countyscore
29.4
County Score
Water Quality 86Property Tax 50Schools 40.5

County Report Card

About Muscogee County, Georgia

Muscogee County Trails National Averages

Muscogee County earns a composite score of 29.4, which sits well below the national median of 50.0. This indicates significant headwinds in several livability metrics compared to counties nationwide.

Below the Georgia State Average

At 29.4, the county also ranks below the Georgia state average of 46.7. This score reflects an urban environment facing more intense socioeconomic pressures than many of its neighbors.

Strong Utilities and Moderate Taxes

The county's water score of 86.0 is its strongest asset, ensuring reliable utility service for residents. Additionally, the tax score of 50.0 shows a moderate burden, with an effective tax rate of 0.837%.

Addressing Safety and Environmental Risk

A safety score of 5.7 and a risk score of 18.5 are the most pressing concerns for the county. These low figures suggest that crime prevention and environmental resilience are critical areas for future investment.

A County Facing Urban Transitions

Muscogee County best suits those who value urban amenities and reliable utilities but are mindful of safety and cost pressures. With median home values at $182,300, it remains more attainable than high-growth suburban hubs.

204060801005025.15.724.640.529.118.58639.8Tax50Cost25.1Safety5.7Health24.6Schools40.5Income29.1Risk18.5Water86Weather39.829.4/100
This county
National avg
1 above average7 below average

Muscogee County DNA

Foverall

How Muscogee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Muscogee County falls below the national average in most categories. The biggest gap is in Safety (5.7/100), though Water Quality (86/100) remains a relative bright spot.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
50
Cost
25.1-22.9
Safety
5.7-49.3
Health
24.6-25.4
Schools
40.5-13.5
Income
29.1-21.9
Risk
18.5-28.5
Water
86+28
Weather
39.8-16.200000000000003
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Whether buying or refinancing in Muscogee County, compare rates from top lenders to find the best deal.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$182,300

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,072/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$182,300/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$42,880/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum3.2x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $56,622/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

14.2

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

Chattahoochee County
Georgia
54.6
Harris County
Georgia
55.8
Russell County
Alabama
55
Talbot County
Georgia
43.7
Lee County
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Marion County
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Stewart County
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Chambers County
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44.7

Deep Dives

Muscogee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Muscogee County

via TaxByCounty

Muscogee County below national average

Muscogee County's 0.837% effective tax rate sits in the bottom 40% nationally, roughly 30% lower than the national median rate of 0.898%. The median property tax of $1,526 is 43% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's moderate home values.

Middle of the Georgia pack

Muscogee County ranks in the lower-middle tier of Georgia counties, with an effective rate of 0.837% that's 7% below the state average of 0.898%. This positions it as a moderately taxed county within Georgia's competitive landscape.

Fair rates in a competitive region

Muscogee County's 0.837% rate matches closely with neighboring Oglethorpe County (0.804%) but undercuts Newton County (0.914%), making it a reasonable choice in Georgia's central-eastern region. Paulding County to the north runs slightly higher at 0.846%.

Median home, median tax in Muscogee

A homeowner with a median-value property of $182,300 in Muscogee County pays approximately $1,526 annually in property taxes. With a mortgage, that amount increases to $1,970; without one, it drops to $994, making homeownership reasonably affordable.

Assessment appeals can reduce bills

Many Muscogee County homeowners are unaware that properties assessed above fair market value can be challenged through a formal appeal process with the county assessor. Taking this step could yield meaningful annual savings on your property tax bill.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Muscogee County

via CostByCounty

Muscogee County's housing affordability challenges

At 22.7%, Muscogee County's rent-to-income ratio significantly exceeds the national average, placing housing costs as a heavier burden on local households. The county's median rent of $1,072 is notably high relative to the $56,622 median household income, leaving residents with less discretionary income than national norms.

Below Georgia's affordability baseline

Muscogee County's 22.7% rent-to-income ratio trails Georgia's 18.6% state average, indicating tighter housing affordability pressures than most of the state. With median rent at $1,072 versus the state's $927 average, Muscogee residents pay a measurable premium.

Pricier than rural counties, comparable to suburbs

Muscogee County's $1,072 rent sits sharply above rural neighbors like Murray ($828) and Oglethorpe ($832), but below the highest-cost nearby areas like Paulding ($1,622). This mid-range pricing reflects the county's mix of urban and suburban character around Columbus.

Housing demands over one-fifth of income

Rent consumes 22.7% of the median Muscogee household's income, while ownership costs nearly match rent at $1,048 monthly. Combined, these housing expenses significantly strain the $56,622 median household income, leaving less room for emergency savings.

Weigh Muscogee carefully against alternatives

If you're relocating to Georgia, Muscogee County's 22.7% rent-to-income ratio suggests comparing more affordable options like Murray (14.6%) or Oglethorpe (14.3%). The urban amenities of Columbus may justify the higher housing costs—but run the numbers against your specific budget first.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Muscogee County

via IncomeByCounty

Muscogee County lags national income standards

Muscogee County's median household income of $56,622 trails the national median of $74,755 by nearly $18,000 annually. This represents one of Georgia's lower-income major counties, reflecting Columbus's economic challenges relative to wealthier U.S. metro areas.

Below Georgia's average, but diverse economy

At $56,622, Muscogee County falls $3,866 below Georgia's state average of $60,488, placing it in the lower third of Georgia counties. However, the county's per capita income of $32,811 exceeds the state average, suggesting income inequality but also pockets of higher earners.

Lowest income among nearby central counties

Muscogee County's $56,622 median income ranks lowest among its neighbors: Peach County ($68,365), Newton County ($73,732), and Marion County. The gap reflects Columbus's urban concentration of lower-wage service and manufacturing jobs compared to suburban and exurban counties.

Housing costs strain household budgets

Muscogee County's rent-to-income ratio of 22.7% signals housing cost pressure, approaching the 30% affordability threshold. With median home values at $182,300 and median household income at $56,622, many households face tight budgets and limited capacity for unexpected expenses.

Prioritize financial resilience in Muscogee

Given tighter margins, Muscogee County households should prioritize building emergency savings and exploring low-cost banking options. Even modest contributions to savings accounts, employer retirement plans, or financial literacy programs can create pathways toward stability and wealth building.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Muscogee County

via CrimeByCounty

Muscogee County faces urban safety challenges

Muscogee County reports a total crime rate of 3,326.0 per 100K, which is higher than the national average of 2,385.5. The county holds a safety score of 94.7 based on 2022 data from five reporting agencies.

Crime rates exceed the Georgia average

Compared to the Georgia state average total crime rate of 1,412.9 per 100K, Muscogee reports more than double the volume of incidents. Its safety score sits below the state average of 97.8, reflecting its status as a busy urban hub.

Comparing safety to nearby Peach County

Muscogee’s crime rates are notably higher than those in neighboring Peach County, which reports 2,509.5 incidents per 100K. Local law enforcement manages a higher density of reports than many surrounding rural areas.

Property crime drives local incident rates

Property crime is the primary driver at 2,668.0 per 100K, outpacing the national rate of 2,015.7. Violent crimes occur at 658.0 per 100K, which is also higher than the national average of 369.8.

Strengthen your home security today

Strengthening home security and participating in community watch programs can help reduce property crime levels. Residents should stay informed about local safety initiatives to help improve the county's overall safety score.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Muscogee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Robust Urban Infrastructure in Columbus

Muscogee County supports a large network of 55 public schools serving 29,875 students across the region. The landscape includes 32 elementary schools, 12 middle schools, 10 high schools, and two alternative learning centers.

Strong Graduation Rates in a Large District

The graduation rate of 89.0% beats both the Georgia state average of 88.1% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Despite spending $6,924 per pupil—less than the national average of $13,000—the county maintains a competitive school score of 52.8.

The Power of Muscogee County Schools

The Muscogee County school district is the sole provider for the area, managing 29,818 students without any charter school alternatives. Large secondary schools like Northside High School, with 1,402 students, serve as major community hubs.

Diverse Urban and Rural Educational Settings

Education here is primarily urban, with 49 schools located in city settings, though six campuses offer a rural environment. The average school size is 543 students, providing a balance between large-scale high schools and intimate primary campuses.

Urban Living Near Competitive Schools

Families seeking an urban lifestyle with solid academic results often look toward Muscogee County’s city districts. Use school performance as a guide while exploring homes in the diverse neighborhoods of Columbus.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Muscogee County

via RiskByCounty

Muscogee County faces elevated disaster risk

Muscogee County's composite risk score of 81.55 places it well above the national average, earning a "relatively moderate" risk rating. This county experiences higher-than-typical exposure across nearly all hazard types, with flood (87.28) and hurricane (82.31) risks notably elevated. The county's risk profile is substantially higher than Georgia's state average of 39.49.

Among Georgia's highest-risk counties

Muscogee County ranks in the top tier of Georgia's 159 counties for natural disaster risk, driven primarily by flood and hurricane exposure. Its composite score of 81.55 more than doubles the state average, placing it in the highest-risk cohort statewide. This elevated ranking reflects the county's geographic and demographic vulnerability factors.

Significantly riskier than surrounding areas

Muscogee County's risk profile (81.55) far exceeds nearby counties like Peach (22.49), Oconee (19.43), and Pickens (34.80). Its flood risk of 87.28 stands out as particularly acute compared to neighbors, reflecting its position along major waterways. The county faces markedly higher exposure to cascading hazards than most surrounding communities.

Flooding and hurricanes dominate threat landscape

Flood risk (87.28) and hurricane risk (82.31) are Muscogee County's primary concerns, both well above state and national averages. Earthquake risk (84.35) also ranks notably high, creating a compound vulnerability profile. Residents face genuine exposure to multiple, potentially overlapping natural hazards.

Flood insurance is essential coverage

Muscogee County residents must prioritize flood insurance, as standard homeowners policies exclude flood damage and the county's flood risk is acute. Elevate critical systems, seal basement walls, and maintain flood-resistant landscaping to reduce water intrusion risk. Given elevated hurricane exposure, ensure your policy includes wind damage coverage and verify that your roof meets current wind-resistance standards.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Muscogee County

via WaterByCounty

Zero Health Violations in Muscogee

Muscogee County earns an A grade for drinking water, reporting zero health violations under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This perfect record stands in sharp contrast to the state average violation rate of 152.5 per 100,000 people.

High Impairment in Local Streams

Local watershed health faces challenges, as 68.6% of the 35 assessed water bodies are currently listed as impaired. Fecal coliform and PCBs in fish tissue are the primary causes for these failures in the 2022 assessment.

Focused Nutrient and Microbiological Tracking

A network of five monitoring sites provides a consistent data stream, with 1,954 measurements recorded over the past five years. Scientists focus heavily on physical parameters, nutrients, and microbiological indicators across the county.

Chattahoochee River Flow Deficit

The Chattahoochee River at 14th St in Columbus is currently discharging 1,430 cfs, representing only 22% of its typical volume. This major waterway is experiencing a significant flow deficit compared to its long-term historical mean.

Caution Near Impaired Waterways

High impairment rates for PCBs and bacteria suggest that residents should avoid direct contact with impacted streams and follow fish consumption limits. With the Chattahoochee flowing at a fraction of its normal rate, source water protection remains a top priority.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Muscogee County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Warmth in Muscogee

Muscogee County averages 65.2°F annually, placing it well above the national median temperature. This humid subtropical environment sees 50.3 inches of rain and very little snow.

Exceeding the State Temperature Mean

Muscogee is warmer than the Georgia state average of 63.7°F by nearly two degrees. Its precipitation of 50.3 inches is just below the state’s 51.4-inch norm.

A Regional Hotspot for Heat

Compared to mid-state neighbors, Muscogee is a hotspot with 80 extreme heat days per year. It records significantly more 90-degree days than Newton or Paulding counties.

Sweltering Summers and Short Winters

July averages reach a sweltering 82.1°F, contributing to a summer average of 80.8°F. Winters remain mild with a 48.9°F average and only 0.5 inches of annual snowfall.

Strategies for Lasting Summer Heat

Managing 80 days of extreme heat requires reliable cooling systems and smart hydration habits. Homeowners only need light winter preparations given the rare 0.5-inch snow occurrences.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Muscogee County

via SoilByCounty

Acidic Ultisols in Muscogee County

Muscogee soils belong to the Ultisols order and feature a fine sandy loam texture. The average pH of 5.09 is significantly more acidic than the national median of 6.5. This low pH often requires lime applications to balance the soil for most common crops.

High Sand Content Ensures Easy Digging

The soil composition is 68.1% sand, 17.3% silt, and 12.5% clay. This high sand percentage makes the soil easy to work and ensures rapid drainage but limits nutrient retention. Gardeners here must frequently add nutrients as they leach through the sandy profile.

Building Organic Matter for Better Yields

The county's organic matter stands at 1.23%, which is well below the Georgia state average of 1.83%. Available water capacity is 0.109 in/in, slightly trailing the state benchmark of 0.114. Enhancing organic content will improve the soil's ability to hold both water and fertilizer.

Well Drained for Stable Construction

Muscogee soil is classified as well drained and falls into hydrologic group B. These characteristics indicate moderate infiltration rates when the soil is thoroughly wet. This makes the land suitable for home building and most gardening projects without heavy saturation risks.

Heat-Tolerant Gardening in Zone 8b

Falling within Zone 8b, Muscogee County enjoys long growing seasons for heat-loving plants. Okra, watermelons, and sweet potatoes thrive in these sandy loams and warm temperatures. Now is the perfect time to plant your summer harvest.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Muscogee County

via LawnByCounty

A Challenging Climb for Greenery

Muscogee County faces a difficult lawn score of 25.7, significantly trailing the Georgia state average of 35.8. Situated in hardiness zone 8b, the environment here is much more demanding than the national average score of 50.0. Maintaining a healthy lawn requires navigating extreme heat and specific soil imbalances common to the Columbus area.

Bracing for Intense Summer Heat

The climate is defined by a punishing 80 days of extreme heat per year, which is far higher than the state average of 65 days. While 50.3 inches of rain falls annually, the 6,009 growing degree days indicate an exceptionally long and intense growing season. You will likely spend more time mowing and monitoring heat stress here than in almost any other part of the state.

Managing Acidic and Sandy Soils

The soil here is highly acidic with a pH of 5.09, falling far below the ideal 6.0-7.0 range for most turfgrass. This fine sandy loam is well-drained but lacks the nutrients found in heavier soils. You will need regular lime applications to raise the pH and frequent fertilization to compensate for the 68.1% sand content.

Severe Drought Demands Water Efficiency

Muscogee County has endured 26 weeks of drought in the past year, and 100% of the county is currently under severe drought conditions. In this environment, choosing drought-tolerant cultivars is a necessity rather than an option. Mulch clippings back into the lawn to help retain moisture in the sandy soil and reduce evaporation.

Maximize the Long Growing Season

Warm-season grasses like Centipede or St. Augustine thrive in the zone 8b climate and sandy loam texture of Muscogee County. With the final frost usually passing by March 21, you have a head start on the growing season compared to northern neighbors. Get your grass established early so it can develop the roots needed to survive the 80 days of summer heat.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Muscogee County's county score?
Muscogee County, Georgia has a composite county score of 29.4 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 Muscogee County rank among counties in Georgia?
Muscogee County ranks #155 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 Muscogee County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Muscogee County is $1,526, with an effective tax rate of 0.84%. This earns Muscogee County a tax score of 50/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Muscogee County?
The median household income in Muscogee County, Georgia is $56,622 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Muscogee County earns an income score of 29.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Muscogee County, Georgia a good place to live?
Muscogee County scores 29.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #155 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Muscogee 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 Muscogee 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.