graduation.

Room to Grow in Academic Metrics

The county reports a 75.0% graduation rate and a composite school score of 43.7. Per-pupil expenditure stands at $6,124, which is significantly below the state and national averages. These figures highlight an opportunity for future investment to improve student outcomes.

A Unified Public School District

The Worth County district is the sole educational provider for the county's 3,118 students. No charter schools exist in the area, keeping the community's focus on its core public campuses. The district manages both traditional schools and a specialized achievement center.

Town and Rural School Varieties

The locale mix includes three town-based schools and two rural campuses. Worth County Primary is the largest school with 866 students, while the Worth County Achievement Center is the smallest with only 21. The average school size is 624, reflecting a medium-sized district feel.

Explore Neighborhoods Near Worth Schools

Worth County offers a variety of living environments, from small town centers to open rural spaces. Families looking for homes should consider how these school locations and sizes fit their lifestyle. Quality education remains a cornerstone of the home-buying decision in this region.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Worth County

via RiskByCounty

Worth County sits near national risk average

Worth County's composite risk score of 36.48 falls just below Georgia's state average of 39.49, earning a very low rating despite proximity to typical national risk levels. The county's hazard exposure reflects a mixed but manageable disaster risk profile.

Below-average risk for Georgia

Worth County ranks slightly below the Georgia state average for composite risk, placing it in the very low category though closer to mid-range counties than the safest areas. The county's south-central location provides moderate protection from several major hazard types.

Riskier than Wilkinson, safer than White

Worth County's 36.48 score falls between Wilkinson County's 4.64 and White County's 45.74, positioning it as a moderate-risk area within this regional grouping. The county faces elevated tornado and hurricane exposure relative to Georgia's safest counties.

Hurricane and tornado risks are primary concerns

Worth County's hurricane risk (80.52) and tornado risk (68.07) significantly exceed the composite average, making severe storms the county's leading natural hazard concern. Wildfire risk (53.40) presents a secondary consideration, while flood risk (25.95) remains relatively modest.

Prioritize wind and storm protection

Worth County homeowners should ensure comprehensive wind, hail, and tornado coverage in their homeowner's policies given the elevated storm risk scores. Consider flood insurance as well, particularly in areas near streams or drainage systems prone to seasonal flooding.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Worth County

via WeatherByCounty

Worth County Ranks High for Year-Round Heat

With an average annual temperature of 65.8°F, Worth County is substantially warmer than the U.S. national median. The county experiences a classic humid subtropical climate characterized by long, hot summers and virtually no snow.

Hotter and Drier Than the Georgia Average

Worth County’s annual average of 65.8°F outpaces the Georgia state average of 63.7°F by more than two degrees. Its 48.9 inches of annual rainfall also falls slightly below the state average of 51.4 inches.

Consistency Across the South Georgia Plains

Worth County shares a similar thermal profile with neighbors like Tift and Colquitt counties. These agricultural hubs all deal with the same high-heat conditions and a total absence of measurable winter snow.

Three Months of Significant Heat

The county endures 83 extreme heat days annually where temperatures top 90°F, contributing to a hot summer average of 81.0°F. Winter is exceptionally mild at 49.8°F, and the county records 0.0 inches of snowfall on average.

Strategies for a South Georgia Summer

Given the 83 days of 90-plus degree weather, robust home insulation and cooling systems are essential for local residents. Light, breathable clothing is a year-round necessity since winter lows rarely necessitate heavy gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Worth County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Loamy Sands in Worth County

Worth County features Ultisols with a dominant loamy sand texture. The average pH of 5.25 is more acidic than the state average and well below the national median of 6.5.

High Sand Content Ensures Flow

The soil is 79.6% sand, 12.4% silt, and only 8.0% clay. This high sand percentage makes the ground exceptionally easy to work and ensures water drains away quickly.

Improving Local Soil Organic Matter

Organic matter sits at 1.35%, which is below the Georgia state average of 1.83%. Additionally, the available water capacity of 0.095 in/in is lower than the state benchmark of 0.114 in/in.

Well Drained Land and Fast Infiltration

Classified as well-drained and part of hydrologic group B, these soils allow for rapid water infiltration. This reduces surface runoff but means plants may need more frequent watering during dry spells.

Long Growing Seasons in Zone 9a

Worth County is in Hardiness Zone 9a, offering a nearly year-round growing season. This soil and climate combination is legendary for peanuts and cotton, but it also perfect for home-grown peppers and citrus.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Worth County

via LawnByCounty

Overcoming Steep Odds in Worth County

With a lawn difficulty score of 26.1, Worth County is one of the most challenging places in Georgia to grow a lawn. Situated in Hardiness Zone 9a, the environment is much tougher than the national average of 50.0. Success here requires expert-level attention to soil chemistry and aggressive irrigation management.

Intense Energy and Extreme Summer Heat

The county endures 83 extreme heat days per year, which is 18 days more than the Georgia state average. A massive 6,198 growing degree days provide immense energy for growth but also put huge stress on turf hydration. Your 48.9 inches of annual rain is ideal, but it often evaporates quickly under the intense 9a sun.

Correcting Sandy and Acidic Soil

The local soil is a well-drained loamy sand, composed of 79.6% sand and only 8.0% clay. With a highly acidic pH of 5.25, you must apply lime to bring the soil into the healthy 6.0 to 7.0 range. The sandy texture means water and nutrients move through quickly, so frequent, light fertilization is often necessary.

Persistent Drought in Sandy Soils

Worth County has spent 30 weeks in drought this year, and 100% of the area is currently in a severe drought stage. Because sandy soils drain so rapidly, your lawn will show signs of stress much faster than in clay-heavy regions. Prioritize organic amendments to help your sandy soil hold onto what little water is available.

A Long Window for Warm-Season Turf

In Hardiness Zone 9a, Bermuda and Bahia grass are top performers due to their ability to handle extreme heat and sandy soil. Your growing season is long, with the last frost on March 9 and the first frost on November 20. Start your soil amendments now to correct the low pH before the spring planting window opens.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Worth County's county score?
Worth County, Georgia has a composite county score of 38.4 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 Worth County rank among counties in Georgia?
Worth County ranks #128 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 Worth County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Worth County is $1,221, with an effective tax rate of 1.09%. This earns Worth County a tax score of 32.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Worth County?
The median household income in Worth County, Georgia is $57,201 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Worth County earns an income score of 30.8/100 on CountyScore.
Is Worth County, Georgia a good place to live?
Worth County scores 38.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #128 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Worth 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 Worth County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

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