Median Income
$24,219
68% lower than US avg
Home Value
$53,000
81% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,538/100K
305% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
7.9%
77% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$643
45% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
47.7%
49% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.4%
89% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
52.0%
319% higher than US avg
How Ideal Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population648
Median Age41.9 yrs
Density568/mi²
Male / Female34% / 66%
Largest GroupWhite 16%
Veterans2.7%
Economy
C
Median Income$24,219
Per Capita$12,599
Unemployment0.4%
Poverty52.0%
County GDP$616M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$53,000
Rent$643
Ownership48.0%
Zillow$133,128
Housing Units237
Rent Burden33.4%
Crime
F
Violent1,538/100K
Property6,883/100K
Health
Obesity47.7%
Uninsured22.0%
Smoking27.4%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease9.0%
Climate
Avg Temp64°F (18°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain53.4 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation402 ft (123 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+7.9%
High School+61.1%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score3.24
Community
2024 VoteR 41% / D 59%
Commute21 min
Broadband56.6%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Ideal a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ideal receives an overall livability score of 2.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate. Ideal has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ideal is $24,219, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.4%. The poverty rate of 52.0% 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 Ideal is $53,000, 81% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $643 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,538 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 6,883 per 100,000, 251% above the national average.
Education
7.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 61.1% have completed high school. School test scores average 3.2/10, below typical benchmarks.
Climate & Weather
Ideal enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Ideal has a population of 648 with a density of 568 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 41.9 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 66% female and 34% male. The city is predominantly Black (84.3%), with 15.7% White. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 2.7% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.9yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Ideal is $24,219, which is 68% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $12,599 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,046, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 52.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 236 business establishments, including 17 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). 6.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $24,219 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $12,599 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,046 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $43,265 |
| Gini Index | 0.604 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.4% |
| 89% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 52.0% |
| 319% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 236 |
| County GDP | $616M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 17 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 41 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,013 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.68% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.5% |
The median home value in Ideal is $53,000, 81% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,128, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $643 (45% 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. 48.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 237 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. The average annual property tax is $3,013. 33.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $53,000 |
| 81% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $133,128 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $643 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.4% |
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 | 48.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 48.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 52.0% |
| Housing Units | 237 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,013 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.68% |
In Ideal, 47.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 21.3% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 9.0% of residents, above the national average. 48.7% have high blood pressure. 27.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 10.5% report binge drinking. 46.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.0% report depression. 24.3% experience frequent mental distress. 22.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:12,004. The dentist ratio is 1:5,882. 43.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ideal vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 47.7% |
| 49% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 21.3% |
| Heart Disease | 9.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 48.7% |
| Asthma | 13.6% |
| COPD | 12.8% |
| Cancer | 5.3% |
| Stroke | 6.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 27.4% |
| 96% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 10.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 46.2% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 24.3% |
| Physical Distress | 21.2% |
| Short Sleep | 50.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.1% |
| Uninsured | 22.0% |
| 156% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:12,004 |
| Dentists | 1:5,882 |
| Mental Health | 1:5,908 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.9% |
| Dental Visits | 35.0% |
| Premature Death | 12,938/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 43.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Ideal has a violent crime rate of 1,538 per 100,000 residents, 305% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 6,883 per 100,000, 251% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Ideal receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ideal vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,538.5/100K |
| 305% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 6,882.6/100K |
| 251% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ideal enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 304 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 53.4 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 402 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.2°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 402 ft (123 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 568/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.3729°N, 84.1890°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Macon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Middle Georgia Regional (MCN)
38 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.4"
40% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.04"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 97.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 9.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| 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 |
91 km |
| Dec 7, 2009 |
4 km WNW of Deepstep, Georgia |
M3.2 |
132 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 |
146 km |
| Jul 4, 2012 |
11 km NNE of Deepstep, Georgia |
M2.7 |
144 km |
| Sep 12, 2022 |
13 km NE of Jackson, Georgia |
M2.5 |
116 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.5 |
146 km |
| Mar 4, 1996 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
143 km |
| May 17, 1997 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
8 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 |
146 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
285 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 3 |
210 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
41 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
231 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
220 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
117 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
488 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 56 fatalities, 1,020 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 1953 |
EF4 |
61 km |
18 |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2014 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
70 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 1999 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
31 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1964 |
EF3 |
43 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
45 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 1954 |
EF3 |
79 km |
2 |
| Mar 13, 1954 |
EF3 |
24 km |
5 |
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 |
52 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,808 |
99 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,429 |
63 km |
| 2007 |
14A-14B-15A-16E-17E |
3,397 |
94 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,210 |
64 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,992 |
46 km |
| 2006 |
10 A 11 E 11 W RX BURN |
2,969 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,754 |
71 km |
| 1988 |
COMP 10 |
2,588 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
COMPT 2 |
2,505 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,501 |
53 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,487 |
67 km |
| 1999 |
COMP 1312 |
2,401 |
97 km |
| 2018 |
COMPARTMENT 4 5 6 7 8 |
2,386 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,294 |
100 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,201 |
52 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,198 |
50 km |
| 2009 |
30 |
2,195 |
88 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,063 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,027 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
4.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
49°F (9°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
5.0 in |
Wettest |
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
71°F (21°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
77°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
56°F (13°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
49°F (9°C) |
4.3 in |
|
Ideal has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 47°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 47.5 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.0") and October the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Ideal. 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 Ideal
What is the population of Ideal?
Ideal has a population of 648 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 568 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.9 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 66% female and 34% male.
Is Ideal expensive to live in?
Ideal 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 $24,219, 68% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $53,000 (81% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $643 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ideal safe?
Public safety is a concern in Ideal, with a violent crime rate of 1,538 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 6,883 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ideal receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ideal?
Ideal enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 64°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Ideal?
The job market in Ideal is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,046. There are 236 business establishments in the area, including 17 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 6.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ideal?
The median home value in Ideal is $53,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $133,128. For renters, the median monthly rent is $643. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 48.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,013.
How are the schools in Ideal?
Schools in Ideal have an average test score of 3.2 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 7.9% of adults in Ideal hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 61.1% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ideal?
The obesity rate in Ideal is 47.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 27.4% of adults are smokers. 46.2% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 22.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 43.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:12,004.
What is transportation like in Ideal?
The average commute in Ideal is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ideal?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ideal is 15.7% White, 84.3% Black or African American. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 2.7% of the population are military veterans. 13.9% of residents have a disability. 91.1% have health insurance coverage.
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