Median Income
$34,583
54% lower than US avg
Home Value
$98,400
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
614/100K
61% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.5%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$708
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.2%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.7%
169% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
21.0%
69% higher than US avg
How Alapaha Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population552
Median Age51.5 yrs
Density536/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 55%
Veterans12.4%
Economy
D
Median Income$34,583
Per Capita$20,776
Unemployment9.7%
Poverty21.0%
County GDP$553M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$98,400
Rent$708
Ownership72.5%
Zillow$165,588
Housing Units399
Rent Burden14.7%
Crime
F
Violent614/100K
Property4,601/100K
Health
Obesity43.2%
Uninsured15.8%
Smoking20.7%
Depression21.8%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain48.2 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation291 ft (89 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.5%
High School+88.8%
Graduate+3.8%
School Score5.74
Community
2024 VoteR 85% / D 15%
Commute21 min
Broadband63.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Alapaha a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alapaha receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate. Alapaha has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alapaha is $34,583, 54% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.7%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 21.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alapaha is $98,400, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $708 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 614 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,601 per 100,000, 135% above the national average.
Education
12.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Alapaha enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Alapaha has a population of 552 with a density of 536 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 51.5 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.3% female and 44.7% male. The city is predominantly White (55.1%), with 41.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.5% of residents. 12.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 71.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.5yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.5%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.5%
81% below US avg
The median household income in Alapaha is $34,583, which is 54% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,776 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $803, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 21.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 323 business establishments, including 24 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $34,583 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,776 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $803 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $55,352 |
| Gini Index | 0.460 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.7% |
| 169% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 21.0% |
| 69% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 323 |
| County GDP | $553M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 24 |
| Healthcare | 31 |
| Retail | 54 |
| Manufacturing | 14 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,717 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.9% |
The median home value in Alapaha is $98,400, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,588, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $708 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 399 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $2,717 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 14.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $98,400 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $165,588 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $708 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 14.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 72.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.5% |
| Housing Units | 399 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,717 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.76% |
In Alapaha, 43.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 42.8% have high blood pressure. 20.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.2% report binge drinking. 35.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.8% report depression. 21.9% experience frequent mental distress. 15.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,537. The dentist ratio is 1:9,107. 26.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alapaha vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.2% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 42.8% |
| Asthma | 12.4% |
| COPD | 8.8% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.7% |
| 48% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.2% |
| Depression | 21.8% |
| Mental Distress | 21.9% |
| Physical Distress | 16.9% |
| Short Sleep | 42.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 71.5% |
| Uninsured | 15.8% |
| 84% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,537 |
| Dentists | 1:9,107 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,063 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.6% |
| Dental Visits | 50.2% |
| Premature Death | 14,035/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 26.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 31 |
Alapaha has a violent crime rate of 614 per 100,000 residents, 61% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,601 per 100,000, 135% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Alapaha receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alapaha vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 613.5/100K |
| 61% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,601.2/100K |
| 135% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 19 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alapaha enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 291 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.9°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 291 ft (89 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 536/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.3831°N, 83.2237°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Berrien County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valdosta Regional (VLD) 42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.2"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.28"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 39.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 80.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Jul 13, 2003.
| Jul 13, 2003 |
6 km N of Cobbtown, Georgia |
M3.6 |
147 km |
| Mar 4, 1996 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
116 km |
| May 17, 1997 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
116 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
11 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
12 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
166 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
67 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
102 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
250 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
141 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
272 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
276 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
293 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
29 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
259 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
430 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 23 fatalities, 345 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
55 km |
11 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1968 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 1968 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| May 11, 1952 |
EF3 |
3 km |
0 |
| Feb 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2021 |
EF2 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2020 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Dec 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 2009 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF2 |
64 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Dec 5, 2005 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (FLOYDS ISLAND PRAIRIE) (215,381 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (FLOYDS ISLAND PRAIRIE) |
215,381 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
SWEAT FARM ROAD |
52,495 |
82 km |
| 2011 |
SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE |
20,916 |
68 km |
| 2011 |
SWEAT FARM AGAIN |
19,698 |
70 km |
| 1999 |
HICKORY IS |
14,656 |
99 km |
| 2002 |
BAY CREEK |
11,917 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
ARABIA BAY |
10,971 |
48 km |
| 2001 |
CRAVENS IS |
6,412 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
ROUNDABOUT SWAMP FIRE |
5,791 |
29 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,216 |
45 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,202 |
100 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
3,116 |
28 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,989 |
94 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,881 |
58 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
2,815 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,770 |
91 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
2,738 |
43 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
2,416 |
70 km |
| 2012 |
1300 RX BURN |
2,378 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,361 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
4.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
5.3 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
67°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Alapaha has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 48°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.3") and October the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Alapaha. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alapaha
What is the population of Alapaha?
Alapaha has a population of 552 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 536 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.3% female and 44.7% male.
Is Alapaha expensive to live in?
Alapaha has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $34,583, 54% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $98,400 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $708 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alapaha safe?
Public safety is a concern in Alapaha, with a violent crime rate of 614 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,601 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Alapaha receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alapaha?
Alapaha enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Alapaha?
The job market in Alapaha faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $803. There are 323 business establishments in the area, including 24 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 1.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alapaha?
The median home value in Alapaha is $98,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $165,588. For renters, the median monthly rent is $708. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 72.5%. The average annual property tax is $2,717.
How are the schools in Alapaha?
Schools in Alapaha score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.5% of adults in Alapaha hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.8% have completed high school. 3.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alapaha?
The obesity rate in Alapaha is 43.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.7% of adults are smokers. 35.2% are physically inactive. 21.8% of residents report depression. 15.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 26.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,537.
What is transportation like in Alapaha?
The average commute in Alapaha is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alapaha?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alapaha is 55.1% White, 41.8% Black or African American. 97.5% of residents speak only English at home. 12.4% of the population are military veterans. 18.9% of residents have a disability. 71.5% have health insurance coverage.