Median Income
$76,445
2% higher than US avg
Home Value
$522,100
85% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
48.4%
44% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,467
26% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.5%
5% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Jekyll Island Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,078
Median Age60.4 yrs
Density120/mi²
Male / Female30% / 70%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans14.8%
Economy
A+
Median Income$76,445
Per Capita$49,653
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$6,274M
Commute17 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$522,100
Rent$1,467
Ownership81.8%
Zillow$250,684
Housing Units1,283
Rent Burden23.0%
Health
Obesity30.5%
Uninsured15.0%
Smoking11.7%
Depression22.6%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain45.4 in/yr
Elevation9 ft (3 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+48.4%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+18.3%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 37%
Commute17 min
Broadband95.6%
EV Stations7
Libraries2
Is Jekyll Island a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Jekyll Island receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, strong internet connectivity. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs, a high uninsured rate. Jekyll Island stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Jekyll Island is $76,445, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Jekyll Island is $522,100, making it a premium housing market at 85% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,467 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. The price-to-income ratio of 6.8x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 48.4% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Jekyll Island enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F. Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Jekyll Island has a population of 1,078 with a density of 120 people per square mile, spread across 9.0 square miles. The median age is 60.4 years, 55% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 70% female and 30% male. The city is predominantly White (95.4%), with 7.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 14.8% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 28.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 85.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,078
Total Population
2023 Census
60.4yrs
Median Age
55% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Jekyll Island vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.4%
75% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Jekyll Island vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Jekyll Island is $76,445, which is 2% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $49,653 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,038, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (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 3,330 business establishments, including 310 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 14.5% of workers work from home.
Income: Jekyll Island vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,445 |
| 2% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $49,653 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,038 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,404 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,330 |
| County GDP | $6,274M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 310 |
| Healthcare | 285 |
| Retail | 450 |
| Manufacturing | 52 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,468 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 14.5% |
The median home value in Jekyll Island is $522,100, 85% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,684, lower than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $610,000 with homes selling in an average of 465 days. Homes sell for 98.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,467 (26% above 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. 81.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,283 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1967. The average annual property tax is $5,468 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.8x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $522,100 |
| 85% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $250,684 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $610,000 |
| Median List Price | $599,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $610,000 |
| Median List Price | $599,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $351 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 465 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.4% |
| Price Drops | 11.1% |
| Inventory | 36 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,467 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.0% |
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 | 81.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.2% |
| Housing Units | 1,283 |
| Median Year Built | 1967 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,468 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.05% |
In Jekyll Island, 30.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 11.7% are current smokers. 18.9% report binge drinking. 19.4% are physically inactive, below the national average. 22.6% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 15.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,926. The dentist ratio is 1:1,891. 73.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Jekyll Island vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.5% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.7% |
| 16% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.4% |
| Depression | 22.6% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.0% |
| Uninsured | 15.0% |
| 74% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,926 |
| Dentists | 1:1,891 |
| Mental Health | 1:620 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.7% |
| Dental Visits | 69.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,817/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 285 |
Jekyll Island enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winters average 53°F in January while summers reach 84°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 45.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. 78% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 9 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
53°F Jan (12°C)
84°F Jul (29°C)
| Annual Average | 69.2°F |
| 28% above US avg |
| January Average | 53°F (12°C) |
| July Average | 84°F (29°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 9 ft (3 m) |
| Area | 9.0 sq mi (23.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 120/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.0637°N, 81.4187°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Glynn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jacksonville International (JAX)
42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.4"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
6.00"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 78.1% |
| Unhealthy Days | 0 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0394 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 8.2 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 83.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 93.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively High |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
21 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 |
181 km |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 1 |
291 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
230 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
133 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
233 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
164 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
164 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 1 |
262 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
78 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
261 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
221 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
265 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
117 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 3 |
227 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
289 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
160 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
269 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
242 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
204 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
88 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
236 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 5 fatalities, 155 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 2018 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1968 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 2009 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF2 |
74 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2004 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1998 |
EF2 |
92 km |
4 |
| Feb 2, 1996 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Oct 2, 1994 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
29 km |
0 |
| Mar 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1974 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jan 15, 1971 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1964 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 1963 |
EF2 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jan 13, 1963 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Feb 25, 1960 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Nov 29, 1957 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (FLOYDS ISLAND PRAIRIE) (215,381 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (FLOYDS ISLAND PRAIRIE) |
215,381 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
WEST MIMS |
166,737 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
HONEY PRAIRIE |
147,065 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
CRAVENS HAMMOCK |
142,688 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
BLACKJACK BAY COMPLEX |
107,076 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
SWEAT FARM ROAD |
52,495 |
96 km |
| 2011 |
GA-19 (SAW FLY RD) |
19,730 |
72 km |
| 2011 |
DURDIN PRAIRIE |
19,487 |
76 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
16,594 |
95 km |
| 1999 |
HICKORY IS |
14,656 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
RACEPOND |
7,951 |
75 km |
| 2000 |
GA-2 |
7,319 |
77 km |
| 2001 |
CRAVENS IS |
6,412 |
91 km |
| 2002 |
NO.1WILD |
5,355 |
85 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
5,150 |
94 km |
| 1995 |
BLACK JACK ISLAND |
4,935 |
97 km |
| 1998 |
UNNAMED |
4,907 |
98 km |
| 1998 |
HONEYSCRUB |
4,678 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
ELIM CHURCH RD. FIRE |
3,850 |
77 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,827 |
42 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
53°F (12°C) |
3.2 in |
Coldest |
| February |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| March |
62°F (17°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| April |
68°F (20°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
76°F (24°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| June |
81°F (27°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| July |
84°F (29°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
83°F (28°C) |
5.8 in |
|
| September |
79°F (26°C) |
6.0 in |
Wettest |
| October |
71°F (22°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| November |
62°F (17°C) |
1.9 in |
Driest |
| December |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Jekyll Island has a seasonal temperature swing of 31°F / from 53°F in January to 84°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.4 inches, with September being the wettest month (6.0") and November the driest (1.9").
Average costs for common services in Jekyll Island. 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 Jekyll Island
What is the population of Jekyll Island?
Jekyll Island has a population of 1,078 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 120 people per square mile, spread across 9.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 60.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 70% female and 30% male.
Is Jekyll Island expensive to live in?
Jekyll Island 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 $76,445, 2% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $522,100 (85% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,467 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.8x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
What is the weather like in Jekyll Island?
Jekyll Island enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 69°F (21°C). Winter temperatures average 53°F in January, while summers reach an average of 84°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 45.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Jekyll Island?
The job market in Jekyll Island is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,038. There are 3,330 business establishments in the area, including 310 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 14.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Jekyll Island?
The median home value in Jekyll Island is $522,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,684. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $610,000, with homes typically selling within 465 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,467. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.8%. The average annual property tax is $5,468.
How are the schools in Jekyll Island?
Schools in Jekyll Island score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 48.4% of adults in Jekyll Island hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 18.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Jekyll Island?
The obesity rate in Jekyll Island is 30.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 11.7% of adults are smokers. 19.4% are physically inactive. 22.6% of residents report depression. 15.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 73.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,926.
What is transportation like in Jekyll Island?
The average commute in Jekyll Island is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 14.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Jekyll Island?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Jekyll Island is 95.4% White, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.4% speak Spanish. 14.8% of the population are military veterans. 28.0% of residents have a disability. 85.0% have health insurance coverage.