Marion County's composite score of 75.2 is 50% above the national median of 50.0, securing its place among America's top-tier livable counties. This exceptional performance reflects outstanding value across multiple dimensions.
2 / 5
Marion leads Georgia's eight-county cohort
At 75.2, Marion County significantly exceeds Georgia's state average of 70.9, making it the highest-scoring county among these eight. This leadership position reflects superior performance in both tax and housing affordability dimensions.
3 / 5
Unbeatable tax and housing value
Marion County delivers the lowest effective tax rate at 0.704% with a tax score of 82.5, plus a cost score of 84.5 featuring the lowest median rent at $717/month. A median home value of $122,100 offers exceptional entry-level homeownership opportunities.
4 / 5
Income growth and full data gaps remain
An income score of 16.3 with median household income of $50,484 represents Marion's weakest dimension, with limited local earning potential. Safety, health, schools, and environmental quality lack available data, preventing complete livability assessment.
5 / 5
Champion choice for affordable living
Marion County is Georgia's ultimate destination for anyone prioritizing maximum affordability and tax efficiency, from entry-level homebuyers to fixed-income retirees. Success here requires income from outside sources or comfort with modest local wage levels.
Marion County's composite score of 75.2 is 50% above the national median of 50.0, securing its place among America's top-tier livable counties. This exceptional performance reflects outstanding value across multiple dimensions.
Marion leads Georgia's eight-county cohort
At 75.2, Marion County significantly exceeds Georgia's state average of 70.9, making it the highest-scoring county among these eight. This leadership position reflects superior performance in both tax and housing affordability dimensions.
Unbeatable tax and housing value
Marion County delivers the lowest effective tax rate at 0.704% with a tax score of 82.5, plus a cost score of 84.5 featuring the lowest median rent at $717/month. A median home value of $122,100 offers exceptional entry-level homeownership opportunities.
Income growth and full data gaps remain
An income score of 16.3 with median household income of $50,484 represents Marion's weakest dimension, with limited local earning potential. Safety, health, schools, and environmental quality lack available data, preventing complete livability assessment.
Champion choice for affordable living
Marion County is Georgia's ultimate destination for anyone prioritizing maximum affordability and tax efficiency, from entry-level homebuyers to fixed-income retirees. Success here requires income from outside sources or comfort with modest local wage levels.
Score breakdown
5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.
🏛82.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.