Median Income
$71,250
5% lower than US avg
Home Value
$262,500
7% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
442/100K
16% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.0%
53% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Gay Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population124
Median Age49.0 yrs
Density144/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 61%
Veterans97.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,250
Per Capita$32,798
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$913M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$262,500
Ownership68.0%
Zillow$260,868
Housing Units68
Rent Burden30.0%
Crime
F
Violent442/100K
Property11,934/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured15.4%
Smoking17.2%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain49.3 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation833 ft (254 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.0%
High School+70.2%
Graduate+7.5%
School Score3.76
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 37%
Commute20 min
Broadband50.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries2
Is Gay a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Gay receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate. Gay offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Gay is $71,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Gay is $262,500, roughly aligned with the national median of $281,900. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 442 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 11,934 per 100,000, 509% above the national average.
Education
16.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.2% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.8/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Gay enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F. Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 49.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Gay has a population of 124 with a density of 144 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 49.0 years, 26% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.8% female and 45.2% male. The city is predominantly White (60.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 69.7% of residents, while 30.3% speak Spanish. 97.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 6.6% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 80.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
49.0yrs
Median Age
26% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
69.7%
11% below US avg
Spanish
30.3%
126% above US avg
The median household income in Gay is $71,250, which is 5% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $32,798 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,007, 30% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 415 business establishments, including 26 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 16.0% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $71,250 |
| 5% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $32,798 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,007 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,550 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 415 |
| County GDP | $913M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 26 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 83 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,222 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.23% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 16.0% |
The median home value in Gay is $262,500, 7% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $260,868. Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 68 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $3,222. 30.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $262,500 |
| 7% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $260,868 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
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 | 68.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.0% |
| Housing Units | 68 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,222 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.23% |
In Gay, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 33.0% have high blood pressure. 17.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.0% report binge drinking. 30.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 15.4% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,466. The dentist ratio is 1:4,169. 32.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Gay vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.0% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.2% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.0% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 39.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.3% |
| Uninsured | 15.4% |
| 79% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,466 |
| Dentists | 1:4,169 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,102 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.0% |
| Dental Visits | 55.0% |
| Premature Death | 15,063/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 32.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Gay has a violent crime rate of 442 per 100,000 residents, 16% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 11,934 per 100,000, 509% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Gay receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Gay vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 442.0/100K |
| 16% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 11,933.7/100K |
| 509% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 34 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Gay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winters average 45°F in January while summers reach 81°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. Annual precipitation totals 49.3 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 833 feet.
Temperature
45°F Jan (7°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 63.2°F |
| 17% above US avg |
| January Average | 45°F (7°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 833 ft (254 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 144/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.0958°N, 84.5794°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Meriwether County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hartsfield - Jackson Atlanta International (ATL)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
49.3"
30% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 85.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 25.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| 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 Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Sep 12, 2022.
| Jan 18, 2000 |
11 km SSE of Gray, Georgia |
M3.5 |
106 km |
| Dec 7, 2009 |
4 km WNW of Deepstep, Georgia |
M3.2 |
146 km |
| Apr 4, 2009 |
15 km N of Milledgeville, Georgia |
M3.1 |
129 km |
| Feb 17, 1991 |
6 km N of Goldville, Alabama |
M2.9 |
111 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| Sep 12, 2022 |
13 km NE of Jackson, Georgia |
M2.5 |
74 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.5 |
144 km |
| Jan 4, 2008 |
14 km N of Hollins, Alabama |
M2.5 |
144 km |
| Aug 18, 1993 |
2 km NNW of Lakeview Estates, Georgia |
M2.5 |
86 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
5 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 3. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 2).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 2 |
233 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 1 |
296 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
128 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
211 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
204 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
532 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 38 fatalities, 1,101 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 1992 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 2023 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2014 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
27 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
8 km |
2 |
| Feb 26, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
14 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1993 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1991 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1975 |
EF3 |
75 km |
3 |
| Feb 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
86 km |
2 |
| Jan 26, 1974 |
EF3 |
83 km |
1 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 1972 |
EF3 |
66 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (5,397 ac, 2004).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
5,397 |
71 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,808 |
87 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,429 |
89 km |
| 2007 |
14A-14B-15A-16E-17E |
3,397 |
81 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,210 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,992 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
10 A 11 E 11 W RX BURN |
2,969 |
84 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,754 |
91 km |
| 1988 |
COMP 10 |
2,588 |
83 km |
| 2010 |
COMPT 2 |
2,505 |
82 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,501 |
80 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,487 |
94 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,433 |
92 km |
| 2010 |
COMPT 120 |
2,412 |
85 km |
| 1999 |
COMP 1312 |
2,401 |
83 km |
| 2018 |
COMPARTMENT 4 5 6 7 8 |
2,386 |
84 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,294 |
79 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,201 |
80 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,198 |
86 km |
| 2009 |
30 |
2,195 |
85 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
45°F (7°C) |
4.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
47°F (8°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| March |
54°F (12°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| April |
61°F (16°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| May |
69°F (20°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
76°F (24°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (26°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
73°F (23°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
62°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
Driest |
| November |
54°F (12°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| December |
46°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
|
Gay has a seasonal temperature swing of 36°F / from 45°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.5 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.9") and October the driest (3.0").
Average costs for common services in Gay. 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 | $619 |
| Toddler | $576 |
| Preschool | $553 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $563 |
| Toddler | $485 |
| Preschool | $489 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Gay
What is the population of Gay?
Gay has a population of 124 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 144 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 49.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.8% female and 45.2% male.
Is Gay expensive to live in?
Gay 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 $71,250, 5% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $262,500 (7% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 3.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Gay safe?
The violent crime rate in Gay is 442 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 11,934 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Gay receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Gay?
Gay enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 63°F (17°C). Winter temperatures average 45°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 49.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Gay?
The job market in Gay is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,007. There are 415 business establishments in the area, including 26 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 16.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Gay?
The median home value in Gay is $262,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $260,868. The homeownership rate is 68.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,222.
How are the schools in Gay?
Schools in Gay have an average test score of 3.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.0% of adults in Gay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 70.2% have completed high school. 7.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Gay?
The obesity rate in Gay is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.2% of adults are smokers. 30.0% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 15.4% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 32.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,466.
What is transportation like in Gay?
The average commute in Gay is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84% of workers drive alone to work, and 16.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Gay?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Gay is 60.5% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 69.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 30.3% speak Spanish. 97.0% of the population are military veterans. 6.6% of residents have a disability. 80.3% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
