Median Income
$44,531
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$142,900
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
442/100K
16% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.5%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,250
7% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.3%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.5%
31% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.0%
68% lower than US avg
How Molena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population658
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density352/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 73%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$44,531
Per Capita$31,861
Unemployment2.5%
Poverty4.0%
County GDP$510M
Commute42 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$142,900
Rent$1,250
Ownership84.0%
Zillow$303,305
Housing Units229
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
F
Violent442/100K
Property11,934/100K
Health
Obesity37.3%
Uninsured12.0%
Smoking15.6%
Depression22.1%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp63°F (17°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain49.3 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation749 ft (228 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.5%
High School+76.3%
Graduate+5.2%
School Score5.38
Community
2024 VoteR 87% / D 13%
Commute42 min
Broadband51.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Molena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Molena receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, long commute times. Molena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Molena is $44,531, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.5%. Only 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes, longer than the typical American commute of 28 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Molena is $142,900, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,250 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.2x 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
14.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Molena 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.
Molena has a population of 658 with a density of 352 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.7% female and 45.3% male. The city is predominantly White (73.4%), with 10.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Molena is $44,531, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,861 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $931, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 389 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 42 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,531 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,861 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $931 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $75,612 |
| Gini Index | 0.417 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.5% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.0% |
| 68% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 389 |
| County GDP | $510M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 44 |
| Manufacturing | 11 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,658 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.56% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 42.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 94.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Molena is $142,900, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $303,305, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 100.6% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,250 (7% 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. 84.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 229 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1958. The average annual property tax is $3,658. 37.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $142,900 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $303,305 |
| Median List Price | $369,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $369,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $205 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.6% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,250 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 37.5% |
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 | 84.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.0% |
| Housing Units | 229 |
| Median Year Built | 1958 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,658 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.56% |
In Molena, 37.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 34.9% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 16.9% report binge drinking. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.1% report depression. 19.1% experience frequent mental distress. 12.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,869. The dentist ratio is 1:4,997. 36.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Molena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.9% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.9% |
| Depression | 22.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.1% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.0% |
| Uninsured | 12.0% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,869 |
| Dentists | 1:4,997 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,574 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 11,051/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 36.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Molena 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. Overall, Molena receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Molena 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
| Traffic Accidents | 36 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Molena 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 749 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 | 749 ft (228 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 352/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 33.0141°N, 84.5071°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Pike County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hartsfield - Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) 43 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 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 8.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 56.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 66.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| 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 |
98 km |
| Dec 7, 2009 |
4 km WNW of Deepstep, Georgia |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Apr 4, 2009 |
15 km N of Milledgeville, Georgia |
M3.1 |
124 km |
| Feb 17, 1991 |
6 km N of Goldville, Alabama |
M2.9 |
119 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.7 |
139 km |
| Jul 4, 2012 |
11 km NNE of Deepstep, Georgia |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| Sep 12, 2022 |
13 km NE of Jackson, Georgia |
M2.5 |
73 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.5 |
139 km |
| Aug 18, 1993 |
2 km NNW of Lakeview Estates, Georgia |
M2.5 |
90 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 |
222 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 1 |
285 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 3 |
117 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
213 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
193 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
520 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 57 fatalities, 1,315 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 25, 2021 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1953 |
EF4 |
97 km |
18 |
| Mar 26, 2023 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jan 12, 2023 |
EF3 |
17 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
24 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 2014 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
18 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 2011 |
EF3 |
18 km |
2 |
| Feb 26, 2008 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
16 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1991 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1989 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1975 |
EF3 |
84 km |
3 |
| Feb 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
75 km |
2 |
| Jan 26, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| May 27, 1973 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 1972 |
EF3 |
74 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 |
64 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
3,808 |
82 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,429 |
82 km |
| 2007 |
14A-14B-15A-16E-17E |
3,397 |
75 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,210 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,992 |
70 km |
| 2006 |
10 A 11 E 11 W RX BURN |
2,969 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,754 |
86 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,753 |
96 km |
| 1988 |
COMP 10 |
2,588 |
78 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,574 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
COMPT 2 |
2,505 |
75 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,501 |
73 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,487 |
88 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
2,433 |
86 km |
| 2010 |
COMPT 120 |
2,412 |
80 km |
| 1999 |
COMP 1312 |
2,401 |
77 km |
| 2018 |
COMPARTMENT 4 5 6 7 8 |
2,386 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,294 |
74 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,201 |
73 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 |
|
Molena 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 Molena. 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 Molena
What is the population of Molena?
Molena has a population of 658 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 352 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.7% female and 45.3% male.
Is Molena expensive to live in?
Molena 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 $44,531, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $142,900 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,250 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Molena safe?
The violent crime rate in Molena 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, Molena receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Molena?
Molena 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 Molena?
The job market in Molena is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $931. There are 389 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 42 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Molena?
The median home value in Molena is $142,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $303,305. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,250. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.0%. The average annual property tax is $3,658.
How are the schools in Molena?
Schools in Molena score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.5% of adults in Molena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 76.3% have completed high school. 5.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Molena?
The obesity rate in Molena is 37.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 25.9% are physically inactive. 22.1% of residents report depression. 12.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 36.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,869.
What is transportation like in Molena?
The average commute in Molena is 42 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 94.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Molena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Molena is 73.4% White, 10.2% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 20.9% of residents have a disability. 87.0% have health insurance coverage.