Median Income
$38,636
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$91,400
68% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
68/100K
82% 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%
Veterans5.0%
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
Ownership47.9%
Zillow$113,221
Housing Units550
Rent Burden28.8%
Crime
F
Violent68/100K
Property609/100K
Health
Obesity44.0%
Uninsured14.9%
Smoking18.6%
Depression19.5%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation154 ft (47 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.8%
High School+88.2%
Graduate+2.1%
School Score5.16
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute21 min
Broadband80.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries2
Is Fort Gaines a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Fort Gaines receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Fort Gaines has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
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.
Safety & Crime
Fort Gaines is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 68 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 609 per 100,000, 69% below the national average.
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 5.2/10.
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. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. 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, spread across 7.7 square miles. The median age is 31.7 years, 19% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.5% female and 46.5% male. The city is predominantly Black (83.4%), with 15.4% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96% of residents. 5.0% of the population are veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
31.7yrs
Median Age
19% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Fort Gaines vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.0%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.0%
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. Per capita income is $18,819 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,085, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 22.7% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 420 business establishments, including 23 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Fort Gaines vs U.S.
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 |
| Gini Index | 0.466 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 22.7% |
| 83% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 420 |
| County GDP | $681M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Healthcare | 20 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,925 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.11% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.4% |
The median home value in Fort Gaines is $91,400, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,221, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $518 (55% 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. 47.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 550 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. The average annual property tax is $1,925 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 28.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
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 |
| Rent Burden | 28.8% |
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 | 47.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 47.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.1% |
| Housing Units | 550 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,925 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.11% |
In Fort Gaines, 44.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 17.0% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 44.9% have high blood pressure. 18.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 11.9% report binge drinking. 35.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 19.5% report depression. 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 14.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,910. The dentist ratio is 1:3,531. 18.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Fort Gaines vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.0% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 17.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 44.9% |
| Asthma | 12.2% |
| COPD | 8.0% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 4.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.6% |
| 33% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 11.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.4% |
| Depression | 19.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 15.9% |
| Short Sleep | 47.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.7% |
| Uninsured | 14.9% |
| 73% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,910 |
| Dentists | 1:3,531 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,377 |
| Checkup Rate | 80.7% |
| Dental Visits | 45.4% |
| Premature Death | 10,894/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 18.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 20 |
Fort Gaines has a violent crime rate of 68 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 609 per 100,000, 69% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Fort Gaines receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Fort Gaines vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 67.7/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 609.3/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Fort Gaines enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 49°F in January while summers reach 82°F in July. The area gets 308 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 154 feet.
Temperature
49°F Jan (9°C)
82°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 65.7°F |
| 22% above US avg |
| January Average | 49°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 82°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 154 ft (47 m) |
| Area | 7.7 sq mi (19.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 244/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.6259°N, 85.0587°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Dothan Regional (DHN)
31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.94"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 42.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 93.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 46.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very 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)
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 |
171 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
249 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
229 km |
| 2020 |
Sally |
Category 2 |
241 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
55 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
179 km |
| 2005 |
Dennis |
Category 4 |
232 km |
| 2004 |
Ivan |
Category 3 |
252 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 2 |
180 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
146 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 2 |
244 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
260 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
111 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
550 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 86 fatalities, 1,290 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 3, 2019 |
EF4 |
100 km |
23 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF4 |
90 km |
9 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
71 km |
5 |
| Apr 29, 2014 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
58 km |
2 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
90 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
90 km |
11 |
| Nov 25, 1986 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1983 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1981 |
EF3 |
77 km |
2 |
| Dec 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 19, 1974 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Dec 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 1973 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Mar 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Mar 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (13,987 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
13,987 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
10,827 |
73 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
7,788 |
73 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,753 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,854 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,600 |
60 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,442 |
72 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
5,397 |
99 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,750 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,733 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,694 |
78 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,508 |
88 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,429 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,424 |
88 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
3,423 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,362 |
81 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,305 |
64 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,210 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
3,062 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,018 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
49°F (9°C) |
5.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
51°F (11°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| March |
58°F (15°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| April |
64°F (18°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
78°F (26°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| July |
82°F (28°C) |
5.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
2.4 in |
Driest |
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
51°F (10°C) |
4.9 in |
|
Fort Gaines has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 49°F in January to 82°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 53.5 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.9") and October the driest (2.4").
Average costs for common services in Fort Gaines. 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 | $524 |
| Toddler | $502 |
| Preschool | $475 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $454 |
| Toddler | $457 |
| Preschool | $457 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Gaines
What is the population of Fort Gaines?
Fort Gaines has a population of 1,166 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 244 people per square mile, spread across 7.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 31.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
Is Fort Gaines expensive to live in?
Fort Gaines 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 $38,636, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $91,400 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $518 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Fort Gaines safe?
Fort Gaines is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 68 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 609 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Fort Gaines receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Fort Gaines?
Fort Gaines 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 82°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Fort Gaines?
The unemployment rate in Fort Gaines is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,085. There are 420 business establishments in the area, including 23 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 9.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Fort Gaines?
The median home value in Fort Gaines is $91,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $113,221. For renters, the median monthly rent is $518. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 47.9%. The average annual property tax is $1,925.
How are the schools in Fort Gaines?
Schools in Fort Gaines score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.8% of adults in Fort Gaines hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 2.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Fort Gaines?
The obesity rate in Fort Gaines is 44.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.6% of adults are smokers. 35.4% are physically inactive. 19.5% of residents report depression. 14.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 18.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,910.
What is transportation like in Fort Gaines?
The average commute in Fort Gaines is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Fort Gaines?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Gaines is 15.4% White, 83.4% Black or African American. 96% of residents speak only English at home, while 4% speak Spanish. 5.0% of the population are military veterans. 9.9% of residents have a disability. 90.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
