Median Income
$52,656
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$140,400
50% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
897/100K
136% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.7%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$728
37% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.5%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
19.5%
57% higher than US avg
How Blakely Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,276
Median Age33.0 yrs
Density301/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 25%
Veterans5.3%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,656
Per Capita$20,477
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty19.5%
County GDP$657M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$140,400
Rent$728
Ownership54.0%
Zillow$124,619
Housing Units1,890
Rent Burden28.3%
Crime
F
Violent897/100K
Property2,624/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault787/100K
Burglary525/100K
Health
Obesity42.5%
Uninsured16.5%
Smoking19.4%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain56.9 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation227 ft (69 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.7%
High School+78.4%
Graduate+4.6%
School Score4.77
Community
2024 VoteR 56% / D 44%
Commute19 min
Broadband65.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Blakely a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Blakely receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Blakely has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Blakely is $52,656, 30% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 19.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Blakely is $140,400, 50% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 897 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 2,624 per 100,000, 34% above the national average.
Education
12.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Blakely enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 56.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Blakely has a population of 5,276 with a density of 301 people per square mile, spread across 17.7 square miles. The median age is 33.0 years, 15% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 56.8% female and 43.2% male. The city is predominantly Black (73.6%), with 25.3% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.9% of residents. 5.3% of the population are veterans. 9.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
33.0yrs
Median Age
15% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.9%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.1%
99% below US avg
The median household income in Blakely is $52,656, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,477 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,103, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 19.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 275 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,656 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,477 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,103 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,532 |
| Gini Index | 0.479 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 19.5% |
| 57% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 275 |
| County GDP | $657M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 49 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,407 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.71% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.8% |
The median home value in Blakely is $140,400, 50% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,619, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $728 (37% 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. 54.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,890 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $2,407 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $140,400 |
| 50% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $124,619 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $728 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.3% |
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 | 54.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 54.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 46.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,890 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,407 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.71% |
In Blakely, 42.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 43.3% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 12.3% report binge drinking. 35.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.0% report depression. 20.8% experience frequent mental distress. 16.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,124. The dentist ratio is 1:2,643. 60.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Blakely vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.3% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.3% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 5.6% |
| Stroke | 4.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.3% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.8% |
| Physical Distress | 16.2% |
| Short Sleep | 46.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.9% |
| Uninsured | 16.5% |
| 92% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,124 |
| Dentists | 1:2,643 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,056 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.6% |
| Dental Visits | 45.1% |
| Premature Death | 16,356/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 60.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Blakely has a violent crime rate of 897 per 100,000 residents, 136% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 787.2 per 100,000, robbery at 65.6, rape at 43.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,624 per 100,000, 34% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,946, burglary at 525, vehicle theft at 153 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Blakely receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Blakely vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 896.6/100K |
| 136% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 43.7/100K |
| Robbery | 65.6/100K |
| Assault | 787.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,624.1/100K |
| 34% above US avg |
| Burglary | 524.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,946.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 153.1/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 22 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Blakely enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 306 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 56.9 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 227 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 67.0°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 227 ft (69 m) |
| Area | 17.7 sq mi (45.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 301/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.3809°N, 84.9271°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Early County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dothan Regional (DHN) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
56.9"
50% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
6.10"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 43.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 96.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 38.1 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
13 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 |
151 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
220 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
205 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
244 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
42 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
149 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
234 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
263 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
160 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
169 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
236 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
239 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
82 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
563 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 72 fatalities, 1,123 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
95 km |
9 |
| Mar 31, 2022 |
EF3 |
100 km |
2 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
56 km |
5 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
70 km |
2 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF3 |
37 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
66 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
67 km |
11 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
80 km |
7 |
| Nov 25, 1986 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1983 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Dec 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 1968 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 1968 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,753 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,753 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,600 |
90 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,750 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,733 |
99 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,508 |
58 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,424 |
59 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,423 |
58 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,305 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,062 |
58 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,927 |
56 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,718 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,666 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,657 |
58 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
2,599 |
82 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
2,478 |
58 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
2,442 |
57 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,417 |
58 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
2,253 |
65 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,233 |
55 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
2,154 |
53 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (9°C) |
6.1 in |
Coldest, Wettest |
| February |
51°F (11°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
6.1 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
67°F (20°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| November |
58°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
51°F (11°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Blakely has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 49°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 54.6 inches, with January being the wettest month (6.1") and October the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Blakely. 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 Blakely
What is the population of Blakely?
Blakely has a population of 5,276 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 301 people per square mile, spread across 17.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 33.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 56.8% female and 43.2% male.
Is Blakely expensive to live in?
Blakely 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 $52,656, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $140,400 (50% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $728 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Blakely safe?
Public safety is a concern in Blakely, with a violent crime rate of 897 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 2,624 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Blakely receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Blakely?
Blakely enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 49°F in January, while summers reach an average of 82°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 56.9 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Blakely?
Blakely has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,103. There are 275 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 4.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Blakely?
The median home value in Blakely is $140,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $124,619. For renters, the median monthly rent is $728. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 54.0%. The average annual property tax is $2,407.
How are the schools in Blakely?
Schools in Blakely have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 12.7% of adults in Blakely hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 78.4% have completed high school. 4.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Blakely?
The obesity rate in Blakely is 42.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 35.3% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 16.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 60.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,124.
What is transportation like in Blakely?
The average commute in Blakely is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Blakely?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Blakely is 25.3% White, 73.6% Black or African American. 99.9% of residents speak only English at home. 5.3% of the population are military veterans. 9.6% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.