countyscore
35.5
County Score
Cost of Living 71.1Weather & Climate 41.6Schools 41.5

County Report Card

About Mitchell County, Georgia

Below the national livability curve

Mitchell County struggles with a composite score of 34.8, well under the national median of 50.0. This suggests significant hurdles in creating a high-quality living environment compared to the U.S. average.

Ranks lower than Georgia peers

The county's 34.8 score is nearly 12 points below the Georgia state average of 46.7. It faces a steeper climb than most of its neighbors to improve community outcomes.

Affordable housing and solid schools

Housing remains the county's strongest suit with a cost score of 66.8 and a median home value of $105,500. The school system also provides a foundation for growth with a score of 41.5.

Health and economic barriers

The county faces multi-dimensional challenges, including a health score of 16.3 and an income score of 18.3. Safety and tax scores are also low at 25.7 and 22.0, respectively.

A choice for ultra-low costs

Mitchell is best for individuals whose primary driver is minimizing housing expenses above all else. It requires a resident who is self-sufficient regarding health and personal security.

2040608010017.871.125.716.341.5273722.741.6Tax17.8Cost71.1Safety25.7Health16.3Schools41.5Income27Risk37Water22.7Weather41.635.5/100
This county
National avg
1 above average8 below average

Mitchell County DNA

Foverall

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

Mitchell County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Water Quality (22.7/100), though Cost of Living (71.1/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17.8-34.2
Cost
71.1+23.099999999999994
Safety
25.7-29.3
Health
16.3-33.7
Schools
41.5-12.5
Income
27-24
Risk
37-10
Water
22.7-35.3
Weather
41.6-14.399999999999999
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Mitchell County?

Many homeowners in Mitchell 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

$106,000

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$797/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$106,000/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$31,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $57,613/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

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

Deep Dives

Mitchell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Mitchell County

via TaxByCounty

Mitchell taxes: elevated for small-value homes

Mitchell County's effective tax rate of 1.277% sits well above the national median, making it one of Georgia's pricier-taxing counties. At $1,347 annually, Mitchell homeowners pay roughly half the national median tax despite homes valued far below national norms.

Upper-tier taxes in Georgia

Mitchell's 1.277% effective rate ranks in Georgia's top tier, substantially exceeding the state average of 0.898%. The county's median property tax of $1,347 falls slightly below the state median, but the rate burden is notably heavier.

Higher-taxing than most regional peers

Mitchell's 1.277% rate exceeds McIntosh (0.753%), Monroe (0.686%), and McDuffie (0.849%), positioning it as a higher-tax jurisdiction regionally. Only Miller County (1.386%) surpasses Mitchell in regional tax burden.

What a $106k home costs annually

The median Mitchell County home valued at $105,500 generates approximately $1,347 in annual property taxes. With mortgage-related fees, annual costs reach $1,733, while outright owners pay closer to $952.

Appeals pay off in high-rate counties

Mitchell County's above-average tax rate amplifies the cost of overassessment—making appeals potentially worth hundreds annually. Review your assessment against recent comparable sales; if values don't align, file an appeal with Mitchell County's assessor.

Income & Jobs in Mitchell County

via IncomeByCounty

Mitchell lags national income significantly

Mitchell County's median household income of $51,908 falls $22,847 short of the U.S. median of $74,755. Residents earn approximately 69% of typical American household income.

Below Georgia's county average

Mitchell County ranks below Georgia's state median household income of $60,488, falling short by $8,580. The county's per capita income of $25,820 also lags the state average of $31,115, indicating lower individual earning power.

Among the lowest-earning regional peers

Mitchell County's $51,908 median income places it among the lower tier of regional counties, comparable only to Montgomery County ($51,188). The county trails McIntosh ($50,348), Meriwether ($56,458), and McDuffie ($54,058).

Favorable rental affordability offset by income constraints

Mitchell County's rent-to-income ratio of 17.9% indicates strong rental affordability relative to household earnings. However, the median home value of $105,500 requires substantial saving, and lower overall income limits household financial flexibility.

Building financial stability in Mitchell County

Mitchell County households should prioritize establishing stable emergency savings and minimizing high-interest debt before pursuing major purchases. Exploring workforce development, skills training, and local economic opportunities can help increase household earnings and enable long-term wealth building.

Safety in Mitchell County

via CrimeByCounty

Mitchell County Trails National Safety Benchmarks

Mitchell County maintains a safety score of 97.1, with a total crime rate of 1,825.8 per 100K. While this rate is lower than the national average of 2,385.5, it indicates a higher frequency of incidents than many surrounding counties. Five agencies coordinate to provide this data, ensuring a clear picture of local public safety.

Below the Georgia Safety Average

The county's safety score of 97.1 is slightly lower than the Georgia state average of 97.8. Additionally, its total crime rate of 1,825.8 exceeds the state average of 1,412.9. Local leaders are tasked with addressing these figures to bring the county in line with statewide safety trends.

Comparing Crime Rates with Neighbors

Mitchell County has a significantly higher crime rate than Morgan County, which reports only 589.9 per 100K. It also trails McDuffie County's impressive rate of 828.9. The data suggests that Mitchell faces more property crime challenges than many of its regional counterparts.

Property Crime Drives Local Statistics

Violent crime in Mitchell is relatively low at 166.4 per 100K, well below the national average of 369.8. However, property crime is much more prevalent, reaching 1,659.4 per 100K. This means residents are far more likely to experience theft or burglary than physical harm.

Secure Your Property Effectively

Given the high proportion of property crime, residents should prioritize home security systems and visible deterrents. Motion lights and reinforced entry points can effectively discourage opportunistic criminals. Community vigilance is key to lowering the local property crime rate.

Weather & Climate in Mitchell County

via WeatherByCounty

Subtropical Heat in Southern Georgia

Mitchell County averages a warm 66.0°F annually, significantly exceeding the national median temperature. This humid subtropical climate stays active year-round with no recorded annual snowfall.

Warmer Than the State Average

At 66.0°F, Mitchell is notably warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F. It ranks among the warmer southern tier counties in the state.

A Typical Southern Georgia Climate

Mitchell experiences slightly more precipitation than the state average, recording 51.6 inches of rain annually. It shares the intense heat of its southern Georgia neighbors but avoids the winter chill of the northern highlands.

Long Summers and Snowless Winters

Summers are intense with 64 days per year topping 90°F and a July average of 81.1°F. Winters stay mild, featuring a January average of 49.0°F and zero inches of snow.

Prepare for Extreme Summer Heat

High-efficiency HVAC systems are a necessity to manage 64 extreme heat days each year. Outdoor activities require careful planning during the 80.2°F summer months to avoid peak afternoon heat.

Soil Quality in Mitchell County

via SoilByCounty

Identifying Mitchell's Ground

Mitchell County’s dominant soil orders and pH levels are not currently detailed in the available dataset. Most soils in this part of Georgia require monitoring to reach the ideal 6.5 national pH median. A simple soil test can clarify your land's specific needs.

The Mineral Foundation

Precise mineral measurements for sand and clay are currently unavailable for this county. Site-specific testing is the best way to determine if your soil is more sandy or clay-heavy. This knowledge helps you manage irrigation and nutrient applications.

Cultivating Healthy Soils

Organic matter and water capacity benchmarks are missing for this specific area. Use the state average of 1.83% organic matter as a target when amending your local garden soil. Increasing organic content will improve both drainage and fertility.

Understanding Local Water

We lack specific data on drainage classes and hydrologic groups for Mitchell County. Builders and farmers should perform percolation tests to understand how water moves through their specific parcels. Managing runoff is critical for maintaining soil health.

Tropical Potential in Zone 9a

The Zone 9a climate provides a tropical touch to local gardening efforts. With a nearly year-round growing window, you can experiment with everything from winter greens to summer melons. Your climate is one of the most productive in the country.

Lawn Care in Mitchell County

via LawnByCounty

Challenging Conditions in Mitchell County

Mitchell County has a lawn difficulty score of 25.2, which is significantly harder than the state average of 35.8. The county lies in Zone 9a, meaning your lawn must be built to survive high heat and intense sunshine.

Heat Stress and High Rainfall

The county sees 64 extreme heat days and receive 51.6 inches of rain annually, which is slightly above the ideal range. With 6,228 growing degree days, your grass will grow vigorously from March through November. The last spring frost usually hits by March 10, giving you a very early start to the maintenance season.

Preparing Your Site for Growth

Specific soil data for Mitchell County is currently limited, so you should perform a home soil test before planting. This will help you determine if you need to add organic matter or lime to support your chosen grass type. Healthy soil is the best defense against the heavy heat and rainfall typical of this region.

Persistent Drought Pressures Lawns

The county has spent 32 weeks in drought over the last year, and 100.0% of the area is currently in severe drought. These conditions require proactive water management to prevent permanent turf damage. Consider installing a drip irrigation system or using drought-tolerant grass varieties to minimize water waste.

Seize the Long Mitchell Growing Season

St. Augustine and Bermuda grass are highly recommended for the warmth and light of Zone 9a. Since the first fall frost isn't until November 18, you have a massive window for your grass to establish itself. Start your planting in early spring to take advantage of the long, productive growing months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mitchell County's county score?
Mitchell County, Georgia has a composite county score of 35.5 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 Mitchell County rank among counties in Georgia?
Mitchell County ranks #139 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 Mitchell County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Mitchell County is $1,402, with an effective tax rate of 1.32%. This earns Mitchell County a tax score of 17.8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mitchell County?
The median household income in Mitchell County, Georgia is $57,613 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mitchell County earns an income score of 27/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mitchell County, Georgia a good place to live?
Mitchell County scores 35.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #139 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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.