countyscore
55.7
County Score
Income & Jobs 89.1Disaster Risk 80.7Safety 75.3

County Report Card

About Morgan County, Georgia

Well above the national median

Morgan County earns a strong composite score of 55.7, placing it comfortably above the national median of 50.0. This high score reflects an excellent overall quality of life.

A premier Georgia destination

Morgan County easily outperforms the Georgia state average of 46.7. It is one of the more desirable rural-residential counties in the state.

High incomes and personal safety

The county boasts a superior income score of 89.1, with a median household income of $85,692. A safety score of 75.3 and a risk score of 80.7 make it one of the most secure places to live.

Low affordability and water issues

The cost of living is high, with a cost score of 19.7 and median home values of $323,100. Water infrastructure also scores low at 21.4, which is a notable outlier in an otherwise strong profile.

Best for affluent professionals

Morgan County is ideal for high-income families seeking a safe, low-tax environment with high-performing schools. It is a premium choice for those who can afford the higher cost of entry for real estate.

2040608010058.519.775.354.364.389.180.721.460.6Tax58.5Cost19.7Safety75.3Health54.3Schools64.3Income89.1Risk80.7Water21.4Weather60.655.7/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Morgan County DNA

Foverall

How Morgan County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Morgan County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Income (89.1/100) but notably weak in Water Quality (21.4/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
58.5
Cost
19.7-28.3
Safety
75.3+20.299999999999997
Health
54.3
Schools
64.3+10.299999999999997
Income
89.1+38.099999999999994
Risk
80.7+33.7
Water
21.4-36.6
Weather
60.6
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$323,100

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,090/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$323,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$43,600/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.8x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $85,692/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

4.9

per 100K

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

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Oconee County
Georgia
54.7
Walton County
Georgia
45.8
Greene County
Georgia
51.1
Newton County
Georgia
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Jasper County
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Putnam County
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Clarke County
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Barrow County
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Deep Dives

Morgan County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Morgan County

via TaxByCounty

Morgan taxes: light rate on upscale homes

Morgan County's effective tax rate of 0.743% ranks among Georgia's lowest, sitting well below the national median. Despite the highest median home values in this dataset ($323,100), Morgan residents pay $2,399 annually—reasonable for such expensive properties.

Among Georgia's most tax-efficient counties

Morgan's 0.743% effective rate ranks in Georgia's lowest tier, undercutting the state average of 0.898% significantly. The county's $2,399 median property tax reflects affluent properties rather than an elevated tax burden.

Competitive advantage over peer counties

Morgan's 0.743% rate rivals Monroe (0.686%) as the region's lowest, far outpacing McDuffie (0.849%), Meriwether (0.931%), and Miller (1.386%). This efficiency makes Morgan appealing to wealth-conscious homebuyers.

What a $323k home costs annually

The median Morgan County home valued at $323,100—the highest in this analysis—carries just $2,399 in annual property taxes. With mortgage fees, total annual costs reach $2,425, offering remarkable tax efficiency on premium properties.

High-value homes deserve careful review

On expensive properties, even small assessment errors cascade into significant annual costs. Morgan County residents with upscale homes should carefully verify assessments against recent comparable sales; if values are inflated, an appeal could save hundreds yearly.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Morgan County

via CostByCounty

Morgan's wealth cushions housing costs

Morgan County's 15.3% rent-to-income ratio sits well below the national average, supported by a median income of $85,692—15% above the U.S. average of $74,755. Despite housing costs of $1,090 rent and $1,202 ownership, Morgan residents carry the lightest burden in this group.

Georgia's most affluent housing market

At 15.3%, Morgan's rent-to-income ratio ranks second-best in this eight-county cohort and significantly below Georgia's 18.6% state average. The county's elevated income base transforms high absolute housing costs into manageable percentages.

Highest-priced housing in the region

Morgan's median home value of $323,100 and $1,090 median rent are the highest across all eight counties, alongside its $85,692 median income. This premium positioning reflects Morgan's status as the region's most prosperous community.

Premium costs for premium incomes

Renters spend $1,090 monthly while homeowners invest $1,202 on properties worth $323,100—the county's highest housing costs. Yet both consume roughly 15% of the $85,692 median income, showing affluent residents absorb premium prices easily.

Morgan County: Georgia's luxury option

High-earning relocators seeking excellent schools, premium amenities, and manageable housing burdens should prioritize Morgan County's $323,100 median home values and $85,692+ income environment. Confirm your earning potential matches local norms, as Morgan's affordability advantage depends entirely on household income alignment.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Morgan County

via IncomeByCounty

Morgan income exceeds U.S. median significantly

Morgan County's median household income of $85,692 surpasses the U.S. median of $74,755 by $10,937. Residents earn approximately 115% of typical American household income, placing the county among the nation's stronger-earning regions.

Georgia's highest-earning county in this group

Morgan County's median household income of $85,692 exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by $25,204. The county's per capita income of $40,661 dominates the state average of $31,115, demonstrating exceptional earning power.

Regional income champion by clear margin

Morgan County's $85,692 median income edges out Monroe County ($82,863) to lead the region by a significant margin. The county outperforms all other peers by at least $4,800, establishing it as the economic powerhouse of the area.

Superior housing affordability with strong purchasing power

Morgan County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% is excellent, placing housing costs well below the 28% affordability threshold. The median home value of $323,100 is the region's highest but highly accessible given exceptional household income levels.

Morgan County positioned for aggressive wealth building

Morgan County's above-average income and strong housing affordability enable residents to aggressively invest in retirement, college savings, and diversified portfolios. Households should maximize employer retirement plans, consider real estate investments, and work with financial advisors to optimize tax strategies and long-term wealth accumulation.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Morgan County

via CrimeByCounty

Morgan County Ranks Among the Safest Nationally

Morgan County boasts an exceptional safety score of 99.1, underpinned by a total crime rate of 589.9 per 100K. This rate is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Three reporting agencies contribute data that paints a picture of a very secure community.

A Model of Safety in Georgia

With a safety score of 99.1, Morgan County is one of the top-performing counties in Georgia, well above the state average of 97.8. Its crime rate of 589.9 per 100K is also significantly better than the state average of 1,412.9. These numbers make Morgan a highly desirable place for those prioritizing security.

Outperforming Regional Neighbors in Safety

Morgan County is considerably safer than Mitchell County, which has a crime rate of 1,825.8. It even beats out the very safe Monroe County, which has a rate of 682.3. The local focus on public safety clearly pays off, keeping crime rates well below those of surrounding areas.

Remarkably Low Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime in Morgan County is just 54.5 per 100K, a small fraction of the 369.8 national average. Property crime is also very low at 535.4 per 100K. These figures indicate that residents are very unlikely to experience either violent or property-related incidents.

Maintain Your High Safety Standards

While Morgan County is incredibly safe, continuing to practice basic security habits ensures it stays that way. Simple measures like locking doors and being aware of unusual activity in your neighborhood go a long way. Community engagement remains the best tool for preserving this excellent safety record.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Morgan County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Highly Rated Town-Based System

Morgan County features four public schools: two elementary, one middle, and one high school. These schools serve a total enrollment of 3,514 students. The entire system is housed within a single district, focusing resources on a high-performing student body.

Excellence in Academic Outcomes

Morgan County's 92.0% graduation rate is significantly higher than the state average of 88.1%. This performance is backed by a per-pupil expenditure of $7,906, which exceeds the state average by $500. The county's school score of 56.5 reflects its status as a top-performing district in Georgia.

Stability in the Morgan County District

The Morgan County School District serves all 3,514 students in the county with no charter schools present. This single-district model provides a stable and predictable educational path for local families. The high enrollment numbers relative to the few schools indicate a very efficient use of the county's educational facilities.

Town-Centered Schools with Large Enrollments

Every school in Morgan County is classified as a town locale, creating a consistent urban-rural balance. These schools are relatively large, with an average size of 879 students. Morgan County High School is the largest with 1,072 students, while even the smallest school, the elementary, serves 764 students.

Finding a Home in a Top-Tier District

Morgan County's high graduation rates and strong school scores make it a premier destination for families in Georgia. Real estate near the high school or primary school campuses in Madison is particularly popular. Explore the local market to find a home that grants you access to this high-performing school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Morgan County

via RiskByCounty

Morgan's risk sits well below national average

Morgan County scores 19.37 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating and placing it significantly below the national average. Your community ranks among America's safer counties for natural disaster exposure.

Well below Georgia's average risk

Morgan's score of 19.37 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 all major hazard categories.

Safest group in the region

Morgan County (19.37) clusters with Meriwether (19.21), Monroe (18.70), and Miller (20.80) in the region's safest tier, while McDuffie (24.97) sits slightly higher. All five counties rank in Georgia's Very Low risk category.

Earthquake and hurricane risks most elevated

Earthquake risk (52.32) and hurricane risk (57.45) represent your highest scores, though both remain modest compared to coastal counties. Tornado (38.71), wildfire (38.33), and flood (38.42) risks balance out to create a relatively even, low-threat profile.

Standard insurance covers your needs

Standard homeowners insurance adequately protects Morgan County properties across all common threats, with verified wind and tornado coverage sufficient for your profile. Verify flood coverage only if your home sits within a mapped floodplain; otherwise, annual policy review provides peace of mind.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Morgan County

via WaterByCounty

Drinking Water Compliance Challenges

Morgan County earns an F grade for drinking water quality, with 11 health violations reported over the last five years. At 116.8 per 100,000 residents, the violation rate is slightly lower than the state average but still represents a failure to meet basic safety standards consistently. These records indicate a need for improved oversight of the county's water systems.

Watershed Health Meets State Average

Exactly 15 of the 32 assessed water bodies in Morgan County are impaired, resulting in a 46.9% impairment rate. The 2022 cycle highlights fecal coliform, fish health, and pH levels as the top concerns for these streams. This performance is nearly identical to the Georgia state average of 48.4%.

Consistent Monitoring at Four Local Sites

Local water quality has been tracked through 1,431 measurements across four sites over the last five years. Monitoring efforts prioritize physical properties, nutrients, and organic compounds. These records provide the necessary data for officials to track the impact of land use on local streams.

Apalachee River Gauge Currently Inactive

The Apalachee River near Buckhead is the county's primary drainage area, covering 436 square miles, but it currently has no live discharge data available. Without current flow readings, it is difficult to determine if the river is at typical levels or experiencing drought stress. Officials must rely on historical trends and compliance data in the absence of live metrics.

Monitor Well Water and Treatment Reports

The county's F grade for drinking water suggests that residents should stay vigilant by reviewing their local water provider's annual safety reports. Because pH and fecal coliform are issues in nearly half of the county's streams, those with private wells should test their water regularly. Proper maintenance of septic systems can also help reduce impairments in the local watershed.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Morgan County

via SoilByCounty

Less Acidic Inceptisols in Morgan

Morgan County features Inceptisols with a pH of 5.53, making it one of the less acidic counties in the state. Even so, it remains well below the national median pH of 6.5. This relatively higher pH is a great starting point for local agriculture.

The Ideal Loam Foundation

The dominant texture is loam, consisting of 55.9% sand and 18.9% clay. This balanced composition is prized by gardeners for its workability and its ability to hold onto nutrients. Loam is often considered the perfect soil for a wide variety of plants.

Excellent Water Storage Potential

While organic matter is below the state average at 1.32%, the soil excels in water storage. Its water capacity of 0.137 in/in is significantly higher than the Georgia average of 0.114 in/in. Your crops will have a deep reservoir to draw from during the summer.

Managing Poorly Drained Loam

Most of the soil is classified as poorly drained and falls into hydrologic group B/D. This means while the soil holds moisture well, it can become waterlogged during heavy rains. Proper site grading and raised beds can help manage this moisture.

High-Yield Gardening in Zone 8a

In Zone 8a, Morgan County is perfect for a variety of vegetables and ornamentals. The loamy soil and high water capacity make this an excellent location for high-yield vegetable gardening. Start planting today to make the most of your fertile ground.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Morgan County

via LawnByCounty

Morgan County: Georgia's Top Performer

With a score of 43.6, Morgan County offers some of the best lawn-growing conditions in Georgia. Though it is still below the national average of 50.0, its Hardiness Zone 8a climate is relatively forgiving compared to southern neighbors.

Ideal Rainfall and Manageable Heat

The county receives 49.5 inches of annual rainfall, placing it squarely in the ideal 30-50 inch range for healthy turf. With only 52 extreme heat days, your grass faces less thermal stress than most other Georgia counties. These factors contribute to a steady, manageable growing season that doesn't overwhelm the homeowner.

Correcting Drainage in Loam Soils

Morgan County features loam soil with 55.9% sand and 18.9% clay, but it is classified as poorly drained. The pH of 5.53 is slightly acidic, so you should apply lime to bring it closer to the 6.0-7.0 ideal. You may need to aerate more frequently to help water move through the poorly drained layers and reach the roots.

Navigating County-Wide Severe Drought

Even with great rainfall averages, 100.0% of Morgan County is currently in severe drought after 24 weeks of dry conditions this year. Poorly drained soils can become compacted and hard during droughts, making it difficult for water to penetrate. Use a garden fork or aerator to break up the surface before watering during these dry spells.

Maximize Your Growing Potential

Tall Fescue or Zoysia grass are excellent choices for the loam soils and 8a climate of Morgan County. Aim to seed or sod in the spring once the soil is consistently warm to take advantage of the favorable local rainfall. Your county’s relatively high lawn score means you have a great chance for a vibrant, green yard.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morgan County's county score?
Morgan County, Georgia has a composite county score of 55.7 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 Morgan County rank among counties in Georgia?
Morgan County ranks #27 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 Morgan County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Morgan County is $2,399, with an effective tax rate of 0.74%. This earns Morgan County a tax score of 58.5/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Morgan County?
The median household income in Morgan County, Georgia is $85,692 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Morgan County earns an income score of 89.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Morgan County, Georgia a good place to live?
Morgan County scores 55.7/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #27 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Morgan 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 Morgan County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

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