countyscore
53.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 93.3Cost of Living 74.1Safety 63.9

County Report Card

About Marion County, Georgia

Beating the National Livability Median

Marion County earns a composite score of 53.1, placing it in the upper half of counties nationally. It offers a higher quality of life than the typical American community.

A Standout County in Georgia

The county's score of 53.1 is well above the Georgia average of 46.7. It ranks as a strong contender for those seeking the best of Georgia's rural living.

Elite Risk Profile and Affordability

Marion County boasts a nearly perfect risk score of 93.3 and a high cost score of 74.1. With an effective tax rate of just 0.704%, it is one of the more fiscally attractive areas in the region.

Health and Infrastructure Gaps

The lowest scores are found in water quality at 9.5 and health at 17.2. These figures point to limited local resources for healthcare and public utilities.

Ideal for Secure, Affordable Living

Marion County is best for those who prioritize financial predictability and environmental safety. It is a top-tier choice for residents who can manage their own healthcare and utility needs.

Score breakdown

Tax62.8Cost74.1Safety63.9Health17.2Schools45.4Income15.7Risk93.3Water9.5Weather63.2
🏛62.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠74.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼15.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡63.9
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.2
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓45.4
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡93.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧9.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤63.2
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱42.2
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

Schley County
Georgia
57.1
Chattahoochee County
Georgia
54.6
Webster County
Georgia
65.2
Taylor County
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Talbot County
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Muscogee County
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Macon County
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Sumter County
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Deep Dives

Marion County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Marion County

via TaxByCounty

Marion County offers Georgia's best tax rate

Marion County's effective tax rate of 0.704% is among the lowest in Georgia and well below the state average of 0.898%. Residents pay just $860 in median annual property taxes—the lowest among these eight counties—because homes are less expensive at a median of $122,100.

Lowest effective rate in this group

Marion County ranks at the very bottom of Georgia's 159 counties by effective tax rate at 0.704%, collecting a median of only $860 per household. It's a standout choice for those seeking minimal annual property tax bills.

Most tax-friendly county nearby

Marion County's 0.704% effective rate is the lowest in this eight-county region, roughly 20% cheaper than Lumpkin County (0.688% rate on higher values) and 35% below Macon County (1.162%). On a comparable $120,000 home, Marion County residents save $100–$200 annually versus neighbors.

Pay just $860 on median home

Marion County homeowners with the median home value of $122,100 and an effective tax rate of 0.704% pay approximately $860 in annual property taxes—the lowest median in these eight counties. With mortgage fees, the tab rises to $1,120; without debt, it drops to $631.

Still verify your assessment

Overassessment affects roughly 1 in 5 properties nationwide, regardless of county tax rates. Marion County homeowners should review their assessment notice and compare it to recent comparable sales, filing an appeal if their assessed value appears inflated.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Marion County

via CostByCounty

Marion County offers genuine affordability

Marion County's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio beats both the national standard and Georgia's 18.6% average—a rare affordable option. Despite a median household income of just $50,484 (32% below national), the $717 monthly rent keeps housing manageable for local residents.

Georgia's most affordable rental market

Marion County ranks among Georgia's most affordable counties for renters, with $717 monthly rent running 23% below the state average. This exceptional affordability persists despite lower-than-average incomes, making it a bright spot in Georgia's housing landscape.

Lowest rent in the entire region

Marion County's $717 rent is the region's cheapest, undercutting Macon County ($624 by comparison reflects poverty not opportunity) and trailing only ultra-rural options. Compared to nearby Madison County ($951) and Lowndes County ($1,002), Marion offers substantial savings.

Minimal rent burden, attainable ownership

Marion County renters dedicate just 17% of their $50,484 income to $717 monthly rent, leaving exceptional flexibility for other expenses and savings. Homebuyers face even lower monthly costs of $730 against median values of just $122,100—among Georgia's most achievable ownership barriers.

Rural affordability meets opportunity

Marion County delivers genuine housing affordability for both renters and prospective homebuyers without requiring six-figure incomes. If you prioritize low costs, small-town character, and realistic homeownership paths, Marion County ranks among Georgia's most accessible communities for budget-conscious relocators.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Marion County

via IncomeByCounty

Marion significantly lags national income

Marion County's median household income of $50,484 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by nearly $24,300. The county ranks in the lowest quartile of American counties by household income.

Well below Georgia's state average

Marion's $50,484 median household income falls about $10,000 below Georgia's state average of $60,488. The county ranks among Georgia's lower-income communities, facing structural economic challenges.

Tied with Lincoln for lowest peer income

Marion and Lincoln County essentially match at $50,484 and $50,688, forming the lowest-earning pair in this cohort. Both counties significantly underperform Long County ($64,747) and Lumpkin County ($72,388).

Excellent rent affordability, modest home values

Marion's 17.0% rent-to-income ratio is the best in the group, with renters spending just $715 monthly relative to median income. The $122,100 median home value—lowest except Macon—remains accessible but reflects limited economic opportunity.

Affordable housing as a stepping stone

Marion households earning $50,484 can leverage the county's low median home value of $122,100 to enter homeownership and build equity. Even modest improvements and time appreciating the property strengthen long-term financial security.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Marion County

via CrimeByCounty

Marion County is a safe rural haven

Marion County enjoys a high safety score of 98.7, indicating a very low volume of crime. Its total crime rate of 839.2 per 100,000 is nearly three times lower than the national average of 2,385.5.

Performing well above the Georgia average

Marion County's safety score of 98.7 outpaces the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 839.2 is significantly better than the statewide average of 1412.9.

Local comparison with Central Georgia neighbors

While Marion County is safe at a rate of 839.2, it sees more activity than nearby Macon County, which reports just 396.7. Still, it remains much quieter than the state's more populated urban centers.

Violent crime is infrequent in Marion

The violent crime rate is low at 106.6 per 100,000, while property crime is reported at 732.6. Residents are roughly seven times more likely to experience a property crime than a violent one.

Home security tips for Marion County

Visible security measures like motion lights are great for deterring property crime in rural settings. Taking basic precautions ensures Marion County remains one of the safest spots in the state.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Marion County

via HealthByCounty

Marion County below national health standards

Marion County residents have a life expectancy of 73.4 years, more than five years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 25.1% reporting poor or fair health—well above national rates—the county faces significant health burdens.

Georgia's weaker health outcomes visible

Marion County's 73.4-year life expectancy is marginally below Georgia's 73.3-year average, placing it among the state's lower performers. The high poor/fair health rate (25.1%) underscores chronic health challenges in the community.

Limited healthcare data raises concerns

Marion County's life expectancy of 73.4 years ranks seventh of eight, better only than Macon County (71.9 years). Unfortunately, data on primary care and mental health providers is unavailable, making a fuller healthcare access assessment impossible.

High uninsured rate, provider data missing

Marion County's 17.9% uninsured rate exceeds Georgia's 15% average, indicating significant financial barriers to healthcare. Without available data on providers, the full extent of healthcare access challenges remains unclear—suggesting possible data collection gaps in this rural county.

Get covered and stay informed

Nearly one in five Marion County residents lack insurance—a critical gap that leaves families vulnerable. Visit healthcare.gov or contact the Marion County Health Department to understand your options and find affordable coverage.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Marion County

via SchoolsByCounty

Streamlined Learning for All Ages

Marion County operates a streamlined educational landscape with just two public schools serving 1,279 students. These schools are managed by a single district and cover the community's needs from preschool through 12th grade.

Solid Graduation Rates Outpace the Nation

The county achieves a solid 92.0% graduation rate, outpacing the national benchmark of 87%. With $6,401 spent per pupil, the county maintains a 53.3 school score, which sits right in line with the Georgia state average.

One District, One Community

The Marion County School District is the sole administrator for the county’s 1,279 students. Without any charter schools, the district provides a unified and consistent educational experience for all local residents from their first day of school to graduation.

Rural Focus and Balanced Enrollment

Both schools in the district are located in rural areas, offering students a quiet and focused environment. The schools are relatively balanced in size, with the Middle/High School enrolling 679 students and L. K. Moss Elementary serving 600.

Small-District Benefits for Your Family

Marion County's high graduation rates and small district size offer a personalized feel for growing families. As you research your next move, consider the benefits of a community where every student attends the same central campuses.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Marion County

via RiskByCounty

Marion County ranks among nation's safest

Marion County scores just 6.71 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the very low risk category and far below Georgia's state average of 39.49. This exceptionally low score reflects consistently minimal exposure across all disaster types. Compared to national averages, Marion enjoys among the lowest natural disaster vulnerability of any U.S. county.

Georgia's second-safest profiled county

Marion County's composite score of 6.71 ranks it second-lowest among the eight profiled counties and dramatically below Georgia's state average of 39.49. Nearly every hazard category scores under 62, with most falling well below 50. This consistency of low exposure across all types makes Marion exceptionally secure within Georgia.

Safest county in profiled peer group

Marion County's 6.71 score ranks second only to Lincoln County (5.53) among all eight profiled counties, placing it firmly in the ultra-safe tier. Compared to higher-risk neighbors like Lumpkin County (44.91) and Lowndes County (72.65), Marion's exposure is negligible. The county's geography and location provide exceptional protection from natural disaster pathways.

Hurricane risk Marion's most modest concern

Marion County's hurricane risk at 61.41 represents its highest individual hazard score—still modest in absolute national context—while wildfire risk reaches 49.49. All other hazards score well below 35, with flood risk at 12.85 and earthquake risk at 30.50 near the bottom of Marion's already-low-risk portfolio. The county faces remarkably muted disaster exposure across all seasons.

Basic coverage appropriate for Marion

Marion County's exceptional low-risk profile means standard homeowners insurance typically provides comprehensive protection for most residents. However, verify that your policy includes basic wind and hail provisions before hurricane season, given the county's 61.41 hurricane risk score. For Marion's ultra-safe environment, simple annual policy reviews ensure you remain adequately protected.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Marion County

via WeatherByCounty

High humidity and heavy rain

Marion County records 52.3 inches of annual precipitation, which is slightly above both the state and national averages. Its climate is characterized by heavy rainfall and high humidity levels.

Aligning with state rainfall

At 52.3 inches of rain, Marion is slightly wetter than the Georgia state average of 51.4 inches. It shares the moist, warm profile common to Southwest Georgia.

Snow-free winter months

Marion records 0.0 inches of snow, placing it in a much warmer winter bracket than Madison. Its annual rainfall is higher than neighbor Macon’s 48.0 inches.

No snow, just rain

Snow is non-existent here, allowing for year-round outdoor activity without winter weather disruptions. While specific temperature data is limited, the region typically experiences long, tropical summers.

Drainage and roof maintenance

Ensure homes are equipped for 52.3 inches of annual rain with proper roofing and drainage. The lack of snow means winter maintenance is focused on rain management rather than ice removal.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Marion County

via SoilByCounty

Western Georgia Soil Profile

Detailed pH and taxonomic data are not currently listed for Marion County. Like much of the state, soils here are likely to be more acidic than the national median of 6.5.

Workability and Texture

Sand, silt, and clay percentages are unavailable for this county. Local geography suggests a mix that is generally easy to work, though clay layers can be present in many areas.

Organic Matter and Water

This dataset does not show specific organic matter or water capacity for Marion County. The Georgia state average of 1.83% organic matter serves as a useful guide for local soil improvement goals.

Hydrologic Characteristics

Drainage classes and hydrologic groups for this county are not recorded here. For any new farm or garden, observing how water pools after a heavy rain is the first step in successful land management.

Planting in Zone 8b

Marion County is in Hardiness Zone 8b, providing a climate that supports a wide variety of southern staples. It is a fantastic environment for growing watermelons, peppers, and tall fescue lawns.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Marion County

via LawnByCounty

Marion County's Mid-Range Score

Marion County sits above the state average with a lawn difficulty score of 42.2. While easier than many parts of Georgia, it remains slightly more work than the national median of 50.0 for those in hardiness zone 8b.

Plentiful Rain for Your Yard

Annual precipitation of 52.3 inches provides more than enough water for a thriving lawn. This slightly exceeds the ideal 50-inch threshold, meaning you'll need to watch for fungus during particularly wet and humid weeks.

The Local Soil Unknowns

While specific soil data for Marion County is unavailable, Georgia's red clay is often the default foundation here. Testing for a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is the best first step for any new lawn project in the area.

Navigating Severe Drought Spikes

Marion County faced 25 weeks of drought over the past year, and 100% of the county is currently in severe drought. Aerating your lawn can help water penetrate the surface more effectively when rain finally does fall.

Reliable Grass for Zone 8b

Bermuda and Centipede grass are both reliable performers for Marion County's climate. Aim to seed your lawn in the spring after the danger of frost has passed to ensure the best possible start for your turf.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marion County's county score?
Marion County, Georgia has a composite county score of 53.1 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 Marion County rank among counties in Georgia?
Marion County ranks #42 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 Marion County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Marion County is $860, with an effective tax rate of 0.70%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 62.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Georgia is $50,484 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 15.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Georgia a good place to live?
Marion County scores 53.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #42 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Marion 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 Marion 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.