Fort Gaines, GA

Georgia · Metropolitan Area

Fort Gaines is a small town in Georgia with a population of 1,166. Residents earn $38,636 per year, which is 49% below the national average.

3.0 /5.0
B Good
1,166 Population 244/sq mi density
$38,636 Median Income $18,819 per capita
$91,400 Home Value $113,221 Zillow
$518 Median Rent
66°F Avg Temperature
B
Overall
3.0 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
C
Economy
2.4 / 5.0
$38,636 median income, 5.2% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$91,400 home value, $518/mo rent
D
Education
1.7 / 5.0
8.8% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $38,636
49% lower than US avg
Home Value $91,400
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 8.8%
74% lower than US avg
Median Rent $518
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 44.0%
37% higher than US avg
Unemployment 5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate 22.7%
83% higher than US avg

How Fort Gaines Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population1,166
Median Age31.7 yrs
Density244/mi²
Male / Female47% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 15%

Economy

C
Median Income$38,636
Per Capita$18,819
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty22.7%
County GDP$681M
Commute21 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$91,400
Rent$518
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$113,221

Crime

ViolentN/A
PropertyN/A

Health

Obesity44.0%
UninsuredN/A
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease6.6%

Climate

Avg Temp66°F
AQI44 (Good)
Elevation154 ft

Education

D
Bachelor's+8.8%
High School+88.2%
School Score4.92

Community

2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute21 min
Libraries2

Is Fort Gaines a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Fort Gaines receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Fort Gaines offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Fort Gaines is $38,636, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 22.7% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Fort Gaines is $91,400, 68% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $518 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

8.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.

Climate & Weather

Fort Gaines enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.

Fort Gaines has a population of 1,166 with a density of 244 people per square mile. The median age is 31.7 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly Black (83.4%), with 15.4% White.

Population

1,166
Total Population
244
People / sq mi
31.7yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
4.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 46.5%
Female 53.5%

Race & Ethnicity

Fort Gaines vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish4.0%
70% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Fort Gaines vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Fort Gaines is $38,636, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.7% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.

Income: Fort Gaines vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$38,636
49% below US avg
Per Capita Income$18,819
Avg Weekly Wage$1,085
IRS Avg AGI$63,092

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment5.2%
44% above US avg
Poverty Rate22.7%
83% above US avg
Establishments (County)420
County GDP$681M

Business (County)

Restaurants23
Healthcare20
Retail47
Manufacturing9

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$1,925
45% below US avg
Effective Tax Rate2.11%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time21.1 min
Work from Home9.4%

Walkability

The median home value in Fort Gaines is $91,400, 68% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $518 (55% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,221.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$91,400
68% below US avg
Zillow ZHVI$113,221

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$518
55% 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

Owner-Occupied47.9%

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$1,925
45% below US avg
Effective Rate2.11%
In Fort Gaines, 44.0% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 19.5% report depression. 35.4% are physically inactive.

Health Metrics: Fort Gaines vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity44.0%
37% above US avg
Diabetes17.0%
Heart Disease6.6%
High Blood Pressure44.9%
Asthma12.2%
COPD8.0%
Stroke4.9%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Binge Drinking11.9%
Physical Inactivity35.4%
Depression19.5%
Mental Distress20.7%
Physical Distress15.9%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate90.7%
Checkup Rate80.7%
Premature Death10,894/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.0/10
Exercise Access18.5%
Healthcare Facilities20

Crime Rates: Fort Gaines vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)

Violent Crime

Property Crime

Traffic Safety

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)2
FEMA Disasters91

Safety Score

Fort Gaines has an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.

Temperature

49°F Jan (9°C) 82°F Jul (28°C)
Annual Average65.7°F
22% above US avg
January Average49°F (9°C)
July Average82°F (28°C)

Precipitation & Snow

Air Quality

AQI Median44.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation154 ft (47 m)
Area4.8 sq mi (12.4 km²)
Population Density244/sq mi
Coordinates31.6259°N, 85.0587°W
County FIPS01067
It is classified as Metro — under 250K. 8.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher (74% below US avg). In the 2024 election, the county voted Republican by a 50.8-point margin.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 75.1%
D 24.3%

Winner: Republican by 50.8 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+8.8%
74% below US avg
High School+88.2%
School Test Score4.92
D Education Grade (1.7/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 3Metro — under 250K
Population Density244/sq mi
Total Area4.8 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Public Libraries2
Healthcare Facilities20
Restaurants23
Retail Stores47

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)2
FEMA Disaster Declarations91

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute21.1 min
Work from Home9.4%

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