Banks
Georgia

What stands out

Against every county in America, Banks County is unusual in three ways: population growth is in the top 5% of American counties (+2.3% a year), high-school completion is in the bottom 7% of American counties (79%), and unemployment is in the bottom 9% of American counties (2.2%). Within Georgia it ranks 26th of 159 counties for population growth.

Where you are

You live in Banks County, Georgia. 18,381 people live here with you. The population grew 2.3% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +444).

Georgia moved to a flat income tax in 2024 with a rate scheduled to fall each year, and it exempts up to $65,000 of retirement income per person for residents 65 and over. Metro Atlanta holds more than half the state's population and its airport is the busiest in the world by passengers. Property taxes vary widely by county because school districts set most of the rate.

Money

The typical household here brings in $69,096 a year, higher than 72% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $44,856. Unemployment runs 2.2%, lower than 91% of American counties. 8% of workers work from home.

Georgia takes 5.0% of that median income in state income tax, about $3,448 a year.

Home

The median home costs $347K, pricier than 79% of American counties, about 2.9 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $643 a month. Property tax is 0.62% of home value, roughly $1,428 a year on that median home, lower than 75% of American counties. 75% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.4 per 1,000 residents, higher than 78% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 27 people per 100,000 in 2024, one of the harder-hit counties in the country.

A child born here can expect to live 74.0 years, shorter than 70% of American counties. There are 3 active physicians in the county, about 1.6 per 10,000 people. 16.1% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.96 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 53% of American counties. 79% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 78 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 63% of eligible voters turned out. Under Georgia law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 62°F, highs near 73 and lows near 51, warmer than 75% of American counties. About 44 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 20 out of 100, safer than 80% of American counties; the county has had 17 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 137 Mbps down, slower than 76% of American counties. For a night or a weekend out: 0.7 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people.