Median Income
$61,723
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$112,600
60% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
409/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.4%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$833
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.1%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.7%
30% lower than US avg
How Echols County consolidated government Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,705
Median Age31.2 yrs
Density9/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 68%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$61,723
Per Capita$25,653
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty8.7%
County GDP$54M
Commute27 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$112,600
Rent$833
Ownership76.8%
Zillow$177,751
Housing Units1,546
Rent Burden27.1%
Crime
F
Violent409/100K
Property4,496/100K
Health
Obesity43.1%
Smoking23.4%
Depression24.3%
Heart Disease7.8%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain52.6 in/yr
Sunny Days306/yr
Elevation161 ft (49 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.4%
High School+81.5%
Graduate+5.4%
School Score4.98
Community
2024 VoteR 91% / D 9%
Commute27 min
Broadband68.1%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Echols County consolidated government a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Echols County consolidated government receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Echols County consolidated government offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Echols County consolidated government is $61,723, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 8.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Echols County consolidated government is $112,600, 60% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 409 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,496 per 100,000, 129% above the national average.
Education
14.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Echols County consolidated government enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 306 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 52.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Echols County consolidated government has a population of 3,705 with a density of 9 people per square mile, spread across 420.4 square miles. The median age is 31.2 years, 20% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (67.6%), with 4.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 80.8% of residents, while 19.2% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 75.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.2yrs
Median Age
20% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Echols County consolidated government vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
80.8%
3% above US avg
Spanish
19.2%
43% above US avg
Social Characteristics
Echols County consolidated government vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Echols County consolidated government is $61,723, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $25,653 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $908, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.7% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 62 business establishments, including 286 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Echols County consolidated government vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,723 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $25,653 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $908 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $43,155 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.7% |
| 30% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 62 |
| County GDP | $54M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 286 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 4 |
| Manufacturing | 95 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,375 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Echols County consolidated government is $112,600, 60% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,751, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $833 (28% 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. 76.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,546 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1989. The average annual property tax is $2,375 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 27.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $112,600 |
| 60% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $177,751 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $833 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.1% |
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 | 76.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,546 |
| Median Year Built | 1989 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,375 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.11% |
In Echols County consolidated government, 43.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 16.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.8% of residents, above the national average. 41.5% have high blood pressure. 23.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.7% report binge drinking. 36.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.7% experience frequent mental distress. 0.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Echols County consolidated government vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.1% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 16.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.5% |
| Asthma | 12.0% |
| COPD | 10.6% |
| Cancer | 6.1% |
| Stroke | 5.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 23.4% |
| 67% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 36.4% |
| Depression | 24.3% |
| Mental Distress | 22.7% |
| Physical Distress | 18.6% |
| Short Sleep | 42.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 75.1% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 46.1% |
| Premature Death | 7,911/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 0.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Echols County consolidated government has a violent crime rate of 409 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,496 per 100,000, 129% above the U.S. average. Overall, Echols County consolidated government receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Echols County consolidated government vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 408.7/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,495.9/100K |
| 129% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Echols County consolidated government enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 51°F in January while summers reach 80°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 52.6 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 161 feet.
Temperature
51°F Jan (10°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 66.3°F |
| 23% above US avg |
| January Average | 51°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 306 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 161 ft (49 m) |
| Area | 420.4 sq mi (1,088.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 9/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.7140°N, 82.8974°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Echols County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valdosta Regional (VLD)
23 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
52.6"
39% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
6.69"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 0.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 1.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
15 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 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
103 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
23 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
176 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 1 |
288 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
218 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
115 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
212 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
296 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
277 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
275 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
230 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
105 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
231 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 1 |
278 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
331 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 18 fatalities, 194 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
73 km |
11 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
58 km |
4 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1968 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1960 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 11, 1952 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Feb 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2021 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 7, 2008 |
EF2 |
63 km |
1 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
65 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 2006 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Dec 5, 2005 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2002 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 2001 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Feb 14, 2000 |
EF2 |
97 km |
1 |
| Sep 29, 1998 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (328,827 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX |
328,827 |
52 km |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (FLOYDS ISLAND PRAIRIE) |
215,381 |
61 km |
| 2017 |
WEST MIMS |
166,737 |
58 km |
| 2011 |
HONEY PRAIRIE |
147,065 |
57 km |
| 2011 |
CRAVENS HAMMOCK |
142,688 |
56 km |
| 2002 |
BLACKJACK BAY COMPLEX |
107,076 |
56 km |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
52 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
59,179 |
90 km |
| 2007 |
SWEAT FARM ROAD |
52,495 |
63 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY LINE |
35,440 |
48 km |
| 2004 |
IMPASSABLE ONE |
29,836 |
58 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
25,845 |
65 km |
| 1998 |
OAK |
21,478 |
58 km |
| 1990 |
SHORTS |
21,413 |
46 km |
| 2011 |
SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE |
20,916 |
86 km |
| 2011 |
GA-19 (SAW FLY RD) |
19,730 |
78 km |
| 2011 |
SWEAT FARM AGAIN |
19,698 |
64 km |
| 2011 |
DURDIN PRAIRIE |
19,487 |
70 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
18,577 |
56 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
16,594 |
80 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
51°F (10°C) |
4.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
54°F (12°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
5.6 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
6.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
6.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
60°F (16°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
53°F (12°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Echols County consolidated government has a seasonal temperature swing of 30°F / from 51°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (6.7") and October the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Echols County consolidated government. 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 Echols County consolidated government
What is the population of Echols County consolidated government?
Echols County consolidated government has a population of 3,705 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 9 people per square mile, spread across 420.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.2 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Echols County consolidated government expensive to live in?
Echols County consolidated government 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 $61,723, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $112,600 (60% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $833 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Echols County consolidated government safe?
The violent crime rate in Echols County consolidated government is 409 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 4,496 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Echols County consolidated government receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Echols County consolidated government?
Echols County consolidated government enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 51°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 306 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 52.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Echols County consolidated government?
The job market in Echols County consolidated government is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $908. There are 62 business establishments in the area, including 286 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Echols County consolidated government?
The median home value in Echols County consolidated government is $112,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $177,751. For renters, the median monthly rent is $833. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,375.
How are the schools in Echols County consolidated government?
Schools in Echols County consolidated government score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.4% of adults in Echols County consolidated government hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 81.5% have completed high school. 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Echols County consolidated government?
The obesity rate in Echols County consolidated government is 43.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 23.4% of adults are smokers. 36.4% are physically inactive. 24.3% of residents report depression. 0.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Echols County consolidated government?
The average commute in Echols County consolidated government is 27 minutes. 81.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Echols County consolidated government?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Echols County consolidated government is 67.6% White, 4.2% Black or African American. 80.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 19.2% speak Spanish. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.0% of residents have a disability. 75.1% have health insurance coverage.
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