countyscore
21.6
County Score
Water Quality 86Weather & Climate 37Lawn Care 33

County Report Card

About Bibb County, Georgia

Significant Gaps vs National Trends

Bibb County faces a steep climb with a composite score of 21.5, significantly trailing the national median of 50.0. This low ranking suggests systemic challenges across safety, health, and economic stability.

Lagging Behind State Peers

Bibb County ranks among the lowest in Georgia, falling over 25 points behind the state average of 46.7. While it serves as a regional hub, its scores in safety and infrastructure pull down its overall ranking.

Reliable Water Infrastructure

The county's highest mark is its water score of 86.0, indicating high-quality utilities. Beyond this, its income score of 16.3 is bolstered by a median household income of $50,747, which is mid-range for the region.

Pressing Safety and Cost Concerns

Public safety is a critical area for improvement, with a dimension score of 1.7. Additionally, a low cost score of 28.4 reflects a high rent-to-income ratio for many residents.

A Hub Needing Revitalization

Bibb County is best for individuals who need to be near the regional medical or legal services of Macon and can navigate urban challenges. It offers the amenities of a city but requires careful selection of neighborhoods for safety and value.

Score breakdown

Tax30.9Cost28.4Safety1.7Health14.6Schools22.3Income16.3Risk21.5Water86Weather37
🏛30.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠28.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼16.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡1.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤14.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓22.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡21.5
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤37
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨13.5
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱33
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

Jones County
Georgia
48.9
Crawford County
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46.1
Monroe County
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57.7
Twiggs County
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Peach County
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Houston County
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Lamar County
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Baldwin County
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Deep Dives

Bibb County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Bibb County

via TaxByCounty

Bibb County Taxes Higher Than Most Americans

Bibb County's effective tax rate of 1.101% ranks in the upper 70th percentile nationally, well above the 0.87% national median. At 22.5% above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, Bibb is among the higher-taxing counties in the nation.

Bibb Ranks in Georgia's Upper Tax Tier

Bibb County's 1.101% rate places it in the top quartile of Georgia's 159 counties. The $1,826 median property tax is 19% higher than Georgia's state average of $1,529, driven by a median home value of $165,800.

The Steepest Rates Among Regional Peers

At 1.101%, Bibb County's tax rate exceeds all but two counties in this eight-county comparison: Brooks County (1.281%) and Brantley County (1.120%). Bibb's $1,826 median tax is the second-highest after Bryan County's $2,501.

A $165,800 Home Costs $1,826 Annually

The typical Bibb County homeowner with a $165,800 property pays $1,826 in annual property taxes. Mortgage-holding owners typically pay $2,173; those without mortgages pay $1,311.

Check Your Assessment During the Appeal Window

Given Bibb's elevated tax rates, homeowners should carefully review their assessed values during the annual assessment cycle and appeal window. Even modest adjustments to your assessment can yield meaningful annual savings on your tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Bibb County

via CostByCounty

Bibb's affordability crisis outpaces nation

Bibb County residents spend 24.3% of household income on rent—the steepest burden in this regional cluster and significantly above Georgia's 18.6% average. The county's $50,747 median income falls $24,008 short of the national average, making housing costs feel even more acute.

Bibb ranks among Georgia's least affordable

At 24.3%, Bibb's rent-to-income ratio towers above Georgia's state average, placing it among the state's most stressed housing markets. Rents averaging $1,026 monthly—nearly $100 above state average—collide with incomes that lag the state.

The region's most expensive rental market

Bibb's $1,026 rent vastly exceeds nearby Ben Hill ($692), Bleckley ($765), and Berrien ($771), creating a significant cost island. Only Bryan County ($1,584) surpasses Bibb in monthly rental burden, and Bryan's median income nearly doubles Bibb's.

Housing dominates Bibb household budgets

Renters pay $1,026 monthly while homeowners commit $1,000 to mortgages on median homes valued at $165,800. Together, these costs consume nearly one-quarter of the county's $50,747 median household income.

Bibb demands careful relocation planning

Before moving to Bibb, compare its rent and ownership costs against neighboring Bleckley or Ben Hill, where affordability improves significantly. Higher housing costs here only make sense if your income substantially exceeds the county median.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Bibb County

via IncomeByCounty

Bibb's income gap mirrors Georgia's challenge

Bibb County's median household income of $50,747 is 32% below the U.S. median of $74,755. As Macon's home county, Bibb represents a mid-sized urban economy still struggling to match national income benchmarks.

Lower-middle rank despite urban anchor

Bibb's $50,747 median falls $9,741 short of Georgia's $60,488 state median, placing it in the lower half of Georgia's 159 counties. Even with Macon's institutional presence, county-wide income remains below state average.

Comparable to rural peers despite urban presence

Bibb ($50,747) outpaces Ben Hill ($39,081) and Brantley ($47,801) but trails Bulloch ($56,832) and Bleckley ($53,005). Bibb's income profile resembles rural counties more than urban economies, reflecting concentrated poverty in pockets.

Rising housing costs squeeze household budgets

Bibb's rent-to-income ratio of 24.3% exceeds the healthy 20% threshold, signaling housing cost strain on residents. Combined with modest median income, this pressure leaves households with limited discretionary spending.

Prioritize debt reduction before wealth building

Bibb residents earning $50,747 should first address high housing costs and consumer debt before investing aggressively. Once rent or mortgage obligations normalize, redirecting that savings into diversified investments positions households for long-term security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Bibb County

via CrimeByCounty

Crime Rates Significantly Above National Levels

Bibb County experiences a high total crime rate of 5,320.2 per 100,000 residents, more than double the national average of 2,385.5. This results in a safety score of 91.6 out of 100.

State Safety Rankings Show Gaps

With a safety score of 91.6, Bibb County ranks significantly lower than the Georgia state average of 97.8. This suggests a higher risk profile compared to the majority of Georgia counties.

Bibb County Stands Out Regionally

Bibb's total crime rate of 5,320.2 is nearly triple the rate of neighboring Bleckley County at 2,070.4. It is also nearly four times the state average of 1,412.9.

Severe Violent and Property Crime Rates

Violent crime is a major concern at 1,473.6 per 100,000, nearly four times the national average. Property crime is also high, reaching 3,846.6 per 100,000 people.

Prioritizing Comprehensive Home Security

The high incidence of both violent and property crime warrants advanced security measures. Residents should consider professionally monitored alarm systems and reinforced door frames.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Bibb County

via HealthByCounty

Bibb's life expectancy falls short nationally

At 70.6 years, Bibb County residents live 3.9 years less than the U.S. average of 74.5 years. The 23.2% poor or fair health rate ranks among Georgia's most challenging, reflecting concentrated chronic disease and health barriers in this urban-rural county.

Georgia's largest rural health ecosystem

Bibb's 70.6-year life expectancy trails Georgia's 73.3-year state average by 2.7 years, but the county compensates with exceptional provider density: 140 primary care providers and 224 mental health providers per 100,000 residents. Despite superior access, the 23.2% poor health rate signals that availability alone doesn't eliminate underlying disparities.

Provider-rich but health-challenged hub

Bibb (70.6 years) ranks slightly better than Ben Hill (69.7 years) and Berrien (71.2 years) on life expectancy, yet its 23.2% poor health rate exceeds most regional peers. The county's 140 primary care providers per 100,000 far exceed Brantley's 17 and Brooks's 18, yet health outcomes remain constrained by socioeconomic factors.

Abundant providers, persistent coverage gaps

Bibb County boasts Georgia's highest concentration of both primary care and mental health providers, making clinical access less of a barrier than in rural neighbors. However, the 16.0% uninsured rate exceeds Georgia's state average, and financial hardship limits care-seeking even when providers are abundant.

Coverage protects your family's health

One in six Bibb County residents remains uninsured despite robust provider availability. Secure affordable coverage through healthcare.gov or Georgia's marketplace—especially vital given the county's elevated health risk profile.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Bibb County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Diverse and Large Urban School System

Bibb County manages a robust educational network of 40 public schools serving 23,796 students. The system includes 22 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 6 high schools, along with specialized education centers. This urban infrastructure is spread across four different districts, making it one of the largest systems in the region.

Challenges in Academic Performance and Funding

The county faces significant hurdles with a 77.0% graduation rate, which is well below the Georgia average of 88.1% and the national average of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,967, falling short of the state average and significantly trailing the national benchmark. The composite school score of 46.6 highlights a need for continued investment and improvement relative to state peers.

Macon's Major Districts and Charter Choices

The Bibb County district is the primary provider, serving 21,392 students across 35 campuses. Charter schools play a notable role here, with the Academy For Classical Education alone enrolling 1,807 students as one of two charter options in the county. This variety gives families in the Macon area multiple pathways for their children's education.

City Schooling with Large-Scale Campuses

Most students attend one of the 33 schools located in city settings, where the average school size is 595 students. Large campuses like Howard High School, with over 1,000 students, define the educational experience for many teenagers. The landscape is primarily urban, though seven schools are situated in more rural pockets of the county.

Navigating Choice in Bibb County

Prospective residents in Bibb County often look for homes near the top-performing charter and specialized schools. The wide variety of school types and locales makes it essential to research specific attendance zones when buying property. Finding the right neighborhood can unlock access to the unique educational opportunities available in this metro area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Bibb County

via RiskByCounty

Bibb faces significantly elevated disaster risk

Bibb County scores 78.50 on the composite risk scale, nearly double the national average and well above typical American counties. This Relatively Low rating masks above-average exposure to multiple hazard types simultaneously.

Among Georgia's highest-risk counties

Bibb's 78.50 composite score ranks it in the upper tier of Georgia counties, far exceeding the state average of 39.49. Only a handful of Georgia counties face comparably complex natural disaster profiles.

Bibb's risk outpaces nearby rural counties

Bibb (78.50) significantly exceeds Bleckley County (25.67) to the south and approaches Bulloch County (75.41) to the east. Bibb's urban center in Macon concentrates infrastructure and population in a relatively high-risk zone.

Tornadoes, flooding, and wildfire threaten daily

Bibb's tornado risk (87.66), flood risk (80.44), and wildfire risk (73.03) all exceed state averages, creating a compound hazard environment. The county's central Georgia location and Ocmulgee River proximity amplify both severe weather and water-related threats.

Flood and wind coverage are essential

Bibb County residents must obtain separate flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program—standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage. Additionally, verify tornado and severe wind coverage is active on your policy, as Bibb's tornado risk substantially exceeds most Georgia communities.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Bibb County

via WeatherByCounty

Warmer than the national average

Bibb County maintains an annual average temperature of 65.4°F, which is nearly 12 degrees warmer than the national median. This humid subtropical climate is defined by mild winters and significant annual precipitation of 46.9 inches.

Heat levels above the state norm

The county's average temperature sits nearly two degrees higher than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It ranks among the warmer central Georgia counties, reflecting its position below the Piedmont fall line.

A dryer profile than coastal neighbors

With 46.9 inches of annual rain, Bibb is slightly drier than the statewide average of 51.4 inches. It shares a similar thermal profile with nearby counties, though its urban center can intensify summer heat.

Eighty-five days of extreme summer heat

Summers are intense, with 85 days reaching 90°F or higher and a July average of 82.5°F. Winters remain very mild, averaging 49.4°F with limited recorded snowfall data.

Prioritize cooling and hydration

High-efficiency HVAC systems are essential to manage the nearly three months of extreme heat. Residents should plan outdoor activities around the 47.6°F January mornings to avoid the humidity of the afternoon.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Bibb County

via SoilByCounty

Forested Alfisols and Acidic pH

Bibb County features Alfisols, which are moderately weathered soils common in forested regions. The average pH of 5.24 is more acidic than the national 6.5 median but matches the Georgia average of 5.26.

Gravelly Sandy Loam Mix

The soil is a gravelly sandy loam, containing 66.0% sand and 13.1% clay. This mixture ensures easy workability and provides good aeration for deep plant roots.

Moderate Nutrient Retention

Organic matter levels sit at 1.46%, trailing the state average of 1.83%. The soil's water capacity of 0.109 in/in is also slightly lower than the state average, meaning plants may need extra irrigation.

Well-Drained with Runoff Risk

The landscape drains well, which protects roots from the dangers of oversaturation. However, the Hydrologic Group D classification indicates that heavy rains may result in significant surface runoff.

Perfect for Peaches in 8b

Hardiness zone 8b supports iconic Georgia crops like peaches and pecans. The combination of well-drained soil and long summers makes this a fantastic place to start a backyard plot.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Bibb County

via LawnByCounty

Moderate difficulty in central Georgia

Bibb County scores 33.0 for lawn difficulty, which is fairly typical for the state average of 35.8 but well below the national median. Situated in Hardiness Zone 8b, your lawn must survive cold snaps and intense summer sun.

Extreme heat challenges Bibb lawns

The county faces a staggering 85 extreme heat days annually, much higher than the state average of 65. Although 46.9 inches of annual rain is near the national ideal, those scorching days quickly deplete soil moisture.

Acidic sandy loam requires lime

The soil is a gravelly sandy loam with an acidic pH of 5.24, well below the 6.0-7.0 ideal for most turf. You will likely need lime applications to balance the acidity and improve nutrient uptake in these well-drained soils.

Abnormally dry conditions persist

While only 24.9% of the county is in severe drought, 100% remains abnormally dry after 21 weeks of drought this past year. Using mulch in landscape beds and maintaining a higher mowing height can help retain essential soil moisture.

Time your planting for March

For Zone 8b, Bermuda or Zoysia grasses thrive once the risk of spring frost ends around March 21st. Establish your lawn early in the season so it can develop deep roots before the first fall frost arrives in early November.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bibb County's county score?
Bibb County, Georgia has a composite county score of 21.6 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 Bibb County rank among counties in Georgia?
Bibb County ranks #159 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 Bibb County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Bibb County is $1,826, with an effective tax rate of 1.10%. This earns Bibb County a tax score of 30.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Bibb County?
The median household income in Bibb County, Georgia is $50,747 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Bibb County earns an income score of 16.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Bibb County, Georgia a good place to live?
Bibb County scores 21.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #159 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Bibb 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 Bibb County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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