Median Income
$45,453
40% lower than US avg
Home Value
$76,800
73% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
319/100K
16% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
4.5%
87% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$833
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.9%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
6.7%
86% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.5%
154% higher than US avg
How Folkston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,609
Median Age37.6 yrs
Density1,100/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 43%
Economy
C
Median Income$45,453
Per Capita$20,378
Unemployment6.7%
Poverty31.5%
County GDP$289M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$76,800
Rent$833
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$203,259
Crime
F
Violent319/100K
Property1,117/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault266/100K
Burglary355/100K
Health
Obesity41.9%
UninsuredN/A
Depression16.0%
Heart Disease7.6%
Climate
Avg Temp70°F
AQI44 (Good)
Rain53.2 in/yr
Elevation80 ft
Education
F
Bachelor's+4.5%
High School+80.3%
School Score4.92
Community
2024 VoteR 78% / D 22%
Commute19 min
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Folkston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Folkston receives an overall livability score of 2.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Folkston has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Folkston is $45,453, 40% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 6.7% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 31.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Folkston is $76,800, 73% 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 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Folkston is below the national average at 319 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,117 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
4.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Folkston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 70°F. Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 53.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Folkston has a population of 4,609 with a density of 1,100 people per square mile. The median age is 37.6 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (47.8%), with 43.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic.
Population
37.6yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 90.1% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Spanish | 9.9% |
| 26% below US avg |
The median household income in Folkston is $45,453, which is 40% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 6.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 31.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $45,453 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,378 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $900 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $50,850 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 6.7% |
| 86% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.5% |
| 154% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 193 |
| County GDP | $289M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 16 |
| Healthcare | 10 |
| Retail | 34 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,915 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.80% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.8 min |
| Work from Home | 0.8% |
The median home value in Folkston is $76,800, 73% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $833 (28% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,259.
Home Values
| Census Median | $76,800 |
| 73% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $203,259 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $833 |
| 28% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,915 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.80% |
In Folkston, 41.9% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 16.0% report depression. 34.8% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Folkston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.9% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.2% |
| Asthma | 8.6% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 4.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 34.8% |
| Depression | 16.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 69.5% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,365/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 10 |
Folkston has a violent crime rate of 319 per 100,000 residents, 16% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,117 per 100,000 (43% below US avg). The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000.
Crime Rates: Folkston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 319.1/100K |
| 16% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 53.2/100K |
| Assault | 265.9/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,116.8/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
| Burglary | 354.6/100K |
| Theft | 709.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 53.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Folkston has an average annual temperature of 70°F (21°C). Winters average 55°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation is 53.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Temperature
55°F Jan (13°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 70.3°F |
| 30% above US avg |
| January Average | 55°F (13°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 53.2 inches |
| 40% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.0 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 80 ft (24 m) |
| Area | 4.2 sq mi (10.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,100/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 30.8391°N, 82.0073°W |
| County FIPS | 13049 |