countyscore
47.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Schools 70.5Cost of Living 68

County Report Card

About McIntosh County, Georgia

McIntosh matches national living standards

With a composite score of 47.5, McIntosh County sits just shy of the 50.0 national median. It offers a balanced profile that avoids the extremes found in many coastal regions.

Outperforming the Georgia state average

The county surpasses the Georgia average composite of 46.7, making it an attractive option within the state. It holds its own against both inland neighbors and larger coastal hubs.

Pristine water and quality education

McIntosh shines with a high water score of 86.0 and a strong school score of 70.5. Its tax burden is also light, featuring an effective tax rate of only 0.753%.

Economic growth and safety concerns

The local economy presents challenges with an income score of 15.2 and median household earnings of $50,348. Safety remains a low point at 25.9, suggesting a need for increased community security.

A haven for coastal retirees

McIntosh is ideal for retirees or remote workers who value clean water and low taxes over a local job market. It offers a high-quality educational environment for families who can navigate the local safety profile.

2040608010057.46825.925.570.515.233.48634.6Tax57.4Cost68Safety25.9Health25.5Schools70.5Income15.2Risk33.4Water86Weather34.647.5/100
This county
National avg
3 above average5 below average

McIntosh County DNA

Foverall

How McIntosh County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

McIntosh County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Water Quality (86/100) but notably weak in Income (15.2/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
57.4
Cost
68+20
Safety
25.9-29.1
Health
25.5-24.5
Schools
70.5+16.5
Income
15.2-35.8
Risk
33.4-13.600000000000001
Water
86+28
Weather
34.6-21.4
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Many homeowners in McIntosh County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$173,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$781/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$173,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,240/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.5x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $50,348/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

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Georgia
40.9
Liberty County
Georgia
34.3
Long County
Georgia
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Wayne County
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Bryan County
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Chatham County
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Brantley County
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Camden County
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Deep Dives

McIntosh County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in McIntosh County

via TaxByCounty

McIntosh taxes: Georgia's bargain basement

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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in McIntosh County

via CostByCounty

McIntosh rents track with national trends

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.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in McIntosh County

via IncomeByCounty

McIntosh income trails U.S. median significantly

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in McIntosh County

via CrimeByCounty

McIntosh Safety Metrics Below National Average

McIntosh County reports a total crime rate of 1,815.2 per 100K, which remains lower than the national average of 2,385.5. The county earns a safety score of 97.1, indicating a generally secure environment. However, these figures come from a single reporting agency and should be interpreted with caution.

Slightly Below the Georgia Safety Benchmark

The county's safety score of 97.1 falls slightly below the state average of 97.8. Despite this, the total crime rate of 1,815.2 per 100K is higher than the state average of 1,412.9. Local officials continue to monitor these trends to align the county with state safety leaders.

Crime Trends Mirror Regional Neighbors

McIntosh County shares a similar safety profile with Mitchell County, which has a nearly identical crime rate of 1,825.8. Both counties face higher crime challenges than McDuffie County, where the rate is just 828.9. The reliance on one reporting agency means local figures may not capture the full scope of regional activity.

Focusing on Property and Violent Crime

Violent crime in McIntosh sits at 214.6 per 100K, staying below the national rate of 369.8. Property crime is more prevalent, reaching 1,600.6 per 100K. This data suggests that while physical safety is high, resident belongings face a more typical level of risk.

Enhance Your Residential Security

With property crime making up the bulk of local reports, home security awareness is vital. Installing deadbolts and ensuring proper outdoor lighting can significantly reduce the risk of burglary. Staying connected with neighbors through local watch groups also enhances community-wide safety.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in McIntosh County

via SchoolsByCounty

Small-Scale Schooling with High Results

McIntosh County manages a compact education system consisting of just three public schools: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. These schools serve a total enrollment of 1,333 students. This streamlined infrastructure allows for a focused educational environment within a single district.

Leading the State in Graduation Rates

McIntosh County boasts an impressive 97.0% graduation rate, significantly outperforming the state average of 88.1% and the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 57.7 also exceeds the state average of 53.4. This high achievement is maintained despite a per-pupil expenditure of $7,218, which is slightly below the state average.

Focusing on the McIntosh County District

The McIntosh County School District serves as the sole educational provider for the county's 1,333 students. There are no charter schools in the area, ensuring a focused commitment to the local traditional public schools. This structure fosters a strong sense of continuity as students progress from elementary to high school together.

Town-Centered Learning Environments

The majority of schools are located in town settings, though one remains rural, catering to the county's diverse landscape. Schools average 444 students each, with Todd Grant Elementary being the largest at 667 students. The middle and high schools are smaller, with McIntosh Academy enrolling 395 students, creating a more personal learning atmosphere.

Find Your Home Near Top-Performing Schools

With some of the highest graduation rates in Georgia, McIntosh County is an attractive destination for families. Proximity to Todd Grant Elementary or McIntosh Academy remains a primary factor for many local homebuyers. Start your home search here to take advantage of this high-performing coastal school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in McIntosh County

via RiskByCounty

McIntosh faces above-average disaster risk

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.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in McIntosh County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance for Drinking Water

McIntosh County earns an A grade with zero health violations recorded in the federal SDWIS database over the past five years. Its violation rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents is exemplary compared to the state average of 152.5. The county maintains high standards for drinking water safety under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Exceptional Local Watershed Health

Only 10% of the 40 assessed water bodies in McIntosh County are classified as impaired, far below the Georgia average of 48.4%. The 2022 reporting cycle identifies thallium in fish tissue and dissolved oxygen levels as the primary concerns for these few locations. Most local water bodies successfully attain their Clean Water Act goals.

Robust Coastal Water Monitoring Records

The federal Water Quality Portal contains 7,604 measurements from eight monitoring sites within the county over the last five years. This high volume of data covers physical properties, nutrients, and organic compounds. Such detailed records help environmental managers maintain the county's superior watershed status.

Gaps in Real-Time Flow Data

McIntosh County does not have a primary USGS streamgage currently reporting live discharge data. While drinking water compliance is excellent, the absence of real-time flow monitoring limits the ability to track salt-water intrusion or coastal surge events. Local officials rely on stationary monitoring and neighboring gauges to estimate conditions.

Focus on Fish Consumption Safety

With a perfect drinking water grade, residents can feel confident in their tap water quality. However, since thallium in fish tissue is a noted impairment cause, local anglers should follow state-issued fish consumption guidelines. Maintaining these healthy watersheds requires continued vigilance against runoff and coastal pollution.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in McIntosh County

via WeatherByCounty

One of the nation's warmest

McIntosh is one of the warmest spots in the country with an average temperature of 68.4°F. This coastal county experiences a near-tropical climate compared to the national median.

Warmer than the state average

With a 68.4°F average, McIntosh is significantly warmer than the state average of 63.7°F. It is one of Georgia's warmest and most humid coastal locations.

Cooled by the Atlantic coast

Its 62 extreme heat days are fewer than Liberty's 94, likely due to the cooling influence of the Atlantic. Precipitation is steady at 50.0 inches per year.

Warm winters, tropical summers

Summers are hot and humid, averaging 81.8°F, while winters remain quite warm at 54.1°F. Snow is never a factor, with 0.0 inches recorded annually.

Manage humidity and salt air

Focus on moisture control and ventilation to manage the 50.0 inches of rain and coastal humidity. Outdoor plans can be made year-round thanks to the mild 54.1°F winter average.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in McIntosh County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Entisols Near the Coast

McIntosh features Entisols with a pH of 5.13, which is more acidic than the Georgia average of 5.26. This level sits significantly lower than the national median of 6.5, suggesting a strong need for lime. These young soils offer a unique foundation for coastal life.

Sandy Texture with a Clay Twist

The ground is extremely sandy at 75%, yet clay is the dominant texture class. This 11.5% clay and 13.5% silt mix creates a unique profile that can struggle with drainage. The high sand content makes the soil easy to work but prone to leaching.

High Organic Content, Low Water Holding

Organic matter is impressively high at 3.3%, far exceeding the state average of 1.83%. However, the available water capacity of 0.087 in/in is below the state’s 0.114 benchmark. This means plants may need more frequent watering despite the rich organic base.

Challenges in Low-Lying Drainage

This coastal county is characterized as very poorly drained and belongs to hydrologic group C/D. These conditions mean water lingers near the surface, posing challenges for traditional building foundations. Careful water management is vital for any local land use.

Subtropical Success in Zone 9a

Located in Zone 9a, McIntosh offers a subtropical environment for gardeners. The high organic matter supports lush growth, though the low water capacity favors drought-tolerant coastal species. Embrace the warm climate by planting citrus or salt-tolerant ornamentals.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in McIntosh County

via LawnByCounty

Subtropical Lawn Care in McIntosh

McIntosh County earns a lawn difficulty score of 29.6, indicating a more challenging environment than the national median of 50.0. The county sits in Hardiness Zone 9a, meaning your grass rarely faces extreme freezes but must handle high humidity.

High Rainfall and Heat Peaks

With 50.0 inches of annual precipitation and 62 extreme heat days, the climate is wet but intense. The growing season is exceptionally long, supported by 6,930 growing degree days that keep grass active most of the year. Mowing schedules must remain frequent to keep up with the fast growth rates driven by this tropical weather.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soils

Your soil is quite acidic with a pH of 5.13, which is well below the ideal range of 6.0-7.0. Despite being 75.0% sand, the soil is classified as very poorly drained clay, creating a risk for root rot during heavy rains. You will likely need lime applications to raise the pH and improve nutrient availability for your turf.

Total Coverage Drought Risks

Currently, 100.0% of McIntosh County is in severe drought, despite having endured 24 weeks of drought over the past year. Even with high annual rainfall, these dry spells can quickly parch sandy topsoil. Use mulch-mowing to return moisture to the ground and strictly follow local water conservation ordinances.

Planting for Success in Zone 9a

St. Augustine grass is a top performer here because it thrives in Zone 9a and handles the local moisture levels well. With the last spring frost typically occurring around February 20, you can start your lawn prep much earlier than inland neighbors. Plant your sod in early spring to take full advantage of the long growing season ahead.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is McIntosh County's county score?
McIntosh County, Georgia has a composite county score of 47.5 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 McIntosh County rank among counties in Georgia?
McIntosh County ranks #72 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 McIntosh County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in McIntosh County is $1,310, with an effective tax rate of 0.75%. This earns McIntosh County a tax score of 57.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in McIntosh County?
The median household income in McIntosh County, Georgia is $50,348 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. McIntosh County earns an income score of 15.2/100 on CountyScore.
Is McIntosh County, Georgia a good place to live?
McIntosh County scores 47.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #72 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate McIntosh 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 McIntosh County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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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.