countyscore
57.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 86.7Water Quality 86Disaster Risk 81.3

County Report Card

About Monroe County, Georgia

Outperforming the national average

Monroe County earns an impressive composite score of 57.7, far exceeding the national median of 50.0. This puts the county in an elite tier of livability within the United States.

One of Georgia's strongest counties

Monroe significantly beats the Georgia average of 46.7. It represents one of the most balanced and high-performing counties in the state.

High incomes and low taxes

The county excels with an income score of 86.7, driven by a strong median household income of $82,863. Residents also enjoy a very low effective tax rate of 0.686%, contributing to a tax score of 64.6.

Higher costs and health gaps

The cost score of 34.8 reflects higher home values, which reach a median of $243,200. Health is the one moderate weak spot with a score of 40.4, suggesting room for better medical access.

Perfect for upwardly mobile families

Monroe is an excellent fit for high-earning professionals looking for low taxes and great schools. It offers a premium Georgia lifestyle for those who can afford the higher housing entry point.

Score breakdown

Tax64.6Cost34.8Safety71.5Health40.4Schools62.9Income86.7Risk81.3Water86Weather36.4
🏛64.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠34.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼86.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡71.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤40.4
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓62.9
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡81.3
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤36.4
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨14.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱40.3
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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Counties with similar scores

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Lincoln County
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Nemaha County
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Alfalfa County
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Baylor County
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Glasscock County
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Nearby counties

Lamar County
Georgia
44.5
Bibb County
Georgia
21.6
Crawford County
Georgia
46.1
Jones County
Georgia
48.9
Butts County
Georgia
45.8
Upson County
Georgia
47.1
Jasper County
Georgia
47.2
Pike County
Georgia
49.3

Deep Dives

Monroe County across the ByCounty Network

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

Property Tax in Monroe County

via TaxByCounty

Monroe taxes: Georgia's most efficient rate

Monroe County boasts Georgia's lowest effective tax rate at 0.686%, sitting well below the national median. Despite hosting the region's priciest homes, Monroe residents pay $1,669 annually—reasonable given their property values.

The state's lightest tax burden

Monroe's 0.686% effective rate is Georgia's lowest, undercutting the state average of 0.898% by more than 20%. This makes Monroe an exceptional value for homeowners seeking lower tax exposure on valuable properties.

Unmatched tax efficiency regionally

Monroe's 0.686% rate bests every surrounding county—including McIntosh (0.753%), McDuffie (0.849%), and all others. This unique tax advantage helps explain Monroe's appeal to affluent homebuyers throughout the region.

What a $243k home costs annually

The median Monroe County home valued at $243,200 carries just $1,669 in annual property taxes—an extraordinary bargain for such upscale properties. With mortgage costs included, homeowners pay $2,081 yearly, offering excellent value.

Even low rates warrant assessment checks

Monroe's tax efficiency doesn't exempt residents from overassessment—particularly if recent renovations or market shifts altered your home's value. Annual assessment reviews help ensure you're paying fairly, even in favorable tax climates.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Monroe County

via CostByCounty

Monroe's higher income eases housing burden

Monroe County's 12.8% rent-to-income ratio is the lowest in this eight-county group and well below the national average, driven by a median income of $82,863—11% above the U.S. average of $74,755. This affluent position makes housing costs feel manageable despite higher absolute prices.

Exceptional affordability for Georgia

At 12.8%, Monroe's rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Georgia's 18.6% state average, making it the most affordable county in this cohort. Higher local incomes create the state's strongest housing affordability cushion.

Premium prices, premium incomes

Monroe's median rent of $881 ranks third-highest in the region, but the median home value of $243,200 is second-highest, reflecting a wealthier demographic. Compared to Miller County's $699 rent, Monroe costs more absolutely but strains budgets less due to higher resident incomes.

Ownership premium reflects local wealth

Renters spend $881 monthly while homeowners invest $1,084—the highest ownership cost in the group—on median properties worth $243,200. Despite these elevated numbers, the 12.8% rent-to-income ratio shows Monroe residents absorb housing costs comfortably.

Monroe for affluent relocators seeking value

If your household income exceeds $82,000 and you value premium housing in a prosperous community, Monroe delivers affordable luxury. Verify local employment opportunities match your career trajectory, as the county's affluence reflects strong economic fundamentals worth investigating.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Monroe County

via IncomeByCounty

Monroe outpaces nation on household income

Monroe County's median household income of $82,863 exceeds the U.S. median of $74,755 by $8,108. Residents earn approximately 111% of typical American household income, placing the county well above national norms.

Tops Georgia's state median considerably

Monroe County's median household income of $82,863 significantly exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $22,375. The county's per capita income of $43,106 also dominates the state average of $31,115, indicating strong, well-distributed earnings.

Regional income leader with Morgan County

Monroe County's $82,863 median income ranks it among the highest in the region, though Morgan County edges ahead at $85,692. Both counties dramatically outperform the lower-income rural peers like Mitchell ($51,908) and Montgomery ($51,188).

Excellent housing affordability and strong purchasing power

Monroe County's rent-to-income ratio of 12.8% is significantly below the 28% affordability threshold, indicating excellent rental affordability. The median home value of $243,200 is higher but remains accessible given strong household incomes.

Monroe County wealth-building opportunities abound

Monroe County residents enjoy strong financial flexibility to invest in retirement accounts, educational savings, and diversified investment portfolios. The county's above-average income and affordable housing position households to aggressively build wealth through strategic homeownership, stock market investing, and business ownership opportunities.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Monroe County

via CrimeByCounty

Monroe County is Significantly Safer than Average

Monroe County enjoys a safety score of 98.9, placing it well ahead of national safety norms. Its total crime rate of 682.3 per 100K is less than one-third of the national average of 2,385.5. Four reporting agencies contribute to these remarkably positive public safety statistics.

Exceeding Georgia's Safety Standards

Monroe County’s safety score of 98.9 beats the Georgia state average of 97.8 by a healthy margin. Its crime rate of 682.3 is also far superior to the state average of 1,412.9. These numbers establish Monroe as a leader for public safety within the state.

Leading the Region in Low Crime

Monroe County outperforms nearly all its neighbors, with a crime rate of 682.3 compared to Mitchell’s 1,825.8. It is also safer than McDuffie County, which reports a rate of 828.9. This low frequency of crime makes Monroe one of the most secure counties in the surrounding area.

Minimal Violent Crime Reported

The county's violent crime rate is remarkably low at 70.7 per 100K, compared to the national average of 369.8. Property crime stands at 611.6 per 100K, which is also a fraction of the national property crime rate. These figures indicate a peaceful community where both residents and property are well-protected.

Keeping Your Home Safe and Secure

Even with such low crime rates, basic property protection helps ensure Monroe County remains a safe place to live. Simple actions like locking vehicles and installing outdoor lighting can prevent the few property crimes that do occur. Staying informed through local law enforcement updates also helps maintain this secure environment.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Monroe County

via HealthByCounty

Monroe ranks among Georgia's healthiest counties

At 74.5 years, Monroe County's life expectancy is just 1.9 years below the U.S. average of 76.4 years and the second-highest in this region. With only 19.0% reporting poor/fair health—the lowest rate among these eight counties—Monroe demonstrates strong overall population health.

Above Georgia average on every major metric

Monroe's 74.5-year life expectancy exceeds Georgia's 73.3-year average, and its 12.4% uninsured rate beats the state average of 15.0%. The county ranks in the top tier statewide for both longevity and coverage, making it a health success story within Georgia.

Among regional leaders in health outcomes

Monroe's 74.5-year life expectancy and 19.0% poor/fair health rate rank second only to Morgan (75.8 years, 15.3%) in this region. With 52 primary care providers per 100K, Monroe offers solid access to routine care, suggesting effective health maintenance systems are in place.

Strong coverage and accessible primary care

Monroe's 12.4% uninsured rate is the lowest in this cohort, and its 52 primary care providers per 100K gives residents solid access to preventive care and chronic disease management. The combination of coverage and provider capacity appears to be supporting Monroe's above-average health outcomes.

Keep momentum going with continuous coverage

Monroe's success stems in part from low uninsured rates—if you're among the 12.4% without coverage, don't wait to enroll in a Marketplace plan or Medicaid. With strong primary care access already in place, securing insurance ensures you'll benefit fully from Monroe's health resources.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Monroe County

via SchoolsByCounty

High-Capacity Schooling in Monroe

Monroe County hosts six public schools, including three elementary, one middle, and two high schools. These facilities support a robust student population of 4,595 students. The county is primarily served by one large district, with a secondary specialized district for state services.

Exceeding State Averages in Success

Monroe County excels with a 92.0% graduation rate, well above the state average of 88.1% and the national average of 87.0%. The county's school score of 56.3 also beats the Georgia average of 53.4. This success is supported by an above-average per-pupil expenditure of $7,785.

The Monroe County School District

The Monroe County School District is the dominant provider, educating 4,511 students across five major campuses. While there are no charter schools, the county does include a small specialized district under the Department of Corrections serving 84 students. For most families, the traditional county system provides the comprehensive path for education.

Large Schools in Rural and Town Settings

With four rural schools and two in town settings, the county offers a mix of environments. Monroe County schools are relatively large, averaging 766 students per campus. Mary Persons High School is the largest with 1,287 students, while even the smallest primary school, Katherine B. Sutton, serves nearly 700 students.

Investing in a High-Performing District

Strong academic scores and high graduation rates make Monroe County a top choice for regional homebuyers. Homes near Mary Persons High or the well-regarded elementary schools are often in high demand. Use these performance metrics to guide your search for a family home in this thriving area.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Monroe County

via RiskByCounty

Monroe ranks among America's safest

Monroe County scores 18.70 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and sitting significantly below the national average. Your community experiences substantially fewer natural disaster threats than most U.S. counties.

Well below Georgia's average risk

Monroe's score of 18.70 represents less than half of Georgia's state average of 39.49, making it one of the state's safest counties. This central Georgia region enjoys notably low exposure across nearly all hazard categories.

Safest in a low-risk cluster

Monroe County (18.70) sits alongside Meriwether (19.21) and Morgan (19.37) in the region's safest tier, while nearby McDuffie (24.97) and Miller (20.80) remain comparably safe. All five counties cluster in the Very Low category.

Hurricane and wildfire risks most notable

Hurricane risk (64.25) and wildfire risk (53.37) represent your highest scores, though both remain modest in absolute terms. Tornado risk (42.08) and flood risk (31.97) complete a balanced, low-threat profile.

Standard coverage with seasonal preparation

Basic homeowners insurance provides adequate protection for Monroe's low-risk environment, with standard wind and tornado coverage sufficient for your profile. Verify flood coverage only if your property sits in a mapped floodplain; otherwise, seasonal storm preparation suffices.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Soil Quality in Monroe County

via SoilByCounty

Slightly Less Acidic Monroe Soils

Monroe County soils have an average pH of 5.38, placing them slightly above the Georgia average of 5.26. This is still more acidic than the national median of 6.5, which usually requires lime for most crops. Understanding this acidity is the first step toward peak productivity.

Sandy Profiles in Monroe

The mix is 60.4% sand and 16.7% clay, creating a fairly light soil profile. This high sand content helps with aeration and prevents compaction, though it can lead to faster nutrient leaching. Regular fertilizing may be necessary to keep plants healthy.

Above Average Water Storage

Organic matter is lower than the state average at 1.20% compared to 1.83%. However, the water capacity of 0.116 in/in is just above the state average, providing a reliable moisture reservoir for crops. This helps your garden stay resilient during Georgia's dry spells.

Monitoring Surface Hydrology

Specific drainage classes and hydrologic groups are not listed in the current data. Given the sand-heavy composition, residents should watch for areas where water might drain away too quickly. Ensuring consistent moisture is key to successful growing.

Gardening Success in Zone 8b

Monroe County sits in Zone 8b, supporting a vast array of Southern favorites. Your soil's good water capacity makes it a great home for blueberries and other moisture-loving perennials. Take advantage of the long season to grow your own fresh produce.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Monroe County

via LawnByCounty

Average Growing Ease in Monroe

Monroe County’s lawn difficulty score of 40.3 is better than the Georgia average of 35.8, making it one of the easier spots in the state for turf. Located in Hardiness Zone 8b, it provides a hospitable climate for most southern grass varieties.

Transition Zone Weather Patterns

As a Zone 8b county, Monroe experiences a mix of hot summers and occasional freezing nights in winter. While specific precipitation data is not available, the regional climate generally supports active growth from late spring through early fall. You should monitor local weather closely to adjust your mowing and watering as the seasons shift.

Balancing Acidic Soil for Turf

The soil in Monroe County is acidic with a pH of 5.38, while lawns prefer a more neutral range between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil composition is 60.4% sand and 16.7% clay, which helps with drainage but may lose nutrients quickly. Regular lime applications and fertilization will be necessary to keep your lawn looking its best.

Managing Moderate Drought Stress

Currently, 45.5% of the county is experiencing severe drought, and there have been 23 weeks of drought over the past year. This moderate pressure means you should prioritize efficient watering to keep the roots hydrated without over-saturating. Grouping your watering into two deep sessions per week is usually more effective than light daily sprinkling.

Ready for a Lush Monroe Lawn

Centipede grass is a great choice for this county because it tolerates acidic soils better than many other species. Plan to seed or sod in mid-to-late spring to ensure the ground is warm enough for rapid root development. Your slightly easier-than-average score means a beautiful lawn is well within reach.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Monroe County's county score?
Monroe County, Georgia has a composite county score of 57.7 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 Monroe County rank among counties in Georgia?
Monroe County ranks #18 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 Monroe County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Monroe County is $1,669, with an effective tax rate of 0.69%. This earns Monroe County a tax score of 64.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Monroe County?
The median household income in Monroe County, Georgia is $82,863 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Monroe County earns an income score of 86.7/100 on CountyScore.
Is Monroe County, Georgia a good place to live?
Monroe County scores 57.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #18 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Monroe 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 Monroe 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.