countyscore
52.1
County Score
Disaster Risk 93.3Cost of Living 72Safety 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.

2040608010059.57263.917.245.414.793.39.563.2Tax59.5Cost72Safety63.9Health17.2Schools45.4Income14.7Risk93.3Water9.5Weather63.252.1/100
This county
National avg
2 above average3 below average

Marion County DNA

Foverall

How Marion County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Marion County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (93.3/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (9.5/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
59.5
Cost
72+24
Safety
63.9+8.899999999999999
Health
17.2-32.8
Schools
45.4-8.600000000000001
Income
14.7-36.3
Risk
93.3+46.3
Water
9.5-48.5
Weather
63.2
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Marion County?

Many homeowners in Marion County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$154,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$710/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$154,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,667/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Schley County
Georgia
54.8
Chattahoochee County
Georgia
55.1
Webster County
Georgia
64.5
Taylor County
Georgia
56.7
Talbot County
Georgia
45.8
Muscogee County
Georgia
28.8
Macon County
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49.2
Sumter County
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33.5

Deep Dives

Marion County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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

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

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 52.1 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 #48 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 $1,090, with an effective tax rate of 0.71%. This earns Marion County a tax score of 59.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Marion County?
The median household income in Marion County, Georgia is $51,667 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Marion County earns an income score of 14.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Marion County, Georgia a good place to live?
Marion County scores 52.1/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #48 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.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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