countyscore
54.3
County Score
Safety 97.5Cost of Living 86.8Water Quality 86

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.

Score breakdown

Tax17.8Cost86.8Safety97.5Health11.9Schools30Income34Risk79.2Water86Weather35.8
🏛17.8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠86.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼34
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡97.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤11.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓30
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡79.2
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤35.8
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱
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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Explore this county

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Nearby counties

Early County
Georgia
43.5
Baker County
Georgia
63.2
Seminole County
Georgia
45.5
Decatur County
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Calhoun County
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Mitchell County
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Houston County
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Henry County
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Deep Dives

Miller County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Miller County

via CostByCounty

Miller County offers exceptional affordability

Miller's 14.4% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this eight-county group and well below the national average, making it a housing bargain. With a median income of $58,407 and rent of just $699 monthly, residents enjoy the strongest affordability cushion here.

Georgia's most affordable option

At 14.4%, Miller County's rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Georgia's state average of 18.6%, making it among the state's most affordable counties. This advantage makes Miller attractive to cost-conscious renters statewide.

Cheapest rents in the region

Miller's median rent of $699 is the lowest across all eight counties and $228 below Georgia's state average of $927. Only Montgomery County ($732) comes close, confirming Miller's status as the regional affordability leader.

Ownership even cheaper than renting

Remarkably, homeowners pay just $570 monthly compared to renters' $699, making purchase more affordable than rental in Miller County. On a median home value of $118,300 and income of $58,407, both pathways consume minimal household budgets—a rare advantage.

Miller County: Georgia's value destination

If housing affordability is your relocation priority, Miller County delivers unmatched value with the region's lowest rents and ownership costs. Verify that remote or local employment opportunities align with your career goals, as this rare affordability gem deserves serious consideration.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Miller County

via HealthByCounty

Miller faces critical life expectancy crisis

At 67.3 years, Miller County residents live nearly 9 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years—the steepest gap in this region. One in four residents report poor or fair health at 25.3%, the highest rate regionally, indicating a public health emergency.

Georgia's lowest life expectancy county examined

Miller's 67.3-year life expectancy is 6 years below Georgia's 73.3-year average, making it one of the state's most challenged counties. The 13.8% uninsured rate is below state average, yet health outcomes remain dire—suggesting non-coverage factors like poverty and chronic disease drive the crisis.

Critical gap separates Miller from peers

Miller's 67.3-year life expectancy stands alone at the bottom of the region, nearly 8 years behind Morgan (75.8 years). With 51 primary care providers per 100K and critically low mental health support at just 17 per 100K, Miller has neither adequate primary care nor behavioral health capacity to address its population's needs.

Healthcare crisis demands urgent intervention

Miller's health crisis extends beyond insurance: while 13.8% uninsured is manageable, the county has virtually no mental health providers at 17 per 100K and faces one in four residents in poor health. Residents urgently need access to chronic disease management, addiction treatment, and behavioral health services.

Get insured and seek comprehensive care

Miller residents must secure health coverage as a first step: even at 13.8% uninsured, the county's health crisis demands that everyone with access to Medicaid or Marketplace plans enroll immediately. Contact your health department about local health centers and mental health services—these resources are critical for your family's survival.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Miller County

via SchoolsByCounty

Education in a Small Rural County

Miller County maintains a simple school landscape with three facilities: one elementary, one middle, and one high school. The entire system serves just 735 students, making it one of the smaller student populations in the region. All schools are managed under a single county-wide district.

Graduation Rates and Per-Pupil Spending

Miller County's graduation rate is 82.0%, trailing the state average of 88.1% but nearing the national median for performance. The county spends $7,263 per pupil, which is slightly under the Georgia state average of $7,405. The composite school score of 49.9 indicates that the county is performing right at the national median.

A Unified School District Approach

The Miller County School District provides all public education for the 735 students in the area. There are no charter schools, keeping the community's focus and resources within the traditional public school system. This structure ensures students stay with the same peer group from kindergarten through high school graduation.

Small, Rural Learning Environments

All three schools in Miller County are classified as rural, reflecting the county's agrarian character. The average school size is quite small at 245 students. Miller County Elementary is the largest school with 331 students, while Miller County Middle is the smallest with only 156 students.

Housing Options in Miller County

Living in Miller County means being part of a tight-knit school community where everyone knows their neighbors. Many families choose homes centrally located to the primary and secondary schools in Colquitt. Consider the benefits of a small-scale school environment when searching for your next property.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Miller County

via RiskByCounty

Miller's risk profile is exceptionally low

Miller County scores 20.80 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it well below the national average. Your county ranks among America's safest communities for natural disaster exposure.

Among Georgia's lowest-risk counties

Miller's composite score of 20.80 represents less than half of Georgia's state average of 39.49. This rural southwest Georgia county sits firmly in the state's safest tier overall.

Similar to surrounding rural counties

Miller County (20.80) clusters with Meriwether (19.21), Monroe (18.70), and Morgan (19.37) in Georgia's safest group. These inland, rural counties share comparable low-threat profiles across all major hazards.

Hurricane and wildfire risks elevated most

Hurricane risk (82.94) stands remarkably high for an inland county, though flood risk (17.49) remains your lowest concern. Tornado (39.31) and wildfire (36.04) risks round out a profile unusual for its inland location but still low overall.

Standard coverage with flood awareness

Homeowners insurance provides solid protection for Miller County's modest tornado and weather risks, though the elevated hurricane risk score warrants confirming wind coverage. Flood insurance is advisable only if your property sits in a designated flood zone.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Miller County's county score?
Miller County, Georgia has a composite county score of 54.3 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 #38 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 $1,640, with an effective tax rate of 1.39%. This earns Miller County a tax score of 17.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Miller County?
The median household income in Miller County, Georgia is $58,407 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Miller County earns an income score of 34/100 on CountyScore.
Is Miller County, Georgia a good place to live?
Miller County scores 54.3/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #38 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.

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.