Median Income
$112,585
50% higher than US avg
Home Value
$346,800
23% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
40.8%
21% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,381
19% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.6%
2% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.1%
14% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.2%
82% lower than US avg
How Ball Ground Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,665
Median Age39.1 yrs
Density415/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 87%
Veterans6.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$112,585
Per Capita$46,753
Unemployment3.1%
Poverty2.2%
County GDP$13,257M
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$346,800
Rent$1,381
Ownership84.5%
Zillow$502,416
Housing Units1,025
Rent Burden20.5%
Health
Obesity32.6%
Uninsured8.1%
Smoking12.9%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
Rain53.9 in/yr
Elevation1,178 ft (359 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+40.8%
High School+95.6%
Graduate+11.0%
School Score6.34
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 30%
Commute29 min
Broadband98.5%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
Is Ball Ground a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ball Ground receives an overall livability score of 4.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Ball Ground stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ball Ground is $112,585, which is significantly higher than the national average / 50% above $75,149. This places Ball Ground among higher-income communities. Unemployment stands at 3.1%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ball Ground is $346,800, 23% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,381 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.1x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 40.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 95.6% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ball Ground enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 53.9 inches.
Ball Ground has a population of 2,665 with a density of 415 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age is 39.1 years, 1% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.9% female and 52.1% male. The city is predominantly White (87.4%), with 5.7% Hispanic, 4.4% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.5% of residents. 6.7% of the population are veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
2,665
Total Population
2023 Census
39.1yrs
Median Age
1% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ball Ground vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.5%
20% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
70% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ball Ground vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ball Ground is $112,585, which is 50% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $46,753 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,044, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 8,029 business establishments, including 455 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes. 9.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Ball Ground vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $112,585 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $46,753 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,044 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $99,190 |
| Gini Index | 0.408 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.1% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.2% |
| 82% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 8,029 |
| County GDP | $13,257M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 455 |
| Healthcare | 638 |
| Retail | 721 |
| Manufacturing | 187 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,752 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.37% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 83.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.9% |
The median home value in Ball Ground is $346,800, 23% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $502,416, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $510,000 with homes selling in an average of 91 days. Homes sell for 99.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,381 (19% above 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. 84.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,025 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2004. The average annual property tax is $4,752 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $346,800 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $502,416 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $510,000 |
| Median List Price | $617,375 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $510,000 |
| Median List Price | $617,375 |
| $/Sq Ft | $195 |
| Homes Sold | 11 |
| Days on Market | 91 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.4% |
| Price Drops | 18.0% |
| Inventory | 39 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,381 |
| 19% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.5% |
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 | 84.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.5% |
| Housing Units | 1,025 |
| Median Year Built | 2004 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,752 |
| 36% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.37% |
In Ball Ground, 32.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 19.5% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 22.5% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,430. The dentist ratio is 1:1,967. 86.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ball Ground vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.6% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,430 |
| Dentists | 1:1,967 |
| Mental Health | 1:777 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.5% |
| Dental Visits | 65.1% |
| Premature Death | 5,753/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 86.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 638 |
Ball Ground enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 39°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 53.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.5 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 1,178 feet.
Temperature
39°F Jan (4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 58.3°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 39°F (4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,178 ft (359 m) |
| Area | 5.8 sq mi (15.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 415/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.3392°N, 84.3681°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Cherokee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Richard B Russell Regional - J H Towers Field (RMG) 45 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.9"
42% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.19"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 85.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 45.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively High |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
105 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Jul 10, 2025.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
117 km |
| May 10, 2025 |
21 km SE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M4.1 |
139 km |
| Jul 5, 1995 |
12 km ESE of Tellico Plains, Tennessee |
M3.7 |
112 km |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
12 km E of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.5 |
79 km |
| Mar 18, 1995 |
10 km SE of Dayton, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
131 km |
| Apr 11, 2006 |
5 km NE of Etowah, Tennessee |
M3.3 |
114 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
6 km NW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
124 km |
| Aug 1, 2009 |
8 km ENE of Ducktown, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
81 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
113 km |
| Mar 7, 2001 |
5 km WNW of Decatur, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
139 km |
| May 10, 2006 |
3 km WNW of Madisonville, Tennessee |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M3.1 |
115 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Jun 23, 2008 |
10 km ESE of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.1 |
78 km |
| Jan 15, 1993 |
1 km N of Apison, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
98 km |
| Oct 30, 1991 |
9 km NNE of Eton, Georgia |
M3.1 |
70 km |
| Nov 1, 2009 |
1 km ESE of South Cleveland, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
99 km |
| Nov 10, 1992 |
4 km ESE of Greenback, Tennessee |
M3.0 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
1 hurricane (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Michael (2018, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 1 |
253 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
434 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 102 fatalities, 1,864 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF4 |
95 km |
20 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF4 |
65 km |
3 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
68 km |
4 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
5 km |
6 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
65 km |
9 |
| Nov 30, 2016 |
EF3 |
92 km |
2 |
| Jan 30, 2013 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| Dec 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
53 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
74 km |
2 |
| Mar 20, 1998 |
EF3 |
43 km |
12 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
23 km |
3 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
40 km |
3 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
54 km |
9 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF3 |
48 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROUGH RIDGE (27,610 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
ROUGH RIDGE |
27,610 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
RX - O63 CHESTNUT MTN |
4,570 |
77 km |
| 2021 |
DUTCH CREEK |
3,845 |
81 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,298 |
38 km |
| 2019 |
JACK DAVIS/DOGWOOD SPRINGS RX |
3,120 |
87 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
2,908 |
69 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH MOUNTAIN |
2,807 |
89 km |
| 2024 |
RX - O11 TOWEE O12 WILDCAT |
2,597 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
RX - O33 ROCK CREEK_SEED ORCHARD |
2,445 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
RUFF CREEK |
2,281 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,201 |
87 km |
| 2010 |
BRAMLETT RIDGE |
2,200 |
89 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
2,199 |
72 km |
| 2023 |
BRAMLETT RIDGE FY 23 |
2,172 |
89 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
2,133 |
89 km |
| 2023 |
TRAIL RIDGE FY23 |
2,085 |
71 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
1,998 |
71 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,911 |
89 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
1,884 |
99 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,866 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
39°F (4°C) |
5.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
43°F (6°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| March |
50°F (10°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| April |
58°F (14°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
Driest |
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| November |
49°F (10°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
43°F (6°C) |
5.0 in |
|
Ball Ground has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 39°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 53.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.2") and June the driest (3.6").
Average costs for common services in Ball Ground. 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 | $888 |
| Toddler | $813 |
| Preschool | $775 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $706 |
| Toddler | $662 |
| Preschool | $667 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ball Ground
What is the population of Ball Ground?
Ball Ground has a population of 2,665 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 415 people per square mile, spread across 5.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.1 years. The population is 47.9% female and 52.1% male.
Is Ball Ground expensive to live in?
Ball Ground 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 $112,585, 50% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $346,800 (23% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,381 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Ball Ground?
Ball Ground enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 39°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 53.9 inches, with 2.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Ball Ground?
Ball Ground has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,044. There are 8,029 business establishments in the area, including 455 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 9.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ball Ground?
The median home value in Ball Ground is $346,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $502,416. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $510,000, with homes typically selling within 91 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,381. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,752.
How are the schools in Ball Ground?
Schools in Ball Ground score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 40.8% of adults in Ball Ground hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 95.6% have completed high school. 11.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ball Ground?
The obesity rate in Ball Ground is 32.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 8.1% lack health insurance. 86.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,430.
What is transportation like in Ball Ground?
The average commute in Ball Ground is 29 minutes. 83.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ball Ground?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ball Ground is 87.4% White, 4.4% Black or African American, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino. 94.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 6.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.0% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.