countyscore
38.9
County Score
Disaster Risk 80.8Water Quality 58.4Weather & Climate 51.1

County Report Card

About Meriwether County, Georgia

Facing challenges on the national stage

Meriwether County's composite score of 38.9 falls significantly below the national median of 50.0. This indicates that the county faces more livability obstacles than the average American locale.

Trailing the Georgia state average

The county's score of 38.9 is well below the Georgia average of 46.7. It ranks among the lower-tier counties in the state for overall composite livability.

Exceptional natural disaster resilience

The county's standout feature is its risk score of 80.8, indicating very low vulnerability to environmental hazards. Water quality is also a relative strength with a score of 58.4.

Critical health and school gaps

A health score of 13.6 and a school score of 27.3 suggest major areas for social investment. Additionally, income levels remain suppressed with a score of 28.6 based on a $56,458 median household income.

Suited for those seeking stability

Meriwether is best for residents who prioritize living in an area safe from natural disasters. It is a quiet option for those who are less dependent on local schools or health systems.

Score breakdown

Tax43.1Cost47.7Safety44.2Health13.6Schools27.3Income28.6Risk80.8Water58.4Weather51.1
🏛43.1
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠47.7
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼28.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡44.2
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤13.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓27.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡80.8
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧58.4
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤51.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨15.8
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱39.2
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 →
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Meriwether County?

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

Check My Assessment

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
Compare Meriwether County with Christian County →Share on X

Counties with similar scores

Christian County
Kentucky
Median income: $54,190
38.9
Cape May County
New Jersey
Median income: $88,046
38.9
Cortland County
New York
Median income: $67,527
38.9
Cass County
North Dakota
Median income: $75,023
38.9
Nacogdoches County
Texas
Median income: $51,528
38.9
Weber County
Utah
Median income: $87,083
38.9
Rock County
Wisconsin
Median income: $74,390
38.9
Craighead County
Arkansas
Median income: $57,615
38.8

Nearby counties

Pike County
Georgia
49.3
Upson County
Georgia
47.1
Troup County
Georgia
26.4
Talbot County
Georgia
43.7
Coweta County
Georgia
41.6
Harris County
Georgia
55.8
Spalding County
Georgia
31.7
Lamar County
Georgia
44.5

Deep Dives

Meriwether County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Meriwether County

via TaxByCounty

Meriwether taxes: high by Georgia standards

Meriwether County's effective tax rate of 0.931% exceeds the national median and ranks among Georgia's higher-taxing counties. Despite modestly valued homes, Meriwether residents pay $1,439 annually—still roughly half the national median tax bill.

Above average in Georgia tax rankings

At 0.931%, Meriwether's rate edges above Georgia's state average of 0.898%, placing it in the upper tier of taxed counties statewide. The median property tax of $1,439 runs $90 higher than Georgia's state median of $1,529.

Among the pricier regional neighbors

Meriwether's 0.931% rate exceeds nearby McDuffie (0.849%) and McIntosh (0.753%) but sits below Miller County (1.386%). For residents, this means Meriwether occupies the middle-to-upper tax bracket within its region.

What a $155k home costs annually

The median Meriwether home valued at $154,600 generates approximately $1,439 in annual property taxes. Including mortgage-related costs, homeowners pay $1,846 yearly, while those without mortgages pay around $1,096.

Overassessments are common—challenge yours

In high-tax counties like Meriwether, even small assessment errors compound quickly. If you believe your home is overvalued, Meriwether County's assessor allows annual appeals—potentially saving hundreds annually.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Meriwether County

via CostByCounty

Meriwether's rent burden climbs above average

At 19.1%, Meriwether's rent-to-income ratio exceeds both the national norm and Georgia's 18.6% state average, signaling tighter affordability. Despite a median income of $56,458—24% below the national $74,755—residents spend more of their earnings on rent than most Americans.

Among Georgia's higher-stress counties

Meriwether's 19.1% rent-to-income ratio ranks it above the state average, placing the county among Georgia's affordability-challenged regions. This elevated burden suggests housing costs are outpacing income growth faster here than statewide.

Priciest rents in the regional group

Meriwether's median rent of $899 is the highest in this eight-county cluster and $28 above Georgia's state average of $927, edged slightly by Morgan County. For budget-conscious relocators, neighboring Miller ($699) and Mitchell ($776) offer significantly cheaper alternatives.

Ownership costs rival renters' burden

Renters spend $899 monthly while homeowners pay $810 on median properties worth $154,600, both consuming significant shares of the $56,458 median income. Despite a modest income base, Meriwether offers comparable rent and ownership costs, giving households flexibility.

Meriwether requires careful budget planning

If relocating to Meriwether, expect higher-than-average housing burdens and verify your income aligns with local costs before committing. Compare its $899 rents to cheaper neighbors like Miller County ($699) to determine if the county fits your housing budget.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Meriwether County

via IncomeByCounty

Meriwether earns 75% of national median

Meriwether County's median household income of $56,458 falls $18,297 below the U.S. median of $74,755. The county earns about three-quarters of typical American household income.

Slightly below Georgia state average

Meriwether County's median household income of $56,458 trails the state average of $60,488 by roughly $4,030. Its per capita income of $27,400 falls short of Georgia's $31,115 average, indicating lower individual earning power.

Strongest performer in rural peer group

Meriwether County's $56,458 median income edges out nearby Mitchell County ($51,908) and Montgomery County ($51,188), positioning it as the relative income leader among its smaller rural neighbors. The county outperforms most peers in the region.

Housing affordability stretched by rent burden

Meriwether County shows a rent-to-income ratio of 19.1%, slightly higher than ideal, with residents spending nearly one-fifth of income on rent. The median home value of $154,600 is within reach but leaves less financial flexibility for other expenses and savings.

Smart financial moves for Meriwether families

Meriwether County residents should prioritize building an emergency fund before taking on major debt, then explore first-time homebuyer programs to leverage home equity. Partnering with financial advisors on retirement planning can help maximize long-term wealth accumulation despite current income levels.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Meriwether County

via CrimeByCounty

Solid Safety Standing in Meriwether County

Meriwether County achieves a safety score of 98.0, surpassing the national benchmark for security. Its total crime rate of 1,252.5 per 100K is nearly half of the national average of 2,385.5. Data from eight reporting agencies provides a comprehensive and reliable look at local safety.

Beating the Georgia State Average

The county’s safety score of 98.0 edges out the Georgia state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,252.5 per 100K is also lower than the state’s average of 1,412.9. This makes Meriwether a relatively safe haven within the state of Georgia.

Consistent Performance Across the Region

Meriwether County is significantly safer than Mitchell County, which has a crime rate of 1,825.8. However, it experiences more reported crime than Monroe County, which maintains a lower rate of 682.3. The presence of eight reporting agencies suggests a very thorough level of crime tracking compared to its neighbors.

Violent Crime Remains Low

The violent crime rate is 280.5 per 100K, which is lower than the national average of 369.8. Property crime is more common at 972.0 per 100K, though this is still well below the national property crime rate of 2,015.7. Most incidents reported in the county involve property rather than person-to-person conflict.

Prioritize Property Protection Strategies

Since property crime is the most frequent issue, securing your home's perimeter is essential. Consider installing smart doorbells and alarm systems to deter potential intruders. These small steps help maintain the county's strong safety record and protect your family's assets.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Meriwether County

via HealthByCounty

Meriwether faces significant life expectancy gap

At 70.8 years, Meriwether County residents live nearly 5.6 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. More than one in five residents report poor or fair health at 23.4%, pointing to urgent health challenges that demand attention.

Among Georgia's most challenged counties

Meriwether's 70.8-year life expectancy trails Georgia's 73.3-year average by 2.5 years, placing the county near the bottom of state health rankings. The county's 17.0% uninsured rate also exceeds the state average of 15.0%, creating barriers to preventive and chronic care.

Lowest life expectancy in regional comparison

Meriwether's 70.8 years ranks lowest among its peers, ahead only of Miller (67.3 years) but significantly behind Monroe (74.5 years) and Morgan (75.8 years). With just 29 primary care providers per 100K, the county has the fewest physicians in the region, limiting access to routine care.

Limited doctors, high uninsured rates compound care gaps

Meriwether struggles with both coverage and provider capacity: 17.0% are uninsured and only 29 primary care providers serve every 100K residents—the lowest ratio regionally. This combination means many residents face both financial and logistical barriers to seeing a doctor regularly.

Access care through Medicaid and community programs

Meriwether residents should prioritize enrolling in Medicaid or Marketplace coverage—17% uninsured is too high for a county facing health challenges. Visit healthcare.gov or your local health department, and ask about community health center sliding-scale fees for immediate access to care.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Meriwether County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Seven-School Public Education System

Meriwether County features seven public schools, including two elementary, two middle, and two high schools, along with one alternative facility. This infrastructure serves a total of 2,323 students across the county. The system is managed by a single school district that covers the entire geographic area.

Improving Outcomes and Investing Resources

The current graduation rate of 77.0% sits below the Georgia state average of 88.1% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending is $7,343, which is very close to the state average of $7,405. Educators are working to raise the school score of 47.4 to meet state and national standards.

Centralized Learning in Meriwether

The Meriwether County School District is the sole provider for the area's 2,323 students. No charter schools are active in the county, meaning all public education is focused through the traditional district model. This allows for centralized planning and resource allocation across the two main population centers.

A Mix of Rural and Town Locales

Five of the county's schools are in rural settings, while two are located in town centers. The average school size is relatively small at 332 students, though Mountain View Elementary is a notable outlier with 756 students. In contrast, Greenville High School serves a smaller student body of 252, offering a more intimate high school experience.

Real Estate Near Meriwether Schools

Prospective residents often look for homes near Mountain View Elementary or Manchester High to stay close to the county's largest educational hubs. School quality is a major driver of property values in the area. Explore the available listings to find a home that fits your family's educational needs.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Meriwether County

via RiskByCounty

Meriwether ranks among safest counties

Meriwether County scores 19.21 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting well below the national average. Your community experiences substantially fewer natural disaster threats than most American counties.

Well below Georgia's risk average

Meriwether's score of 19.21 is less than half Georgia's state average of 39.49, making it one of the state's safest counties. This central Georgia region enjoys relatively low exposure across all hazard categories.

Among the region's lowest-risk counties

Meriwether (19.21) sits alongside Monroe County (18.70) and Morgan County (19.37) in the safest tier, while McDuffie County (24.97) represents your slightly higher-risk neighbor. All four counties cluster in the Very Low category.

Hurricane and tornado risks most elevated

Hurricane risk (53.78) and tornado risk (45.07) represent your highest scores, though both remain modest compared to coastal Georgia counties. Wildfire risk at 44.69 and flood risk at 35.27 complete a relatively balanced, low-threat profile.

Standard insurance plus weather prep

Basic homeowners insurance sufficiently covers tornado damage in Meriwether's low-risk environment, but verify flood coverage separately if you live in a mapped floodplain. Maintain a home emergency kit and severe weather plan as standard precaution.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Meriwether County

via WeatherByCounty

Wet and Warm in Meriwether

Meriwether County receives 50.7 inches of annual precipitation, which is significantly higher than the national median. While specific annual temperature data is limited, the county shares the humid subtropical climate typical of the American South.

Tracking Georgia Rainfall Norms

The county’s annual rainfall of 50.7 inches sits just below the Georgia state average of 51.4 inches. This puts it on par with central Georgia peers in terms of moisture and humidity.

Consistent Regional Weather Patterns

Meriwether maintains a similar precipitation profile to its neighbors, recording slightly less rain than Muscogee to the south. The area experiences a trace of winter weather with 0.3 inches of annual snowfall.

Mild Winters and Rare Snow

Residents experience a damp climate with over 50 inches of rain and very rare snow accumulation. While specific seasonal averages are unavailable, the low snowfall of 0.3 inches indicates very mild winters.

Planning for Rain and Humidity

With high annual rainfall, gutter maintenance and drainage planning are essential for local homeowners. Since snowfall is negligible at 0.3 inches, heavy winter gear remains a low priority for residents.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Meriwether County

via SoilByCounty

Ancient Ultisols of Meriwether

Meriwether is dominated by weathered Ultisols with a pH of 5.34. While slightly less acidic than the state average, it remains more acidic than the national 6.5 median. These soils represent the classic red-clay character of the Georgia Piedmont.

A Balanced Clay Loam Mix

The soil is a clay loam consisting of 57.9% sand and 18.1% clay. This balanced mix provides a sturdy structure that offers both workability for farmers and decent nutrient retention. It strikes a helpful middle ground between heavy clay and loose sand.

Strong Water Retention Potential

Organic matter sits at 1.23%, trailing behind the state average of 1.83%. Despite this, the available water capacity of 0.128 in/in beats the state average, helping plants survive dry spells. This ability to hold moisture is a major asset for local agriculture.

Reliable Natural Drainage

The county features well-drained soils in hydrologic group B. This profile is excellent for both agriculture and construction, as it manages runoff effectively without staying saturated. It is one of the more versatile soil types for development in the region.

Abundant Growth in Zone 8a

Falling in Hardiness Zone 8a, Meriwether supports a diverse range of crops. Fruit trees and traditional summer vegetables thrive in these well-drained, water-holding clay loams. Your soil provides a great foundation for a productive home orchard.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Meriwether County

via LawnByCounty

Meriwether Outperforms State Lawn Averages

Meriwether County holds a lawn difficulty score of 39.2, making it easier to maintain than the Georgia average of 35.8. Falling in Hardiness Zone 8a, the county offers a relatively stable environment for traditional southern turf varieties.

Optimal Rainfall for Georgia Lawns

The county receives 50.7 inches of annual precipitation, which aligns perfectly with the ideal lawn range of 30-50 inches. This consistent moisture supports steady growth and reduces the need for heavy supplemental irrigation. You can expect a standard growing season typical of the Georgia Piedmont region.

Well-Drained Clay Loam Foundation

The soil is a well-drained clay loam with 18.1% clay and 57.9% sand, providing an excellent balance for root health. However, the pH of 5.34 is more acidic than the ideal 6.0-7.0 range, requiring some corrective measures. Applying lime can help neutralize the soil and unlock essential nutrients for your grass.

Moderate Drought and Water Care

About 40.4% of the county is currently facing severe drought conditions, with 26 weeks of drought recorded over the last year. Because your soil is well-drained, it may dry out faster than heavier clays during these dry spells. Focus on deep watering techniques to encourage the roots to grow deep into the loam.

Start Your Meriwether Lawn Today

Zoysia or Bermuda grass are the best fits for Zone 8a and the local clay loam soil. Wait for the soil to warm up in late April to ensure successful seeding or sodding results. Your well-drained soil provides a great head start for a lush, resilient lawn.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Meriwether County's county score?
Meriwether County, Georgia has a composite county score of 38.9 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 Meriwether County rank among counties in Georgia?
Meriwether County ranks #127 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 Meriwether County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Meriwether County is $1,439, with an effective tax rate of 0.93%. This earns Meriwether County a tax score of 43.1/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Meriwether County?
The median household income in Meriwether County, Georgia is $56,458 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Meriwether County earns an income score of 28.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Meriwether County, Georgia a good place to live?
Meriwether County scores 38.9/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #127 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Meriwether 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 Meriwether 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.