Median Income
$49,271
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$173,400
38% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
6.7%
80% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$914
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
11.2%
211% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.7%
27% higher than US avg
How Buchanan Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,324
Median Age38.1 yrs
Density889/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans4.6%
Economy
C
Median Income$49,271
Per Capita$21,183
Unemployment11.2%
Poverty15.7%
County GDP$1,403M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$173,400
Rent$914
Ownership48.5%
Zillow$280,304
Housing Units452
Rent Burden27.7%
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured17.0%
Smoking20.8%
Depression25.5%
Heart Disease6.8%
Climate
Avg Temp61°F (16°C)
Rain52.4 in/yr
Elevation1,199 ft (365 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+6.7%
High School+68.8%
Graduate+1.5%
School Score5.60
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 13%
Commute26 min
Broadband78.1%
EV Stations4
Libraries3
Is Buchanan a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Buchanan receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Buchanan has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Buchanan is $49,271, 34% below the national average of $75,149. At 11.2%, unemployment is notably high. The poverty rate of 15.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Buchanan is $173,400, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $914 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
6.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 68.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Buchanan enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F. Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.4 inches.
Buchanan has a population of 1,324 with a density of 889 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 38.1 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.7% female and 44.3% male. The city is predominantly White (89.5%), with 7.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 4.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 18.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 83.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,324
Total Population
2023 Census
38.1yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
The median household income in Buchanan is $49,271, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,183 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,028, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 11.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 15.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 619 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,271 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,183 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,028 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $62,255 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 11.2% |
| 211% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.7% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 619 |
| County GDP | $1,403M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 100 |
| Manufacturing | 33 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,471 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Buchanan is $173,400, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,304, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $249,700 with homes selling in an average of 186 days. Monthly rent averages $914 (21% 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. 48.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 452 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1968. The average annual property tax is $3,471. 27.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $173,400 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $280,304 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $249,700 |
| Median List Price | $304,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $249,700 |
| Median List Price | $304,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $180 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 186 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 14.3% |
| Inventory | 7 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $914 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.7% |
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 | 48.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 51.5% |
| Housing Units | 452 |
| Median Year Built | 1968 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,471 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.00% |
In Buchanan, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.8% of residents, above the national average. 36.7% have high blood pressure. 20.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.1% report binge drinking. 30.5% are physically inactive, above the national average. 25.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.6% experience frequent mental distress. 17.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,352. The dentist ratio is 1:4,477. 40.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Buchanan vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.7% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 9.2% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.8% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.5% |
| Depression | 25.5% |
| Mental Distress | 21.6% |
| Physical Distress | 16.7% |
| Short Sleep | 39.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 83.0% |
| Uninsured | 17.0% |
| 98% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,352 |
| Dentists | 1:4,477 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,780 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 50.6% |
| Premature Death | 12,727/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 40.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Buchanan enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winters average 43°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 1,199 feet.
Temperature
43°F Jan (6°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 61.3°F |
| 14% above US avg |
| January Average | 43°F (6°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,199 ft (365 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 889/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.8005°N, 85.1798°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Haralson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Richard B Russell Regional - J H Towers Field (RMG)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.4"
38% above US avg
Wettest Month (Feb)
5.65"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 27.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
64 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.6 on Feb 25, 2025.
| Apr 29, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M4.6 |
88 km |
| Dec 8, 2001 |
5 km SW of Pleasant Groves, Alabama |
M3.9 |
140 km |
| Jul 19, 1997 |
12 km E of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.5 |
133 km |
| Apr 5, 1994 |
10 km N of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
133 km |
| May 6, 2010 |
11 km ENE of Whitesboro, Alabama |
M3.2 |
83 km |
| Mar 21, 2001 |
7 km ESE of Trenton, Georgia |
M3.2 |
119 km |
| Jun 23, 2008 |
10 km ESE of Cohutta, Georgia |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
8 km S of Valley Head, Alabama |
M3.1 |
87 km |
| Oct 30, 1991 |
9 km NNE of Eton, Georgia |
M3.1 |
130 km |
| Jan 15, 1993 |
1 km N of Apison, Tennessee |
M3.1 |
138 km |
| Apr 29, 2003 |
7 km E of Fort Payne, Alabama |
M3.1 |
83 km |
| Sep 13, 2011 |
1 km NNW of Leeds, Alabama |
M3.0 |
130 km |
| Jan 21, 2022 |
16 km NNE of Eton, Georgia |
M2.9 |
137 km |
| May 19, 1997 |
9 km NNW of Trion, Georgia |
M2.9 |
93 km |
| Feb 17, 1991 |
6 km N of Goldville, Alabama |
M2.9 |
92 km |
| Sep 19, 1990 |
6 km NNW of Menlo, Georgia |
M2.9 |
87 km |
| Aug 7, 2006 |
8 km NNE of Trenton, Georgia |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Jul 28, 1990 |
3 km WNW of Varnell, Georgia |
M2.9 |
125 km |
| Mar 28, 1991 |
5 km NNW of Westover, Alabama |
M2.9 |
135 km |
| Dec 10, 2013 |
11 km SSE of Wildwood Lake, Tennessee |
M2.8 |
137 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
2 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 1. Most recent: Michael (2018, Cat 1).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 1 |
224 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
226 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
507 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 114 fatalities, 1,482 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF5 |
99 km |
25 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF4 |
39 km |
3 |
| Mar 27, 1994 |
EF4 |
90 km |
22 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
9 |
| May 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1953 |
EF4 |
95 km |
7 |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF3 |
86 km |
6 |
| Mar 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 28, 2014 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jan 30, 2013 |
EF3 |
64 km |
1 |
| Mar 2, 2012 |
EF3 |
13 km |
0 |
| Dec 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
90 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2010 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF3 |
33 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (7,740 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
7,740 |
38 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
6,320 |
34 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
5,844 |
32 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,199 |
84 km |
| 2014 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,857 |
37 km |
| 2022 |
SC 540C/CHOCCOLOCCO |
3,750 |
34 km |
| 2020 |
SC WEST END C AND D |
3,538 |
39 km |
| 2010 |
UPPER SHOAL |
3,512 |
33 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
3,410 |
37 km |
| 1998 |
CHEAHA WILDERNESS |
3,299 |
75 km |
| 2018 |
HOUCK CREEK |
3,188 |
38 km |
| 2021 |
TL TYLER WEST |
3,148 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
PENTECOST |
3,095 |
52 km |
| 2010 |
BANKHEAD I |
3,027 |
42 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
2,871 |
81 km |
| 2024 |
AL-MLR UNITS 2/3 RX |
2,836 |
53 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,777 |
42 km |
| 2019 |
TL BUNN |
2,688 |
75 km |
| 1987 |
STATEC0045 |
2,669 |
82 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
2,667 |
82 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
43°F (6°C) |
5.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
46°F (8°C) |
5.7 in |
Wettest |
| March |
53°F (12°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
69°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
76°F (25°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
62°F (16°C) |
3.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
51°F (11°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| December |
45°F (7°C) |
4.7 in |
|
Buchanan has a seasonal temperature swing of 37°F / from 43°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.4 inches, with February being the wettest month (5.7") and October the driest (3.2").
Average costs for common services in Buchanan. 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 Buchanan
What is the population of Buchanan?
Buchanan has a population of 1,324 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 889 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.1 years. The population is 55.7% female and 44.3% male.
Is Buchanan expensive to live in?
Buchanan 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 $49,271, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $173,400 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $914 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Buchanan?
Buchanan enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 61°F (16°C). Winter temperatures average 43°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 52.4 inches.
How is the job market in Buchanan?
The job market in Buchanan faces challenges, with unemployment at 11.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,028. There are 619 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Buchanan?
The median home value in Buchanan is $173,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $280,304. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $249,700, with homes typically selling within 186 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $914. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 48.5%. The average annual property tax is $3,471.
How are the schools in Buchanan?
Schools in Buchanan score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.7% of adults in Buchanan hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 68.8% have completed high school. 1.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Buchanan?
The obesity rate in Buchanan is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.8% of adults are smokers. 30.5% are physically inactive. 25.5% of residents report depression. 17.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 40.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,352.
What is transportation like in Buchanan?
The average commute in Buchanan is 26 minutes. 85.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Buchanan?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Buchanan is 89.5% White, 7.3% Black or African American. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 4.6% of the population are military veterans. 18.4% of residents have a disability. 83.0% have health insurance coverage.