Rabun County
GA · Pop. 17,107 · Suburban County
Rabun County sits in Georgia across 370 square miles, home to 17,107 people at 46.2 per square mile. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage. The median home price is $273,000, with an effective property tax rate of 0.54%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 177-day growing season, average summer highs of 84°F and average winter lows of 27.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 69 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Mountain Lakes Medical Center is 0.9 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 77.9% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, tornado risk is high, wildfire risk is very high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A low effective property tax rate of 0.54% holds annual carrying costs down.
- Mountain Lakes Medical Center, with an emergency room, is just 0.9 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A low unemployment rate of 3.3% reflects a stable local job base.
- Annual rainfall of 69 inches supports rain-fed gardens and pasture in most years.
Cons
- Wildfire risk is very high, requiring defensible space, fire-resistant construction, and an evacuation plan.
- Broadband reaches only 77.9% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Rabun County, GA is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 67/100
- Median home price
- $273k
- Property tax
- 0.54%
- Growing season
- 177 days (zone 7b)
- Annual rainfall
- 69"
- Broadband
- 77.9%
- Nearest hospital
- Mountain Lakes Medical Center, 0.9 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Rabun County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Rabun County?
- Rabun County is in USDA hardiness zone 7b with a 177-day growing season, average summer highs of 84°F, and average winter lows of 27.7°F. The established crops are hay, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $273,000 and the effective property tax rate is 0.54%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 77.9% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Mountain Lakes Medical Center is 0.9 miles away and includes an emergency room; there is 1 hospital in the county.
Explore Georgia Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Georgia
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Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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