Median Income
$56,023
25% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.2%
49% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$883
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.5%
64% lower than US avg
How Damascus Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population333
Median Age47.6 yrs
Density189/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 44%
Veterans18.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,023
Per Capita$24,470
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty4.5%
County GDP$277M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Rent$883
Ownership94.8%
Zillow$158,838
Housing Units156
Rent Burden20.8%
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured29.7%
Smoking19.5%
Depression19.0%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
Rain52.9 in/yr
Elevation225 ft (69 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.2%
High School+93.4%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score4.47
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 25%
Commute25 min
Broadband52.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Damascus a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Damascus receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Damascus offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Damascus is $56,023, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. Only 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $883 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Education
17.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Damascus enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.9 inches.
Damascus has a population of 333 with a density of 189 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age is 47.6 years, 22% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (43.5%), with 31.8% Hispanic, 24.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 69.6% of residents, while 18.1% speak Spanish. 18.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 18.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 70.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
333
Total Population
2023 Census
47.6yrs
Median Age
22% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
69.6%
11% below US avg
Spanish
18.1%
35% above US avg
The median household income in Damascus is $56,023, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,470 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,008, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 165 business establishments, including 10 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 | $56,023 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,470 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,008 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,769 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.5% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 165 |
| County GDP | $277M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 13 |
| Retail | 26 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 96.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,838. Monthly rent averages $883 (24% 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. 94.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 156 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $3,257. 20.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $883 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.8% |
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 | 94.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 94.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.2% |
| Housing Units | 156 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,257 |
| 7% below US avg |
In Damascus, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 43.3% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.8% report binge drinking. 34.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.0% report depression. 19.8% experience frequent mental distress. 29.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,973. The dentist ratio is 1:1,936. 19.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Damascus vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 43.3% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 5.4% |
| Stroke | 4.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.3% |
| Depression | 19.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.8% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 44.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 70.3% |
| Uninsured | 29.7% |
| 245% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,973 |
| Dentists | 1:1,936 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,747 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.1% |
| Dental Visits | 52.6% |
| Premature Death | 22,799/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 19.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 13 |
Damascus enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 52.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The city sits at an elevation of 225 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (10°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 65.9°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 225 ft (69 m) |
| Area | 1.8 sq mi (4.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 189/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.2985°N, 84.7172°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Miller County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Georgia Regional (ABY)
35 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.9"
39% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.88"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 20.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 78.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 23.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very 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 |
129 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
200 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
186 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
262 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
30 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
131 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
248 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 2 |
284 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
163 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
191 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
241 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
240 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
63 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
563 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 61 fatalities, 1,014 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
39 km |
5 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
45 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
45 km |
11 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
58 km |
7 |
| Dec 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Dec 28, 1968 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 1968 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
98 km |
2 |
| May 10, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
95 km |
1 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 2023 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Feb 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
2 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (10,098 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
10,098 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
9,117 |
94 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
8,190 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
5,798 |
95 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,949 |
100 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
4,883 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
4,827 |
94 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,630 |
89 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
4,393 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
4,124 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,065 |
91 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,019 |
95 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,750 |
49 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,508 |
49 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
3,449 |
95 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,424 |
49 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,423 |
49 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
3,329 |
94 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,062 |
49 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,927 |
45 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (10°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (11°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
60°F (15°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
67°F (19°C) |
2.6 in |
Driest |
| November |
57°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| December |
51°F (11°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Damascus has a seasonal temperature swing of 32°F / from 49°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 52.9 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.9") and October the driest (2.6").
Average costs for common services in Damascus. 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 Damascus
What is the population of Damascus?
Damascus has a population of 333 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 189 people per square mile, spread across 1.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 47.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Damascus expensive to live in?
Damascus 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 $56,023, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Renters pay a median of $883 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
What is the weather like in Damascus?
Damascus enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 49°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 52.9 inches.
How is the job market in Damascus?
The job market in Damascus is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,008. There are 165 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Damascus?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $883. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 94.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,257.
How are the schools in Damascus?
Schools in Damascus have an average test score of 4.5 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 17.2% of adults in Damascus hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Damascus?
The obesity rate in Damascus is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 34.3% are physically inactive. 19.0% of residents report depression. 29.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 19.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,973.
What is transportation like in Damascus?
The average commute in Damascus is 25 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 96.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Damascus?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Damascus is 43.5% White, 24.9% Black or African American, 31.8% Hispanic or Latino. 69.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 18.1% speak Spanish. 18.7% of the population are military veterans. 18.6% of residents have a disability. 70.3% have health insurance coverage.