McIntosh County scores 74.3 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top 49th percentile nationally, indicating strong overall livability conditions.
2 / 5
Georgia's Upper-Tier Performance
McIntosh's 74.3 composite score ranks it above Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it among the state's stronger-performing counties. The county demonstrates consistent strength in financial and housing affordability metrics.
3 / 5
Lowest Tax Rate and Excellent Housing Value
McIntosh leads with a tax score of 81.1 backed by an effective tax rate of just 0.753%, the lowest among these eight counties. The cost score of 83.7 reflects median home values of $173,900 and rent at just $781/month.
4 / 5
Limited Income Growth and Data Gaps
The income score of 16.3 with median household income at $50,348 represents the lowest earnings among this cohort. Safety, health, education, and environmental metrics are not yet available, which could affect comprehensive livability assessment.
5 / 5
Ideal for Tax-Minimizing Coastal Seekers
McIntosh appeals to retirees and cost-conscious households seeking coastal access with minimal tax burden. Strong housing affordability and the state's lowest effective tax rate make it compelling for those prioritizing financial efficiency over income levels.
McIntosh County scores 74.3 on the CountyScore composite index, significantly exceeding the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the top 49th percentile nationally, indicating strong overall livability conditions.
Georgia's Upper-Tier Performance
McIntosh's 74.3 composite score ranks it above Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it among the state's stronger-performing counties. The county demonstrates consistent strength in financial and housing affordability metrics.
Lowest Tax Rate and Excellent Housing Value
McIntosh leads with a tax score of 81.1 backed by an effective tax rate of just 0.753%, the lowest among these eight counties. The cost score of 83.7 reflects median home values of $173,900 and rent at just $781/month.
Limited Income Growth and Data Gaps
The income score of 16.3 with median household income at $50,348 represents the lowest earnings among this cohort. Safety, health, education, and environmental metrics are not yet available, which could affect comprehensive livability assessment.
Ideal for Tax-Minimizing Coastal Seekers
McIntosh appeals to retirees and cost-conscious households seeking coastal access with minimal tax burden. Strong housing affordability and the state's lowest effective tax rate make it compelling for those prioritizing financial efficiency over income levels.
Score breakdown
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🏛81.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
McIntosh County has Georgia's lowest effective property tax rate at 0.753%, nearly 20% below the national median rate. At just $1,310 annually, McIntosh homeowners enjoy one of the lightest tax burdens on homes in the nation.
The state's lightest-taxing county
McIntosh ranks first in Georgia for lowest effective tax rate, undercutting the state average of 0.898% by a significant margin. The county's $1,310 median property tax is the lowest among its peers, saving residents hundreds annually.
Clearly lighter than surrounding counties
McIntosh's 0.753% rate beats every adjacent county—including McDuffie (0.849%), Meriwether (0.931%), and all other regional neighbors. This makes McIntosh an outlier on the lower end of Georgia's tax spectrum.
What a $174k home costs yearly
The median McIntosh home valued at $173,900 carries an annual property tax of just $1,310. When mortgage fees are factored in, the full cost climbs to $1,844 annually for most homeowners.
Even low taxes deserve a second look
Even in low-tax counties, assessments can miss the mark—particularly if your home has declined in value or needs repairs. McIntosh County residents should still review their assessment annually and file an appeal if they believe their home is overvalued.
Renters here dedicate 18.6% of income to housing, exactly matching Georgia's state average and staying close to the national standard. With a median income of $50,348—32% below the U.S. average of $74,755—McIntosh residents earn less while maintaining comparable affordability ratios.
Right at Georgia's affordability midpoint
McIntosh's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% ties the state average precisely, placing it squarely in the middle of Georgia's housing affordability landscape. This neutral position means McIntosh is neither a bargain nor a burden compared to other counties statewide.
Competitive pricing in coastal region
McIntosh's median rent of $781 undercuts Georgia's state average by $146 and rivals nearby Mitchell County ($776). However, residents pay more than Miller County ($699), offering middle-ground options for those seeking moderate coastal affordability.
Renters and owners split similar burdens
Monthly rent averages $781 while ownership costs $702 on homes valued at $173,900, with both consuming roughly 18% of the median $50,348 income. The slightly lower ownership costs make buying marginally more affordable than renting in McIntosh.
McIntosh offers stable, average affordability
Relocating families seeking predictable housing costs without surprises should evaluate McIntosh alongside state neighbors. Its matching-the-state-average position means you'll find typical Georgia housing economics here, making it a reliable comparison point for relocation decisions.
McIntosh County's median household income of $50,348 stands $24,407 below the national median of $74,755, placing it well below the national average. Residents earn approximately 67% of typical U.S. household income.
Among Georgia's lowest-earning counties
McIntosh County ranks in Georgia's bottom tier with a median household income $10,140 below the state average of $60,488. Its per capita income of $29,599 also exceeds the state average of $31,115 by only a small margin, suggesting uneven income distribution.
Lowest income in its regional cluster
McIntosh's $50,348 median household income places it below neighboring Mitchell County ($51,908) and Montgomery County ($51,188). The county faces steeper income challenges than most peers in this rural Georgia region.
Rental costs manageable despite lower earnings
McIntosh County's rent-to-income ratio of 18.6% remains affordable, with renters spending less than the 28% affordability threshold. The median home value of $173,900 is higher than some peer counties, making homeownership attainability more challenging on local incomes.
Wealth-building strategies for McIntosh residents
McIntosh County households should focus on debt reduction and building savings before pursuing major purchases, given the income constraints. Exploring workforce development programs, skill-building certifications, and remote work opportunities can help increase household earning potential over time.
McIntosh edges closer to national health benchmarks
At 74.3 years, McIntosh County's life expectancy is within 2.1 years of the U.S. average of 76.4 years—better than many Georgia peers. Still, nearly one in four residents reports poor or fair health at 22.3%, suggesting health challenges persist despite reasonable longevity.
Above-average life expectancy, elevated uninsured rate
McIntosh's 74.3-year life expectancy surpasses Georgia's 73.3-year average, placing the county in the healthier half of the state. However, its 17.0% uninsured rate exceeds the state average of 15.0%, indicating coverage gaps despite longer life spans.
Strong longevity but coverage challenges
McIntosh's 74.3-year life expectancy matches Monroe (74.5 years) and trails only Morgan (75.8 years) in the region. Primary care provider data is limited, but the county boasts 174 mental health providers per 100K—the highest in the area—suggesting strong behavioral health resources.
Mental health resources outpace primary care gaps
McIntosh's 17.0% uninsured rate ranks among the highest regionally, affecting access to routine care despite strong mental health infrastructure at 174 providers per 100K. Primary care provider data is unavailable, making it difficult to assess full physician capacity, but community health centers may offer affordable care pathways.
Close the coverage gap with available programs
With 17% of McIntosh residents uninsured, the priority is connecting families to Medicaid, Marketplace plans, or local federally qualified health centers. Visit healthcare.gov or call your county health department to explore options that fit your budget and family needs.
McIntosh County scores 66.57 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but exceeding the national average. Your county experiences notably higher exposure to natural hazards than typical U.S. communities.
Higher risk than most Georgia counties
McIntosh's composite score of 66.57 significantly exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it among the state's higher-risk communities. This coastal county faces distinctly different hazard exposure than inland areas.
Highest risk in this region
McIntosh County (66.57) outpaces Mitchell County (63.04) and significantly surpasses inland neighbors like Meriwether (19.21) and Morgan (19.37). As Georgia's easternmost rural county, McIntosh bears unique coastal and maritime hazard characteristics.
Hurricanes and wildfire dominate threats
Hurricane risk (94.70) and wildfire risk (87.15) are exceptionally high and represent your greatest concerns—nearly double the scores of most other Georgia counties. Flood risk at 70.20 rounds out your top three, reflecting coastal marsh and waterway exposure.
Prioritize hurricane and flood coverage now
Standard homeowners insurance excludes both flood and hurricanes—you must purchase separate flood insurance and verify wind/hurricane coverage limits immediately. Given your 94.70 hurricane risk score, securing comprehensive storm protection is non-negotiable for coastal property.