Median Income
$61,392
18% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
38.4%
14% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.3%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.2%
47% higher than US avg
How Collins Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population520
Median Age45.6 yrs
Density510/mi²
Male / Female38% / 62%
Largest GroupWhite 81%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$61,392
Per Capita$43,484
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty18.2%
County GDP$920M
Commute25 min
Housing
Ownership72.3%
Zillow$169,137
Housing Units320
Rent Burden29.3%
Health
Obesity40.3%
Uninsured18.7%
Smoking17.7%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
Rain47.2 in/yr
Elevation233 ft (71 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+38.4%
High School+85.8%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score4.56
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 23%
Commute25 min
Broadband62.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries2
Is Collins a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Collins receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Collins offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Collins is $61,392, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. The poverty rate of 18.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 38.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 85.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Collins enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches.
Collins has a population of 520 with a density of 510 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 45.6 years, 17% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 61.9% female and 38.1% male. The city is predominantly White (80.6%), with 5.6% Hispanic, 11.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89% of residents, while 10.2% speak Spanish. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 81.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
520
Total Population
2023 Census
45.6yrs
Median Age
17% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.0%
13% above US avg
Spanish
10.2%
24% below US avg
The median household income in Collins is $61,392, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,484 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $900, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 423 business establishments, including 21 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,392 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,484 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $900 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,617 |
| Gini Index | 0.454 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.2% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 423 |
| County GDP | $920M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 21 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 70 |
| Manufacturing | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,059 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 63.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $169,137. Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 72.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 320 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $3,059. 29.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
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 | 72.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 72.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 27.7% |
| Housing Units | 320 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,059 |
| 13% below US avg |
In Collins, 40.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.1% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 39.5% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.5% report binge drinking. 31.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.2% report depression. 20.1% experience frequent mental distress. 18.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,763. The dentist ratio is 1:8,021. 51.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Collins vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.3% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 39.5% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Cancer | 6.3% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.8% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.5% |
| Short Sleep | 44.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 81.3% |
| Uninsured | 18.7% |
| 117% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:5,763 |
| Dentists | 1:8,021 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,037 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 49.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,557/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Collins enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 233 feet.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.8°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 233 ft (71 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 510/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.1792°N, 82.1099°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Tattnall County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vidalia Regional (VDI)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.2"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.61"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 76.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 16.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
11 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.9 on Jun 18, 2022.
| Jun 18, 2022 |
7 km E of Stillmore, Georgia |
M3.9 |
31 km |
| Jul 13, 2003 |
6 km N of Cobbtown, Georgia |
M3.6 |
18 km |
| Dec 7, 2009 |
4 km WNW of Deepstep, Georgia |
M3.2 |
127 km |
| Jun 20, 2017 |
6 km SW of Augusta, Georgia |
M3.2 |
139 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Jul 4, 2012 |
11 km NNE of Deepstep, Georgia |
M2.7 |
130 km |
| May 3, 2011 |
6 km WNW of Mitchell, Georgia |
M2.6 |
133 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.5 |
149 km |
| Mar 4, 1996 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
54 km |
| May 17, 1997 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
54 km |
| Oct 8, 2001 |
10 km S of New Ellenton, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
134 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
16 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
149 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
282 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 3 |
157 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
288 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
248 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
253 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
169 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
152 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
276 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
252 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
252 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
224 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
152 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
152 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 1 |
274 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
308 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 346 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
43 km |
1 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF4 |
97 km |
5 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1998 |
EF3 |
50 km |
2 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 2009 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2009 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
28 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 2008 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
43 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2007 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE (20,916 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE |
20,916 |
93 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
12,186 |
46 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
10,963 |
54 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,163 |
57 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,291 |
34 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,021 |
52 km |
| 2011 |
ELIM CHURCH RD. FIRE |
3,850 |
64 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
3,521 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,880 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,845 |
74 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,768 |
66 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,748 |
60 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,650 |
57 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,553 |
100 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
2,549 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,503 |
70 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,475 |
56 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,463 |
63 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,335 |
49 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,214 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| March |
60°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
74°F (24°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
5.6 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
Driest |
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Collins has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 50°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.6") and October the driest (2.7").
Average costs for common services in Collins. 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 Collins
What is the population of Collins?
Collins has a population of 520 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 510 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 45.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 61.9% female and 38.1% male.
Is Collins expensive to live in?
Collins 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 $61,392, 18% below the national average of $75,149.
What is the weather like in Collins?
Collins 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 83°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 47.2 inches.
How is the job market in Collins?
The job market in Collins is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $900. There are 423 business establishments in the area, including 21 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How are the schools in Collins?
Schools in Collins have an average test score of 4.6 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 38.4% of adults in Collins hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 85.8% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Collins?
The obesity rate in Collins is 40.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 31.8% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 18.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 51.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:5,763.
What is transportation like in Collins?
The average commute in Collins is 25 minutes. 63.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Collins?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Collins is 80.6% White, 11.2% Black or African American, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino. 89% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.2% speak Spanish. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 16.2% of residents have a disability. 81.3% have health insurance coverage.