Median Income
$42,344
44% lower than US avg
Home Value
$118,800
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.3%
58% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$848
27% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.4%
20% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.1%
46% higher than US avg
How Ray City Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population906
Median Age30.4 yrs
Density788/mi²
Male / Female52% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 60%
Veterans10.7%
Economy
C+
Median Income$42,344
Per Capita$20,697
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty18.1%
County GDP$194M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$118,800
Rent$848
Ownership55.4%
Zillow$230,020
Housing Units355
Rent Burden24.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property1,616/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary285/100K
Health
Obesity38.4%
Uninsured15.5%
Smoking19.1%
Depression22.9%
Heart Disease6.7%
Climate
Avg Temp65°F (18°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain48.2 in/yr
Sunny Days301/yr
Elevation190 ft (58 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.3%
High School+89.7%
Graduate+7.0%
School Score5.15
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 27%
Commute22 min
Broadband84.8%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Ray City a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ray City receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, a high uninsured rate, below-average incomes. Ray City offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ray City is $42,344, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.1% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ray City is $118,800, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $848 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ray City is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,616 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
14.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Ray City enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F. Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 301 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 48.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Ray City has a population of 906 with a density of 788 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age is 30.4 years, 22% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.5% female and 51.5% male. The city is predominantly White (59.6%), with 1.7% Hispanic, 22.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 89.9% of residents, while 10.1% speak Spanish. 10.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 78.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
30.4yrs
Median Age
22% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
89.9%
15% above US avg
Spanish
10.1%
25% below US avg
The median household income in Ray City is $42,344, which is 44% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,697 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $858, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.1% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 127 business establishments, including 10 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $42,344 |
| 44% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,697 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $858 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $46,454 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.1% |
| 46% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 127 |
| County GDP | $194M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 10 |
| Healthcare | 14 |
| Retail | 23 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,492 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 90.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.1% |
The median home value in Ray City is $118,800, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $230,020, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $848 (27% 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. 55.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 355 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1980. The average annual property tax is $2,492 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $118,800 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $230,020 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $848 |
| 27% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.6% |
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 | 55.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.6% |
| Housing Units | 355 |
| Median Year Built | 1980 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,492 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.10% |
In Ray City, 38.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 13.6% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.7% of residents, above the national average. 37.4% have high blood pressure. 19.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.7% report binge drinking. 31.2% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.9% report depression. 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 15.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:10,171. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ray City vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.4% |
| 20% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.6% |
| Heart Disease | 6.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 37.4% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 8.2% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.1% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.2% |
| Depression | 22.9% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 37.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 78.3% |
| Uninsured | 15.5% |
| 80% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:10,171 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,613 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.1% |
| Dental Visits | 53.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,926/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 14 |
Ray City has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,616 per 100,000, 18% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,331, burglary at 285, vehicle theft at 0 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ray City receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Ray City vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,616.0/100K |
| 18% below US avg |
| Burglary | 285.2/100K |
| Theft | 1,330.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 0.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Ray City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winters average 48°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 301 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 48.2 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 190 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 64.9°F |
| 20% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 301 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 190 ft (58 m) |
| Area | 1.2 sq mi (3.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 788/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.0728°N, 83.1901°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lanier County County |
| Nearest Airport | Valdosta Regional (VLD) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
48.2"
27% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.91"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 6.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 54.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 12.5 / 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 |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on May 17, 1997.
| Mar 4, 1996 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
| May 17, 1997 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
12 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 |
27 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
132 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
42 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
133 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
247 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
116 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
253 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
264 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
292 km |
| 1985 |
Elena |
Category 3 |
260 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
56 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
256 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
399 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 29 fatalities, 279 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
38 km |
11 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
96 km |
7 |
| Apr 19, 1988 |
EF3 |
73 km |
4 |
| Nov 18, 1968 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 1968 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| May 11, 1952 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Feb 4, 2024 |
EF2 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
26 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2021 |
EF2 |
46 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2020 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Dec 17, 2019 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Dec 29, 2014 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Feb 18, 2009 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (328,827 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX |
328,827 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
BIG TURNAROUND COMPLEX (FLOYDS ISLAND PRAIRIE) |
215,381 |
85 km |
| 2017 |
WEST MIMS |
166,737 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
HONEY PRAIRIE |
147,065 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
CRAVENS HAMMOCK |
142,688 |
88 km |
| 2002 |
BLACKJACK BAY COMPLEX |
107,076 |
94 km |
| 1999 |
FRIENDLY |
75,089 |
96 km |
| 2007 |
SWEAT FARM ROAD |
52,495 |
73 km |
| 2012 |
COUNTY LINE |
35,440 |
94 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
25,845 |
88 km |
| 1990 |
SHORTS |
21,413 |
84 km |
| 2011 |
SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE |
20,916 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
GA-19 (SAW FLY RD) |
19,730 |
97 km |
| 2011 |
SWEAT FARM AGAIN |
19,698 |
65 km |
| 2011 |
DURDIN PRAIRIE |
19,487 |
99 km |
| 1989 |
PIN HOOK |
16,471 |
99 km |
| 1999 |
HICKORY IS |
14,656 |
82 km |
| 2002 |
BAY CREEK |
11,917 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
ARABIA BAY |
10,971 |
34 km |
| 2011 |
RACEPOND |
7,951 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
3.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
53°F (12°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| March |
60°F (16°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| April |
66°F (19°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
5.9 in |
Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
5.6 in |
Warmest |
| September |
77°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
68°F (20°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
59°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Ray City has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 48°F in January to 80°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 47.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.9") and October the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Ray City. 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 Ray City
What is the population of Ray City?
Ray City has a population of 906 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 788 people per square mile, spread across 1.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 30.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.5% female and 51.5% male.
Is Ray City expensive to live in?
Ray City 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 $42,344, 44% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $118,800 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $848 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ray City safe?
Ray City is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,616 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ray City receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ray City?
Ray City enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 65°F (18°C). Winter temperatures average 48°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 301 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 48.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Ray City?
The unemployment rate in Ray City is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $858. There are 127 business establishments in the area, including 10 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 9.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ray City?
The median home value in Ray City is $118,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $230,020. For renters, the median monthly rent is $848. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.4%. The average annual property tax is $2,492.
How are the schools in Ray City?
Schools in Ray City score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.3% of adults in Ray City hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. 7.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ray City?
The obesity rate in Ray City is 38.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.1% of adults are smokers. 31.2% are physically inactive. 22.9% of residents report depression. 15.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Ray City?
The average commute in Ray City is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 90.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ray City?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ray City is 59.6% White, 22.2% Black or African American, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino. 89.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 10.1% speak Spanish. 10.7% of the population are military veterans. 11.7% of residents have a disability. 78.3% have health insurance coverage.