countyscore
46.4
County Score
Disaster Risk 75.1Safety 64.5Cost of Living 58.8

County Report Card

About McDuffie County, Georgia

McDuffie County nears the national median

McDuffie County earns a composite score of 46.4, placing it slightly below the national median of 50.0. This score indicates a quality of life that is competitive but has room for improvement relative to the rest of the country.

A middle-tier performer in Georgia

The county's overall score sits just below the Georgia state average of 46.7. It performs as a typical rural-suburban hybrid within the state's diverse economic landscape.

Strong environmental safety and affordability

A high risk score of 75.1 shows the area is well-protected against natural disasters, while a safety score of 64.5 provides peace of mind. Housing is also a major draw, with median home values at a very accessible $155,100.

Health and water infrastructure needs

The county faces significant hurdles with a water score of 15.7 and a health score of 25.5. Low income levels also weigh on the profile, as the median household income of $54,058 results in an income score of just 22.9.

Best for budget-conscious families

McDuffie is a solid choice for families prioritizing low housing costs and physical safety over high-end local amenities. It suits those who may work in nearby Augusta but want the security of a lower-risk environment.

Score breakdown

Tax48.9Cost58.8Safety64.5Health25.5Schools28.3Income22.9Risk75.1Water15.7Weather55.9
🏛48.9
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠58.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22.9
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡64.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤25.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓28.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡75.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧15.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤55.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱27.8
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

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Georgia
58.4
Columbia County
Georgia
51.5
Glascock County
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Lincoln County
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Richmond County
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Wilkes County
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Deep Dives

McDuffie County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in McDuffie County

via TaxByCounty

McDuffie's taxes: below the national norm

McDuffie County's effective tax rate of 0.849% sits well below the national median, meaning residents pay less in property taxes relative to home values than most Americans. At $1,317 in median annual property tax, McDuffie homeowners pay roughly half what the typical U.S. household pays nationally ($2,690).

Slightly below Georgia's average

McDuffie's 0.849% effective rate runs just below Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing the county in the lower-tax half statewide. The county's median property tax of $1,317 is roughly $212 less than Georgia's state median of $1,529.

Mid-range among regional peers

McDuffie's tax burden falls between its neighbors: it taxes lighter than Meriwether County (0.931%) but heavier than McIntosh County (0.753%). In absolute dollars, McDuffie homeowners pay closer to the regional average, reflecting modest home values across this part of Georgia.

What a $155k home costs annually

The median McDuffie home valued at $155,100 generates about $1,317 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related fees included, the actual annual cost rises to $1,661, though owners without mortgages pay closer to $881.

Your assessment might be negotiable

Many Georgia homeowners discover their properties are overassessed relative to recent sales. If your home's appraised value seems high, filing a tax appeal with McDuffie County's assessor's office could lower your bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McDuffie County

via CostByCounty

McDuffie's rent burden beats the nation

Renters in McDuffie County spend 18.1% of their income on housing—nearly identical to the national norm. With a median household income of $54,058, residents are earning about 28% less than the U.S. average of $74,755, yet their rent-to-income ratio suggests they've achieved better affordability than most Americans.

Below Georgia's affordability line

McDuffie's 18.1% rent-to-income ratio sits just below Georgia's state average of 18.6%, placing it in the middle tier of affordability across the state's 159 counties. While not the most stressed, McDuffie residents still dedicate a significant share of earnings to rent.

Better than most nearby counties

McDuffie's median rent of $813 is $114 cheaper than Georgia's state average of $927 and undercuts neighboring Meriwether County ($899) by $86 monthly. However, Mitchell County ($776) offers slightly lower rents, making McDuffie a moderate option in the region.

Rent and ownership options here

A renter pays $813 monthly while a homeowner carries $770 in monthly costs on a median home value of $155,100. Both paths consume roughly similar portions of the median $54,058 annual income, offering flexibility for households deciding between renting and buying.

Consider McDuffie for balanced affordability

If you're relocating and want below-average housing costs without sacrificing access to regional stability, McDuffie delivers. Compare its $813 rent to pricier neighbors like Meriwether and test whether the county's median income aligns with your own earning potential.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McDuffie County

via IncomeByCounty

McDuffie trails national income benchmark

McDuffie County's median household income of $54,058 falls $20,697 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. This places the county in the lower tier nationally for household earnings, with residents earning roughly 72% of what the typical American household brings home.

Below Georgia's county average

McDuffie County ranks below Georgia's state median household income of $60,488, sitting about $6,430 behind the typical Georgia county. The county's per capita income of $28,071 also lags the state average of $31,115.

Comparable to rural Georgia peers

McDuffie's $54,058 median income places it near other small rural Georgia counties like Mitchell County ($51,908) and Montgomery County ($51,188), though it trails the stronger-performing Meriwether County ($56,458). The region shows consistent income patterns across its smaller counties.

Housing costs remain manageable

At an 18.1% rent-to-income ratio, McDuffie County residents spend less than one-fifth of household income on rent, which is below the national affordability threshold of 28%. The median home value of $155,100 is accessible relative to local earning power, though household income growth would strengthen financial stability.

Building wealth in McDuffie County

McDuffie residents should prioritize establishing an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses, then explore employer-sponsored retirement plans and IRAs to grow long-term wealth. With median home values under $160,000, homeownership remains an achievable wealth-building strategy for qualified buyers in the county.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McDuffie County

via CrimeByCounty

McDuffie County Outperforms National Safety Averages

McDuffie County maintains a total crime rate of 828.9 per 100K residents, which is significantly lower than the national average of 2,385.5. This strong performance earns the county a safety score of 98.7 out of 100. Local law enforcement efforts keep the community substantially safer than many peers across the country.

A Top Performer in Georgia Safety

With a safety score of 98.7, McDuffie County ranks well above the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 828.9 per 100K is also nearly half of the state's average rate of 1,412.9. These figures place the county in an elite tier of Georgia's safest locales.

Superior Safety Compared to Regional Peers

McDuffie County is notably safer than Mitchell County, which reports a crime rate of 1,825.8 per 100K. While neighboring Meriwether County also performs well, McDuffie’s total crime rate remains about 33% lower. Three local agencies contribute data to ensure this high level of transparency and safety.

Property Crimes Outnumber Violent Incidents

The county's violent crime rate stands at 184.2 per 100K, which is roughly half of the national average. Property crime accounts for the majority of local incidents at a rate of 644.7 per 100K. In practical terms, residents are far less likely to encounter crime here than in the average American town.

Stay Proactive with Home Security

Although crime rates are low, property crimes represent the largest share of local reports. Investing in basic home security measures like motion-sensor lighting and smart cameras can further deter opportunistic theft. Simple precautions help maintain the high safety standards McDuffie County residents enjoy.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in McDuffie County

via HealthByCounty

McDuffie's life expectancy lags national average

At 71.9 years, McDuffie County residents live about 5 years shorter than the U.S. average of 76.4 years. One in five residents reports poor or fair health, compared to roughly one in six nationally, signaling persistent health challenges across the county.

Below Georgia's health benchmark

McDuffie's 71.9-year life expectancy sits 1.4 years below Georgia's state average of 73.3 years. The county's 13.0% uninsured rate, however, beats the state average of 15.0%, suggesting better health coverage but persistent health outcome gaps.

Midrange health among regional peers

McDuffie performs modestly compared to nearby counties: it outpaces Meriwether (70.8 years) and Miller (67.3 years) but trails Monroe (74.5 years) and Morgan (75.8 years). Access to primary care providers at 51 per 100K is solid, though mental health support at 73 per 100K varies widely across the region.

Healthcare access remains a daily reality

With 13.0% of residents uninsured and 51 primary care providers per 100K population, McDuffie has modest physician capacity but reasonable coverage rates. Those with insurance face 51 primary care doctors for every 100,000 residents—a ratio that requires coordination to ensure timely appointments.

Explore your health coverage options now

If you're among McDuffie's uninsured residents, visit healthcare.gov or contact your local health department to explore Medicaid, ACA plans, or community health programs. Coverage can mean the difference between preventive care and costly emergency visits—start exploring your options today.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in McDuffie County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Consolidated Education Infrastructure in McDuffie

McDuffie County operates six public schools, including four elementary, one middle, and one high school. This single-district system serves a total of 3,272 students. The infrastructure is designed around a centralized model that anchors the local community.

Evaluating Graduation Rates and School Funding

The county's 82.0% graduation rate trails both the Georgia state average of 88.1% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. While the school score of 49.6 sits near the national median, the per-pupil expenditure of $7,139 remains lower than the state average of $7,405. These figures suggest a need for continued investment to close the performance gap.

One District Leading the Way

The McDuffie County School District manages all education services for the area's 3,272 students. No charter schools currently operate within the county, meaning public education is entirely provided by the traditional district system. This unified approach ensures all students share the same local resources and standards.

Rural and Town School Settings

Four schools are located in rural areas while two are situated in town settings, reflecting the county's geographic mix. The average school size is 545 students, ranging from Thomson High School with 986 students to Norris Elementary with 304 students. This variety offers families both larger high school environments and more intimate elementary settings.

Establishing Your Roots in McDuffie County

Families looking for a consistent, single-district environment often search for homes near Thomson High. As you research the local real estate market, consider how school proximity can impact both your daily commute and long-term property value. Explore neighborhoods within the McDuffie school zones to find your next home.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McDuffie County

via RiskByCounty

McDuffie's risk is well below average

McDuffie County scores 24.97 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting significantly below the national average. This means your county faces fewer natural disaster threats than most communities across the United States.

Among Georgia's safest counties

McDuffie ranks favorably within Georgia, with a composite score of 24.97 compared to the state average of 39.49. You're in one of the state's lower-risk communities when it comes to natural hazards overall.

Safer than surrounding counties

McDuffie's score of 24.97 edges out nearby Meriwether County (19.21) and Morgan County (19.37), but sits higher than Monroe County (18.70). Your risk profile is comparable to rural north-central Georgia, with moderate exposure to multiple hazard types but no dominant threat.

Earthquakes and tornadoes lead threats

Earthquake risk (64.69) and tornado risk (59.96) represent your two highest hazard scores, though both remain modest in absolute terms. Wildfire risk at 59.96 rounds out your top three, while flood and hurricane risks stay well below 30 and 66 respectively.

Essential coverage for your peace of mind

Standard homeowners insurance covers tornadoes but typically excludes earthquakes and floods—consider separate policies given your moderate earthquake and tornado scores. Review your coverage annually and maintain emergency supplies for severe weather events.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in McDuffie County

via SoilByCounty

Understanding McDuffie's Soil Profile

Scientific data on McDuffie's specific soil taxonomic order and pH remains limited in national databases. However, most local soils follow the regional trend toward acidity compared to the 6.5 national median. Local testing is essential to find your specific baseline.

A Mystery of Minerals

While specific percentages for sand and clay are currently unavailable, the region typically balances drainage and retention. Local gardeners should test their specific plots to determine the exact mineral mix. Knowing your texture helps you manage water and fertilizer more effectively.

Building Local Fertility

Records for organic matter and water capacity are not currently documented in this dataset. We recommend local soil testing to see how your land compares to Georgia’s 1.83% organic matter average. Adding compost is a reliable way to boost productivity regardless of your starting point.

Managing Water Flow

Local drainage classes and hydrologic groups aren't listed, requiring site-specific observation. Check for standing water after heavy rains to determine if your site needs specialized drainage solutions. Proper site assessment is the first step for any building project.

Gardening in Zone 8b

McDuffie County sits in Hardiness Zone 8b, providing a long and warm growing season. This climate is perfect for heat-loving vegetables and flowering shrubs like camellias. Start your garden today to take advantage of the generous Georgia sunshine.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McDuffie County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Climate for McDuffie Lawns

McDuffie County faces a difficult lawn care environment with a score of 27.8, significantly below the national average of 50.0 and the Georgia state average of 35.8. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, your lawn must withstand fluctuating temperatures and high summer stress.

Managing Heat and Growth Cycles

The county experiences 58 extreme heat days per year where temperatures reach or exceed 90°F. While specific precipitation data is limited, these heat spikes require careful irrigation monitoring to prevent grass dormancy. Warm-season grasses perform best here as they thrive during the long, hot summers.

Establishing a Strong Soil Foundation

Specific soil metrics for McDuffie County are currently unavailable, so a professional soil test is your first priority. Testing reveals the specific pH and nutrient needs of your property, which is essential given Georgia's generally acidic soil trends. Proper aeration ensures that roots can penetrate deeper to survive the intense local heat.

Navigating Severe Drought Conditions

Lawns here face intense pressure, with 97.5% of the county currently in severe drought and 30 weeks of drought recorded over the past year. You should implement deep, infrequent watering early in the morning to maximize absorption and build root resilience. Focus on maintaining a taller grass height to shade the soil and reduce evaporation.

Best Grasses for Zone 8b

Centipede or Bermuda grass are excellent choices for this climate due to their natural heat tolerance. Since frost dates vary, aim to seed or sod in late spring once the soil consistently stays above 65°F. Start your lawn project now to establish a healthy root system before the peak summer heat arrives.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McDuffie County's county score?
McDuffie County, Georgia has a composite county score of 46.4 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 McDuffie County rank among counties in Georgia?
McDuffie County ranks #84 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 McDuffie County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in McDuffie County is $1,317, with an effective tax rate of 0.85%. This earns McDuffie County a tax score of 48.9/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McDuffie County?
The median household income in McDuffie County, Georgia is $54,058 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McDuffie County earns an income score of 22.9/100 on CountyScore.
Is McDuffie County, Georgia a good place to live?
McDuffie County scores 46.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #84 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate McDuffie 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 McDuffie 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.