Median Income
$40,156
47% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
389/100K
2% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.3%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$850
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.3%
35% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.5%
81% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.9%
117% higher than US avg
How Boston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,305
Median Age34.9 yrs
Density580/mi²
Male / Female39% / 61%
Largest GroupWhite 29%
Veterans4.7%
Economy
C
Median Income$40,156
Per Capita$20,090
Unemployment6.5%
Poverty26.9%
County GDP$3,166M
Commute21 min
Housing
A
Rent$850
Ownership47.3%
Zillow$209,510
Housing Units570
Rent Burden30.9%
Crime
F
Violent389/100K
Property6,629/100K
Health
Obesity43.3%
Uninsured15.3%
Smoking17.7%
Depression19.4%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation205 ft (62 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.3%
High School+86.6%
Graduate+2.2%
School Score4.63
Community
2024 VoteR 62% / D 38%
Commute21 min
Broadband84.7%
EV Stations4
Libraries6
Is Boston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Boston receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Boston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Boston is $40,156, 47% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.5% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 26.9% 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
Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,629 per 100,000, 238% above the national average.
Education
14.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Boston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Boston has a population of 1,305 with a density of 580 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 34.9 years, 10% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 60.6% female and 39.4% male. The city is predominantly Black (65.9%), with 29.3% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.9% of residents. 4.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.9yrs
Median Age
10% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.9%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.1%
69% below US avg
The median household income in Boston is $40,156, which is 47% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,090 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,058, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 6.5% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,737 business establishments, including 105 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). 1.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $40,156 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,090 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,058 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,668 |
| Gini Index | 0.471 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.5% |
| 81% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.9% |
| 117% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,737 |
| County GDP | $3,166M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 105 |
| Healthcare | 162 |
| Retail | 238 |
| Manufacturing | 55 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,397 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.1% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.4% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $209,510. Monthly rent averages $850 (27% 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. 47.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 570 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $4,397 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $850 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 30.9% |
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 | 47.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.7% |
| Housing Units | 570 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,397 |
| 26% above US avg |
In Boston, 43.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.4% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 41.8% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.2% report binge drinking. 31.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.4% report depression. 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 15.3% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,066. The dentist ratio is 1:2,278. 53.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Boston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.3% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.8% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.3% |
| Cancer | 5.5% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.5% |
| Depression | 19.4% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 45.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 15.3% |
| 78% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,066 |
| Dentists | 1:2,278 |
| Mental Health | 1:400 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.6% |
| Dental Visits | 51.8% |
| Premature Death | 12,173/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 53.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 162 |
Boston has a violent crime rate of 389 per 100,000 residents, 2% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,629 per 100,000, 238% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Boston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Boston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 389.3/100K |
| 2% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,628.6/100K |
| 238% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Boston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 205 feet.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 66.6°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 205 ft (62 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (5.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 580/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.7912°N, 83.7894°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Thomas County County |
| Nearest Airport | Thomasville Regional (TVI)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
6.42"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 70.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 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 |
28 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
106 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
92 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
104 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
58 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
297 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
199 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
238 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
288 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
221 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
58 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
442 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 60 fatalities, 786 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
30 km |
11 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
89 km |
5 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
4 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
63 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
47 km |
7 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
62 km |
11 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
52 km |
4 |
| Dec 28, 1968 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 1968 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1952 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
78 km |
2 |
| Feb 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2020 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Dec 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (25,845 ac, 1985).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
25,845 |
67 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
11,747 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
ARABIA BAY |
10,971 |
98 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
10,261 |
94 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
10,098 |
42 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
9,352 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,252 |
97 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
9,117 |
39 km |
| 1999 |
COW HOUSE |
8,301 |
87 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
8,190 |
56 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
8,108 |
94 km |
| 2021 |
BU 305/306 |
7,904 |
91 km |
| 2020 |
BU 315/316/318 |
7,892 |
87 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
6,603 |
34 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
6,582 |
80 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
6,421 |
26 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
6,269 |
94 km |
| 2019 |
BU 301/302 |
6,032 |
84 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
5,798 |
39 km |
| 2007 |
ROUNDABOUT SWAMP FIRE |
5,791 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
5.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
5.4 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
6.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| November |
60°F (15°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| December |
53°F (12°C) |
4.0 in |
|
Boston has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 50°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 53.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (6.4") and October the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Boston. 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 Boston
What is the population of Boston?
Boston has a population of 1,305 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 580 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 60.6% female and 39.4% male.
Is Boston expensive to live in?
Boston 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 $40,156, 47% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $850 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Boston safe?
The violent crime rate in Boston is 389 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,629 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Boston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Boston?
Boston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 50°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Boston?
The unemployment rate in Boston is 6.5%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,058. There are 1,737 business establishments in the area, including 105 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 1.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Boston?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $850. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,397.
How are the schools in Boston?
Schools in Boston have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 14.3% of adults in Boston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.6% have completed high school. 2.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Boston?
The obesity rate in Boston is 43.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 31.5% are physically inactive. 19.4% of residents report depression. 15.3% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 53.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,066.
What is transportation like in Boston?
The average commute in Boston is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.1% of workers drive alone to work, 1% use public transit, and 1.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Boston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Boston is 29.3% White, 65.9% Black or African American. 95.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.1% speak Spanish. 4.7% of the population are military veterans. 20.8% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
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