Median Income
$38,131
49% lower than US avg
Home Value
$253,500
10% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
1,173/100K
209% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.2%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$875
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.8%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.8%
13% lower than US avg
How Plains Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population713
Median Age42.4 yrs
Density880/mi²
Male / Female35% / 65%
Largest GroupWhite 37%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
B+
Median Income$38,131
Per Capita$15,037
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty10.8%
County GDP$84M
Commute26 min
Housing
C+
Home Value$253,500
Rent$875
Ownership78.0%
Zillow$112,213
Housing Units308
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,173/100K
Property7,994/100K
Health
Obesity40.8%
Uninsured14.7%
Smoking17.8%
Depression20.2%
Heart Disease6.4%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain50.7 in/yr
Sunny Days304/yr
Elevation500 ft (152 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.2%
High School+80.9%
Graduate+7.6%
School Score4.82
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 41%
Commute26 min
Broadband86.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Plains a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Plains receives an overall livability score of 2.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low unemployment, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Plains has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Plains is $38,131, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 10.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Plains is $253,500, 10% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
With 1,173 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 7,994 per 100,000, 308% above the national average.
Education
13.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Plains enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 304 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 50.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Plains has a population of 713 with a density of 880 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age is 42.4 years, 9% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 65.4% female and 34.6% male. The city is predominantly Black (59.7%), with 36.9% White, 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.1% of residents. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.4yrs
Median Age
9% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.1%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.9%
86% below US avg
The median household income in Plains is $38,131, which is 49% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $15,037 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,085, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 45 business establishments, including 61 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,131 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $15,037 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,085 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $43,711 |
| Gini Index | 0.474 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.8% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 45 |
| County GDP | $84M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 61 |
| Healthcare | 77 |
| Retail | 4 |
| Manufacturing | 3 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,900 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 0.75% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 21.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Plains is $253,500, 10% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,213, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $875 (25% 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. 78.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 308 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1948. The average annual property tax is $1,900 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.6x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $253,500 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $112,213 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $875 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
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 | 78.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.0% |
| Housing Units | 308 |
| Median Year Built | 1948 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,900 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 0.75% |
In Plains, 40.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 14.8% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.4% of residents. 41.0% have high blood pressure. 17.8% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.5% report binge drinking. 32.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.2% report depression. 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 14.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,367. The food environment index is 7.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Plains vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 14.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.0% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 4.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.8% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 32.3% |
| Depression | 20.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 43.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 14.7% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,367 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.8% |
| Dental Visits | 49.8% |
| Premature Death | 15,714/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.6/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 77 |
Plains has a violent crime rate of 1,173 per 100,000 residents, 209% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 7,994 per 100,000, 308% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Plains receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Plains vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,172.8/100K |
| 209% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 7,993.8/100K |
| 308% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 5 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Plains enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 47°F in January while summers reach 81°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 50.7 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 500 feet.
Temperature
47°F Jan (8°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.5°F |
| 19% above US avg |
| January Average | 47°F (8°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 304 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 500 ft (152 m) |
| Area | 0.8 sq mi (2.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 880/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.0331°N, 84.3945°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Webster County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Georgia Regional (ABY)
36 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
50.7"
33% above US avg
Wettest Month (Mar)
5.20"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 2.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 81.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 9.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.5. Most recent: M3.5 on Jan 18, 2000.
| Jan 18, 2000 |
11 km SSE of Gray, Georgia |
M3.5 |
132 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 |
132 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
255 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 3 |
197 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
47 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
196 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
248 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 3 |
199 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
103 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
479 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 79 fatalities, 1,464 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 30, 1953 |
EF4 |
98 km |
18 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 2020 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
66 km |
5 |
| Apr 29, 2014 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
19 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
96 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
97 km |
11 |
| Apr 15, 1999 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 1, 1981 |
EF3 |
98 km |
2 |
| Feb 18, 1975 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 1968 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Dec 25, 1964 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1954 |
EF3 |
55 km |
5 |
| Mar 13, 1954 |
EF3 |
68 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (6,753 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
6,753 |
96 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
5,600 |
97 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
5,397 |
58 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
3,429 |
55 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
3,305 |
88 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,210 |
52 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,992 |
49 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,754 |
61 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,718 |
89 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,666 |
91 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,501 |
53 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,487 |
55 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,201 |
51 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
2,198 |
45 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,063 |
70 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
2,027 |
65 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,998 |
59 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,974 |
90 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,947 |
55 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
1,809 |
70 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
47°F (8°C) |
5.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
50°F (10°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| March |
57°F (14°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| April |
63°F (17°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
71°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| June |
78°F (25°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (26°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
65°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
Driest |
| November |
56°F (14°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
49°F (10°C) |
4.4 in |
|
Plains has a seasonal temperature swing of 34°F / from 47°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 48.8 inches, with March being the wettest month (5.2") and October the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Plains. 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 Plains
What is the population of Plains?
Plains has a population of 713 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 880 people per square mile, spread across 0.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 65.4% female and 34.6% male.
Is Plains expensive to live in?
Plains 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 $38,131, 49% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $253,500 (10% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $875 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Plains safe?
Public safety is a concern in Plains, with a violent crime rate of 1,173 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 7,994 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Plains receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Plains?
Plains enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 47°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 304 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 50.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Plains?
The job market in Plains is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,085. There are 45 business establishments in the area, including 61 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Plains?
The median home value in Plains is $253,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $112,213. For renters, the median monthly rent is $875. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.0%. The average annual property tax is $1,900.
How are the schools in Plains?
Schools in Plains have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 13.2% of adults in Plains hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.9% have completed high school. 7.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Plains?
The obesity rate in Plains is 40.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.8% of adults are smokers. 32.3% are physically inactive. 20.2% of residents report depression. 14.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,367.
What is transportation like in Plains?
The average commute in Plains is 26 minutes. 21.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Plains?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Plains is 36.9% White, 59.7% Black or African American, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.1% of residents speak only English at home. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
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