Violent Crime
774/100K
104% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.4%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$946
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.1%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
35% lower than US avg
How Higgston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population400
Median Age36.7 yrs
Density127/mi²
Male / Female32% / 68%
Largest GroupWhite 59%
Veterans2.8%
Economy
Per Capita$26,816
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty8.0%
County GDP$214M
Commute25 min
Housing
Rent$946
Ownership46.1%
Zillow$182,307
Housing Units170
Rent Burden37.0%
Crime
F
Violent774/100K
Property6,807/100K
Health
Obesity42.1%
Uninsured15.1%
Smoking19.3%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease7.1%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain47.2 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation250 ft (76 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.4%
High School+87.9%
Graduate+3.5%
School Score4.29
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute25 min
Broadband82.2%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Higgston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Higgston receives an overall livability score of 1.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Higgston faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
Renters pay a median of $946 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability.
Safety & Crime
With 774 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,807 per 100,000, 247% above the national average.
Education
23.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Higgston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Higgston has a population of 400 with a density of 127 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age is 36.7 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 68.3% female and 31.8% male. The city is predominantly White (58.8%), with 37.3% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 2.8% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 21.1% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.7yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
Per capita income is $26,816 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $768, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 147 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 1.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $26,816 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $768 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,849 |
| Gini Index | 0.509 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.0% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 147 |
| County GDP | $214M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,162 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.1% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,307. Monthly rent averages $946 (19% 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. 46.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 170 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1993. The average annual property tax is $3,162. 37.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $946 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.0% |
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 | 46.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 46.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 53.9% |
| Housing Units | 170 |
| Median Year Built | 1993 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,162 |
| 10% below US avg |
In Higgston, 42.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.1% of residents, above the national average. 40.8% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 14.3% report binge drinking. 32.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.5% report depression. 20.7% experience frequent mental distress. 15.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Higgston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.1% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.7% |
| Heart Disease | 7.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 40.8% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 6.5% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 14.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.8% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.7% |
| Physical Distress | 16.1% |
| Short Sleep | 40.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.0% |
| Uninsured | 15.1% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,460 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.8% |
| Dental Visits | 49.3% |
| Premature Death | 13,468/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Higgston has a violent crime rate of 774 per 100,000 residents, 104% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,807 per 100,000, 247% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Higgston receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Higgston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 774.0/100K |
| 104% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,807.2/100K |
| 247% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Higgston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 83°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 47.2 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 250 feet.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.8°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 250 ft (76 m) |
| Area | 3.2 sq mi (8.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 127/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.2161°N, 82.4648°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Montgomery County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vidalia Regional (VDI)
6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.2"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
5.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 28.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
14 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.9 on Jun 18, 2022.
| Jun 18, 2022 |
7 km E of Stillmore, Georgia |
M3.9 |
40 km |
| Jul 13, 2003 |
6 km N of Cobbtown, Georgia |
M3.6 |
33 km |
| Jan 18, 2000 |
11 km SSE of Gray, Georgia |
M3.5 |
122 km |
| Dec 7, 2009 |
4 km WNW of Deepstep, Georgia |
M3.2 |
104 km |
| Jun 20, 2017 |
6 km SW of Augusta, Georgia |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Apr 4, 2009 |
15 km N of Milledgeville, Georgia |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.7 |
128 km |
| Jul 4, 2012 |
11 km NNE of Deepstep, Georgia |
M2.7 |
109 km |
| Apr 23, 1993 |
14 km E of Mount Zion, Georgia |
M2.7 |
134 km |
| May 3, 2011 |
6 km WNW of Mitchell, Georgia |
M2.6 |
118 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.5 |
128 km |
| Mar 4, 1996 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
22 km |
| May 17, 1997 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
22 km |
| Oct 8, 2001 |
10 km S of New Ellenton, South Carolina |
M2.5 |
144 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
14 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
129 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
273 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 3 |
150 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
282 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
286 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
136 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
185 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
258 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
242 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
282 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
285 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
248 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
126 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
185 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
361 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 309 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1998 |
EF3 |
83 km |
2 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 30, 1953 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 24, 2021 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
62 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2011 |
EF2 |
81 km |
1 |
| Dec 2, 2009 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2009 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
9 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
73 km |
2 |
| Dec 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
23 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
48 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE (20,916 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE |
20,916 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
12,186 |
79 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
10,963 |
87 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,163 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,291 |
67 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,021 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
ELIM CHURCH RD. FIRE |
3,850 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,768 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,748 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,650 |
91 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,475 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,463 |
96 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,335 |
82 km |
| 2007 |
DREGGERS FIRE |
1,918 |
68 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,676 |
92 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
1,613 |
87 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,591 |
68 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,490 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
UNNAMED |
1,304 |
58 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
1,288 |
76 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
51°F (11°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| March |
58°F (15°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| May |
72°F (22°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
76°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
66°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
51°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Higgston has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 50°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.2") and October the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Higgston. 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 Higgston
What is the population of Higgston?
Higgston has a population of 400 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 127 people per square mile, spread across 3.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 68.3% female and 31.8% male.
Is Higgston expensive to live in?
Higgston has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). Renters pay a median of $946 per month, below the national average of $1,163.
Is Higgston safe?
Public safety is a concern in Higgston, with a violent crime rate of 774 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 6,807 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Higgston receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Higgston?
Higgston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 50°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Higgston?
Higgston has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $768. There are 147 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 1.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Higgston?
For renters, the median monthly rent is $946. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 46.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,162.
How are the schools in Higgston?
Schools in Higgston have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 23.4% of adults in Higgston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.9% have completed high school. 3.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Higgston?
The obesity rate in Higgston is 42.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 32.8% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 15.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Higgston?
The average commute in Higgston is 25 minutes. 93.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Higgston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Higgston is 58.8% White, 37.3% Black or African American, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 2.8% of the population are military veterans. 21.1% of residents have a disability. 93.0% have health insurance coverage.
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