CountyScore

Murray County

Georgia · GA

#52 in Georgia
69
County Score

County Report Card

About Murray County, Georgia

Murray County far outpaces national average

Murray County's composite score of 76.6 sits well above the national median of 50.0, placing it in the top tier of livability nationwide. This 53% advantage over the national middle reflects strong performance in affordability and tax burden, two critical factors shaping quality of life.

Above-average standing in Georgia

At 76.6, Murray County ranks above Georgia's state average composite score of 70.9, solidifying its position as one of the more livable counties in the state. This edge suggests residents enjoy better value and fiscal conditions than many of their Georgia peers.

Taxes and housing costs shine

Murray County excels in both tax burden and affordability: an effective tax rate of just 0.641% and median home values of $173,300 support a tax score of 84.2 and cost score of 83.2—among the state's best. Median gross rent of $828 per month makes this county particularly attractive for budget-conscious renters and homebuyers.

Income and data gaps remain

The county's income score of 27.7 lags significantly, with a median household income of $67,880 trailing state and national benchmarks. Safety, health, schools, and environmental data are not yet available, limiting a complete livability picture.

Ideal for cost-conscious Georgians

Murray County suits families and individuals prioritizing low taxes and affordable housing over higher incomes and urban amenities. This is a solid choice for retirees on fixed budgets or working families seeking to stretch their dollars in a Georgia community.

Score breakdown

5 dimensions have live data. 3 more coming as vertical sites launch.

Tax84.2Cost83.2SafetyComing SoonHealth55.5SchoolsComing SoonIncome27.7Risk48.6WaterComing Soon
🏛84.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠83.2
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼27.7
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤55.5
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡48.6
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧Coming Soon
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncomeincomebycounty.com
Compare Murray County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Treutlen County
Georgia
69
Median income: $43,750
Johnson County
Illinois
69
Median income: $65,203
Boone County
Indiana
69
Median income: $104,865
Grant County
Kansas
69
Median income: $72,484
Clinton County
Michigan
69
Median income: $85,928

Deep Dives

Murray County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Murray County

via TaxByCounty

Murray County taxes well below national average

At 0.641%, Murray County's effective tax rate ranks in the bottom 25% nationally—meaning homeowners here pay significantly less than the typical American county. The median property tax of $1,111 is less than half the national median of $2,690, even accounting for Murray's lower median home value of $173,300.

Georgia's lowest-taxing county

Murray County has the lowest effective tax rate in Georgia at 0.641%, well below the state average of 0.898%. This means Murray homeowners pay $418 less annually in property taxes than the typical Georgia household, a meaningful difference year after year.

A tax haven in Northwest Georgia

Murray County's 0.641% rate significantly undercuts neighboring Pickens County (0.661%) and Oglethorpe County (0.804%), making it the most tax-friendly option in the region. Even compared to Muscogee County across the state at 0.837%, Murray offers households a clear tax advantage.

What $173,300 home costs in taxes

A homeowner with a median-value property in Murray County pays approximately $1,111 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that figure rises to $1,325; without one, taxes drop to $823—keeping Murray among Georgia's most affordable counties for property ownership.

Even low taxes deserve a review

Many Georgia homeowners, regardless of county, discover their properties are overassessed on county tax rolls. It's worth requesting a formal assessment review with your local assessor's office—you could reduce your tax burden even further.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Murray County

via CostByCounty

Murray County beats national affordability

At 14.6%, Murray County's rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts the national norm, meaning residents spend less of their paychecks on housing than typical Americans. The county's $828 monthly rent sits well below what national averages would predict for a household earning $67,880 annually.

Georgia's most affordable county housing

Murray County ranks among Georgia's best for housing affordability, with a rent-to-income ratio of 14.6% compared to the state average of 18.6%. At $828/month, median rent here runs $99 cheaper than Georgia's statewide average of $927.

Northwest Georgia's budget-friendly option

Murray County's $828 rent and $677 monthly ownership costs make it one of the most accessible counties in its region. Neighboring Oglethorpe County ($832 rent) offers similarly tight affordability, while Paulding County's $1,622 rent shows the steep climb in nearby metro-adjacent areas.

Housing takes modest slice of income

Murray County households dedicate 14.6% of income to rent, leaving 85.4% for other expenses—a healthy cushion by any measure. Homeownership is even more accessible, with a monthly cost of just $677 against the $67,880 median household income.

Consider Murray for affordable living

If housing costs are your primary concern, Murray County's combination of low rent ($828) and manageable ownership expenses ($677) makes it worth serious consideration. The county's 14.6% rent-to-income ratio means more money stays in your pocket for savings, family, and community.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Murray County

via IncomeByCounty

Murray County earns below the national average

Murray County's median household income of $67,880 falls short of the national median of $74,755, a gap of about $6,875 per year. This places the county in the lower half of U.S. counties by income, reflecting broader economic patterns in northwest Georgia's labor market.

Well above Georgia's median income

At $67,880, Murray County's median household income exceeds Georgia's state average of $60,488 by over $7,300 annually. This ranking places Murray County in the upper half of Georgia's 159 counties, signaling stronger economic health than the typical Georgia community.

Competitive with nearby mountain counties

Murray County's $67,880 median income sits between Pickens County ($75,293) to the north and Oglethorpe County ($69,784) to the south. The county holds its own in this region, though it trails the wealthier suburban counties farther south like Paulding ($94,557) and Oconee ($115,925).

Affordable housing relative to earnings

With a rent-to-income ratio of just 14.6%, Murray County residents spend a modest portion of household earnings on housing costs—well below the national affordability threshold of 30%. The median home value of $173,300 remains accessible to households earning the county median, supporting economic stability.

Build financial security in Murray County

Murray County's affordable cost of living creates an opportunity to direct income toward savings and investments. Starting an emergency fund, contributing to retirement accounts, or exploring homeownership can help households leverage their earnings into long-term wealth.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Health in Murray County

via HealthByCounty

Murray County's life expectancy lags nationwide

At 72.5 years, Murray County residents live nearly 6 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. One in five residents report poor or fair health, compared to the national rate of 17.8%, signaling deeper health challenges across the community.

Below Georgia's average in life expectancy

Murray County's 72.5-year life expectancy falls 0.8 years short of Georgia's 73.3-year state average. The county ranks in the lower tier for health outcomes within Georgia, reflecting limited access to preventive care and specialists.

Neighboring counties show better health trends

Murray County's 72.5-year life expectancy trails nearby Gilmer County and other North Georgia neighbors. Surrounding counties generally report lower rates of poor/fair health and better provider availability, indicating that regional disparities affect day-to-day care access.

Healthcare access remains a critical barrier

Nearly 1 in 5 Murray County residents lack health insurance at 18.2%, above Georgia's 15.0% state average. With only 15 primary care providers per 100,000 residents, families often travel outside the county for routine checkups and specialty care.

Explore health coverage options today

If you're uninsured or underinsured, now is the time to explore marketplace plans and Medicaid eligibility. Visit healthcare.gov or contact a local health department navigator to find coverage that fits your family's needs and budget.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Disaster Risk in Murray County

via RiskByCounty

Murray County's moderate disaster risk

Murray County scores 51.46 on the composite risk scale, placing it above the national median and marking it as relatively low-risk overall. This score reflects exposure to multiple hazard types, though several risks fall below Georgia's state average of 39.49. The county's profile shows particular vulnerability to earthquake and tornado hazards.

Middle of the pack in Georgia

Murray County ranks in the moderate tier among Georgia's 159 counties for natural disaster risk. Its composite score of 51.46 exceeds the state average by 30%, making it a higher-risk area than most of its state neighbors. This ranking reflects significant exposure across multiple hazard types.

Riskier than Oconee, safer than Paulding

Murray County sits between nearby Oconee County (19.43) and Paulding County (69.97) in overall risk profile. Compared to adjacent counties, Murray faces notably higher tornado risk (77.74) and earthquake risk (79.74), which are the primary drivers of its overall exposure. Neighbors like Pickens County (34.80) present a lower-risk alternative in the region.

Earthquakes and tornadoes pose greatest threat

Earthquake risk (79.74) and tornado risk (77.74) dominate Murray County's hazard profile, both well above state norms. While flood, wildfire, and hurricane risks remain moderate, the combination of seismic and severe weather threats requires serious preparedness planning. Residents in this region experience higher-than-average exposure to sudden, violent natural events.

Prioritize earthquake and tornado coverage

Given Murray County's elevated earthquake and tornado risks, homeowners should verify their policies cover both perils—standard policies often exclude earthquakes. Consider reinforcing your home's structural integrity, securing heavy furniture, and maintaining an emergency kit with at least two weeks of supplies. Consult a local insurance agent about bundling earthquake riders and confirming adequate tornado coverage.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality

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