CountyScore

Muscogee County

Georgia · GA

#142 in Georgia
62.2
County Score

County Report Card

About Muscogee County, Georgia

Muscogee scores well above national midpoint

Muscogee County's composite score of 68.6 significantly exceeds the national median of 50.0, indicating above-average livability. At 37% above the national middle, the county demonstrates meaningful strengths in tax and housing affordability despite below-average income levels.

Slightly below Georgia's typical county

With a score of 68.6, Muscogee County falls just below Georgia's state average of 70.9, placing it in the middle tier of Georgia counties. This modest gap suggests livability comparable to most state communities, though not among the top performers.

Tax efficiency and moderate affordability

Muscogee County's tax score of 78.7 reflects an effective tax rate of 0.837%, while its cost score of 73.0 supports median home values of $182,300. These balanced scores position the county as reasonably accessible for working families seeking stable tax treatment.

Income levels and rental costs lag

The income score of 20.4 reflects a median household income of $56,622, notably below state and national averages, while median gross rent of $1,072 stretches affordability for renters. Health, safety, schools, and environmental data remain unavailable for deeper assessment.

Working families seeking moderate value

Muscogee County appeals to middle-income households and retirees willing to trade higher earnings for predictable taxes and reasonable housing costs. This county works best for those who value stability and moderate affordability over concentrated wealth or rapid income growth.

Score breakdown

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

Tax78.7Cost73SafetyComing SoonHealth59.9SchoolsComing SoonIncome20.4Risk18.5WaterComing Soon
🏛78.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠73
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼20.4
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡Coming Soon
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
❤59.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓Coming Soon
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
⚡18.5
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 Muscogee County with another county →

Counties with similar scores

Bay County
Florida
62.2
Median income: $70,188
Douglas County
Georgia
62.2
Median income: $80,764
Sumter County
Georgia
62.2
Median income: $41,877
Douglas County
Illinois
62.2
Median income: $74,186
Linn County
Iowa
62.2
Median income: $76,421

Deep Dives

Muscogee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 5 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

Health in Muscogee County

via HealthByCounty

Muscogee County faces significant health disparities

With a life expectancy of 72.0 years, Muscogee County residents live nearly 7 years less than the U.S. average of 78.9 years. More than one in five residents report poor or fair health at 23.1%, suggesting widespread chronic disease and limited preventive care access.

Among Georgia's lowest life expectancy counties

Muscogee County's 72.0-year life expectancy ranks below Georgia's 73.3-year average, placing it in the bottom tier statewide. This gap reflects entrenched health challenges tied to poverty, healthcare infrastructure, and disease burden.

Provider access doesn't translate to better outcomes

Despite having 104 primary care providers per 100,000—far above county averages—Muscogee ranks among Georgia's poorest health outcome counties. This disconnect suggests barriers beyond availability, including affordability, transportation, and health literacy affecting whether residents access available care.

Uninsured rates drive healthcare inequity

Muscogee County's 11.8% uninsured rate sits below the state average, yet life expectancy remains lowest in the region. Limited mental health provider capacity at 365 per 100,000 compounds challenges, leaving many residents without support for depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.

Quality coverage is within reach

Even with insurance, affordability and access matter—consider plans with low premiums and local provider networks. Call 211 or visit a community health center to understand your options and ensure your coverage includes the preventive care your family needs.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

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

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.