countyscore
51.5
County Score
Safety 97.5Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 79.2

County Report Card

About Miller County, Georgia

Exceeding the national livability median

Miller County posts a strong composite score of 54.3, comfortably beating the national median of 50.0. This places it in a competitive position for quality of life across the United States.

A top-tier choice in Georgia

The county significantly outpaces the Georgia state average of 46.7. It serves as a standout performer in Southwest Georgia, offering a high standard of living.

Incredible safety and low costs

Miller boasts an elite safety score of 97.5 and a cost score of 86.8. Homes are very affordable with a median value of $118,300 and median rents at just $699.

High tax rates and health needs

Despite low home prices, the effective tax rate of 1.386% results in a low tax score of 17.8. Health services also represent a challenge with a score of 11.9, the lowest dimension for the county.

Ideal for security-focused families

Miller County is a premier destination for those who prioritize absolute safety and housing affordability. It is perfect for families who can trade off local health access for a secure, low-cost community.

2040608010019.676.397.511.93014.379.28635.8Tax19.6Cost76.3Safety97.5Health11.9Schools30Income14.3Risk79.2Water86Weather35.851.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average5 below average

Miller County DNA

Foverall

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

Miller County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Safety (97.5/100) but notably weak in Health (11.9/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
19.6-32.4
Cost
76.3+28.299999999999997
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
11.9-38.1
Schools
30-24
Income
14.3-36.7
Risk
79.2+32.2
Water
86+28
Weather
35.8-20.200000000000003
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Miller County?

Many homeowners in Miller 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

$124,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$810/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$124,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$32,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.4x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $51,425/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

51.1

per 100K

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

Deep Dives

Miller County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 8 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Miller County

via TaxByCounty

Miller taxes: Georgia's steepest burden

Miller County carries Georgia's highest effective tax rate at 1.386%, more than 50% above the national median. Even on modest home values, Miller residents pay $1,640 annually in property taxes—a substantial sum for lower-valued properties.

The state's highest tax rate

Miller's 1.386% effective rate stands as Georgia's highest, towering above the state average of 0.898% and the median tax of $1,529. The county extracts significantly more revenue per dollar of home value than any other Georgia county.

Far steeper than all surrounding counties

Miller's 1.386% rate dwarfs every adjacent county—doubling the rates of McIntosh (0.753%) and Monroe (0.686%), and far exceeding Meriwether (0.931%). For residents, this makes Miller one of the least tax-friendly counties in the entire state.

What a $118k home costs yearly

The median Miller County home valued at just $118,300 still carries $1,640 in annual property taxes due to the county's steep rate. With mortgage fees, total annual costs climb to $2,039—among the highest in the state relative to home value.

High taxes make appeals especially valuable

In high-rate counties like Miller, challenging an overassessment can yield significant savings. If your Miller County home's assessed value exceeds recent comparable sales, filing an appeal is worth your time and could reduce your annual bill substantially.

Income & Jobs in Miller County

via IncomeByCounty

Miller approaches national income parity

Miller County's median household income of $58,407 sits $16,348 below the national median of $74,755, but performs better than many rural Georgia peers. Residents earn approximately 78% of the typical U.S. household income.

Slightly below Georgia's state median

Miller County's median household income of $58,407 trails Georgia's state average of $60,488 by just $2,081. The county's per capita income of $32,027 actually exceeds the state average of $31,115, suggesting more balanced earnings distribution.

Upper-middle tier among regional counties

Miller County's $58,407 median income ranks it above Mitchell County ($51,908) and Montgomery County ($51,188), but trails the higher-income champions of Monroe ($82,863) and Morgan ($85,692). The county performs solidly within its regional peer set.

Best housing affordability in peer group

Miller County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio at 14.4%, well below the 28% affordability threshold, indicating strong rental affordability. The median home value of $118,300 is the most accessible in the region, making homeownership realistic for local earners.

Miller residents positioned to build assets

Miller County's favorable housing affordability creates an opportunity for residents to save and invest beyond housing costs. Households should capitalize on this advantage by establishing diversified investment portfolios, contributing to retirement accounts, and considering real estate investment as wealth-building strategies.

Safety in Miller County

via CrimeByCounty

Miller County Reports Unusually High Safety

Miller County currently boasts a perfect safety score of 100.0 with a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100K. This is drastically lower than the national average of 2,385.5. While two agencies report data, such a low figure often reflects either a remarkably peaceful environment or gaps in incident reporting.

Leading the State in Reported Safety

With a safety score of 100.0, Miller County ranks as one of the safest spots in Georgia, far exceeding the state average of 97.8. The reported total crime rate is essentially non-existent compared to the state average of 1,412.9. Residents enjoy a level of security that is rare across the region.

A Statistical Outlier Among Neighbors

Compared to Mitchell County's rate of 1,825.8, Miller County appears exceptionally safe. Even when compared to very safe neighbors like Morgan County (589.9), Miller’s reported rate of 0.0 stands out. This highlights the unique local environment captured by the two reporting agencies.

Zero Reported Violent and Property Crimes

The data shows zero violent and property crimes per 100K residents for the year 2022. While this suggests a high level of safety, it is always wise to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. In practical terms, crime is effectively absent from the official record for this period.

Maintain Vigilance Despite Low Crime

Even in areas with no reported crime, basic security awareness remains a best practice. Keeping doors locked and participating in community groups ensures that Miller County stays as safe as the data suggests. Consistent safety habits are the best defense against any change in local trends.

Soil Quality in Miller County

via SoilByCounty

The Soils of Miller County

Specific taxonomic and pH data for Miller County is currently missing from our records. Like much of the region, local soils often trend towards the acidic side of the national 6.5 pH median. We recommend testing your soil to find your exact pH level.

Assessing Your Soil Texture

Without precise sand and silt percentages available, local composition varies by specific site. We encourage residents to utilize local extension services to identify their specific mineral breakdown. Knowing your texture is key to choosing the right plants.

Gauging Growth Potential

Data for organic matter and water capacity is not currently available for this area. Compare your own soil test results to the Georgia average of 1.83% organic matter to gauge your garden's health. Adding organic amendments is usually a winning strategy here.

Observing Local Hydrology

Information on drainage classes and hydrologic groups is limited for this county. Observing how quickly your yard dries after a summer storm is the best way to understand your land's hydrology. Good drainage is essential for healthy root systems.

Endless Summer in Zone 9a

Miller County enjoys a warm Zone 9a climate, offering one of the longest growing seasons in the state. This environment is ideal for citrus and other frost-sensitive plants that crave the Georgia heat. Start your seedlings early to maximize your harvest.

Lawn Care in Miller County

via LawnByCounty

Coastal Plain Conditions in Miller

While specific lawn difficulty scores for Miller County are unavailable, its Hardiness Zone 9a status indicates a warm, subtropical climate. Homeowners here deal with long, hot summers and very mild winters that keep grass active for most of the year. This environment generally favors warm-season grasses that can tolerate humidity and heat.

A Long and Active Growing Season

Specific local climate data is limited, but Zone 9a typically features a prolonged growing season with minimal frost risk. You should prepare for high evapotranspiration rates, which mean grass loses moisture quickly on hot days. Regular mowing and consistent watering are the keys to managing the rapid growth seen in this part of Georgia.

The Importance of Local Soil Testing

Without specific soil data for Miller County, a local soil test is your most valuable tool for lawn success. Most soils in this region tend toward acidity and may require lime to reach the ideal 6.0-7.0 pH range. Testing will also tell you if your lawn needs phosphorus or potassium to thrive.

Severe Drought Throughout the County

The entire county is currently experiencing severe drought conditions, with 27 weeks of drought over the past year. This persistent dry weather puts extreme stress on turf, making water conservation a top priority for every homeowner. Use smart irrigation controllers or rain gauges to ensure you are only watering when absolutely necessary.

Top Grass Choices for Miller

Bahiagrass or Centipede grass are excellent, low-maintenance options for the heat of Zone 9a. Plan to plant your lawn in early spring once the threat of a rare late frost has passed to allow for maximum establishment. With a little prep and the right species, your lawn can stay green through the long Georgia summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Miller County's county score?
Miller County, Georgia has a composite county score of 51.5 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 Miller County rank among counties in Georgia?
Miller County ranks #50 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 Miller County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Miller County is $1,595, with an effective tax rate of 1.29%. This earns Miller County a tax score of 19.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Miller County?
The median household income in Miller County, Georgia is $51,425 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Miller County earns an income score of 14.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Miller County, Georgia a good place to live?
Miller County scores 51.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #50 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Miller 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 Miller County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

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