countyscore
34.8
County Score
Cost of Living 66.8Weather & 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.

Score breakdown

Tax22Cost66.8Safety25.7Health16.3Schools41.5Income18.3Risk37Water22.7Weather41.6
🏛22
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠66.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡25.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤16.3
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓41.5
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡37
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧22.7
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤41.6
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱25.2
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 →
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Nearby counties

Baker County
Georgia
63.2
Dougherty County
Georgia
29.6
Grady County
Georgia
43.9
Colquitt County
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Thomas County
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Miller County
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Calhoun County
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Deep Dives

Mitchell County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Mitchell County

via CostByCounty

Mitchell stays near national affordability

Mitchell's 17.9% rent-to-income ratio sits slightly below the national norm, offering residents reasonable housing affordability despite a median income of $51,908—30% below the U.S. average. This balanced ratio suggests Mitchell delivers better value than incomes alone suggest.

Below Georgia's affordability threshold

At 17.9%, Mitchell's rent-to-income ratio edges below Georgia's 18.6% state average, positioning the county among the state's more affordable options. This advantage means Mitchell households dedicate slightly less income to housing than typical Georgia residents.

Second-cheapest rents regionally

Mitchell's median rent of $776 is the second-lowest in this eight-county cluster, trailing only Miller County's $699 by just $77 monthly. At $151 below Georgia's state average, Mitchell offers strong value for budget-conscious renters.

Affordable renting and buying options

Renters pay $776 monthly while homeowners spend $732 on properties valued at $105,500—the lowest median home value in the group. Both pathways consume roughly 18% of the $51,908 median income, offering flexibility for households in transition.

Mitchell delivers quiet affordability

Relocating families prioritizing both affordability and lower home prices should explore Mitchell's $776 rents and $105,500 median home values. Compare Mitchell's costs to pricier neighbors like Meriwether ($899 rent) to confirm your budget fit before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Mitchell County

via HealthByCounty

Mitchell's life expectancy lags national standard

At 72.3 years, Mitchell County residents live 4.1 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years. More than one in four residents report poor or fair health at 26.5%—the highest rate in this cohort—revealing serious underlying health burdens.

Below Georgia average but strong mental health resources

Mitchell's 72.3-year life expectancy trails Georgia's 73.3-year average by just 1 year, placing it mid-range statewide. The county's 14.1% uninsured rate is slightly below the state average of 15.0%, yet the 26.5% poor/fair health rate suggests behavioral health support may be filling critical gaps.

Strong mental health capacity amid health challenges

Mitchell's 72.3-year life expectancy sits in the middle of regional peers, between Meriwether (70.8 years) and McIntosh (74.3 years). With 431 mental health providers per 100K—by far the highest in the region—Mitchell has exceptional behavioral health resources, suggesting the county is investing heavily in addressing depression, anxiety, and substance use.

Mental health resources help manage complex care needs

Mitchell's 14.1% uninsured rate is reasonable, but 26.5% reporting poor/fair health suggests many residents grapple with untreated chronic conditions or behavioral health crises. The county's extraordinary 431 mental health providers per 100K indicates aggressive investment in addressing opioid use, depression, and other behavioral drivers of poor health.

Use mental health services and secure coverage

If you're among Mitchell's 14.1% uninsured, visit healthcare.gov or your local health department to find coverage options. With 431 mental health providers per 100K, the county is ready to support your behavioral health—don't miss out on these community resources while seeking insurance.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Mitchell County

via SchoolsByCounty

Diverse School Districts and Charters

Mitchell County features a complex educational landscape with eight public schools spread across three different districts. These include three elementary, two middle, and two high schools, serving a total of 3,581 students. It is one of the few counties in the region to offer a mix of city, county, and state charter options.

Strong Investment and Growing Performance

Mitchell County spends $7,811 per pupil, which is higher than the Georgia state average of $7,405. The graduation rate of 84.9% is approaching the national average of 87.0%. With a school score of 52.6, the county performs nearly on par with the statewide average of 53.4.

A Three-District System with Choice

Education is split between Pelham City (1,387 students), Mitchell County (1,304 students), and the Baconton Community Charter School. The charter school represents 12.5% of the county's schools and is actually the largest single school with 890 students. This variety gives families unique options depending on their location and preference.

Rural Schools with Varying Sizes

Seven of the eight schools are in rural settings, with the largest being the Baconton Community Charter at 890 students. The average school size across the county is 448 students. While some schools like Pelham Elementary are larger (620 students), others like Mitchell County Primary are smaller (366 students), providing different environment scales.

Choosing the Right School District

When buying a home in Mitchell County, the specific district—Pelham City or Mitchell County—will determine your primary school options. Many buyers specifically look for property near the Baconton charter school for its unique K-12 structure. Evaluate these district boundaries carefully as you browse local real estate listings.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Mitchell County

via RiskByCounty

Mitchell faces above-average natural hazards

Mitchell County scores 63.04 on the composite risk scale, earning a Relatively Low rating but exceeding the national average. Your county experiences notably higher exposure to natural disasters than typical U.S. communities.

Higher risk than most Georgia counties

Mitchell's score of 63.04 significantly exceeds Georgia's state average of 39.49, placing it in the state's upper-risk tier. This south-central Georgia county faces distinctly elevated hazard exposure compared to most peers.

Highest risk among nearby counties

Mitchell County (63.04) exceeds all nearby competitors—only McIntosh (66.57) scores higher statewide, while Miller (20.80), Meriwether (19.21), and Monroe (18.70) sit far below. Your county's elevated risk stands out in its immediate region.

Tornadoes and hurricanes dominate threats

Tornado risk (81.65) and hurricane risk (89.82) are your dominant concerns, with tornado risk ranking among Georgia's highest. Wildfire risk (56.08) and flood risk (52.83) contribute to a multi-hazard vulnerability typical of rural south Georgia.

Comprehensive storm protection essential

Your 81.65 tornado score demands reliable homeowners coverage with verified wind/storm protection, while the 89.82 hurricane score requires separate wind or hurricane policy review. Flood insurance becomes important if you're within a high-hazard flood zone given your 52.83 flood risk score.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mitchell County's county score?
Mitchell County, Georgia has a composite county score of 34.8 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 #141 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 $1,347, with an effective tax rate of 1.28%. This earns Mitchell County a tax score of 22/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Mitchell County?
The median household income in Mitchell County, Georgia is $51,908 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Mitchell County earns an income score of 18.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Mitchell County, Georgia a good place to live?
Mitchell County scores 34.8/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #141 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.

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.