Median Income
$105,944
41% higher than US avg
Home Value
$484,100
72% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
55.2%
64% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,626
40% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
28.5%
11% lower than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
78% lower than US avg
How St. Simons Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population16,026
Median Age59.0 yrs
Density974/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$105,944
Per Capita$71,254
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty2.7%
County GDP$6,274M
Commute17 min
Housing
A
Home Value$484,100
Rent$1,626
Ownership86.6%
Zillow$250,684
Housing Units11,094
Rent Burden23.5%
Health
Obesity28.5%
Uninsured4.1%
Smoking9.3%
Depression20.9%
Heart Disease4.2%
Climate
Avg Temp69°F (21°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain45.4 in/yr
Elevation5 ft (2 m)
Education
A+
Bachelor's+55.2%
High School+96.2%
Graduate+22.1%
School Score5.58
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 37%
Commute17 min
Broadband95.6%
EV Stations20
Libraries2
Is St. Simons a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, St. Simons receives an overall livability score of 4.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high housing costs. St. Simons stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in St. Simons is $105,944, which is significantly higher than the national average / 41% above $75,149. This places St. Simons among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. Only 2.7% 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 St. Simons is $484,100, making it a premium housing market at 72% above the U.S. median of $281,900. Renters pay a median of $1,626 per month, significantly above the national average of $1,163. A price-to-income ratio of 4.6x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
St. Simons is a highly educated community / 55.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
St. Simons 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.
St. Simons has a population of 16,026 with a density of 974 people per square mile, spread across 17.1 square miles. The median age is 59.0 years, 52% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52% female and 48% male. The city is predominantly White (93.4%), with 2.9% Hispanic, 1.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.3% of residents. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
16,026
Total Population
2023 Census
59.0yrs
Median Age
52% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
St. Simons vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.3%
23% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
Social Characteristics
St. Simons vs U.S. Average
The median household income in St. Simons is $105,944, which is 41% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $71,254 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,038, 28% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.7% 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). 17.1% of workers work from home.
Income: St. Simons vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $105,944 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $71,254 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,038 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,404 |
| Gini Index | 0.495 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.7% |
| 78% 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 | 1.13% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 17.1% |
The median home value in St. Simons is $484,100, 72% 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 $635,750 with homes selling in an average of 128 days. Homes sell for 95% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,626 (40% 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. 86.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 11,094 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1988. The average annual property tax is $5,468 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $484,100 |
| 72% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $250,684 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $635,750 |
| Median List Price | $677,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $635,750 |
| Median List Price | $677,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $355 |
| Homes Sold | 28 |
| Days on Market | 128 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.0% |
| Price Drops | 20.7% |
| Inventory | 222 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,626 |
| 40% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.5% |
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 | 86.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.4% |
| Housing Units | 11,094 |
| Median Year Built | 1988 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,468 |
| 56% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.13% |
In St. Simons, 28.5% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 7.9% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.2% of residents, below the national average. 30.0% have high blood pressure. 9.3% are current smokers (below the 14.0% national rate). 19.7% report binge drinking. 16.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.9% report depression. 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 4.1% of residents lack health insurance (below 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.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-24)
PM2.5
10.6
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
17.4
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
0.2
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
121.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: St. Simons vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 28.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 7.9% |
| Heart Disease | 4.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.0% |
| Asthma | 9.3% |
| COPD | 4.2% |
| Cancer | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 2.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 9.3% |
| 34% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 16.6% |
| Depression | 20.9% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.1% |
| Short Sleep | 34.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.9% |
| Uninsured | 4.1% |
| 52% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,926 |
| Dentists | 1:1,891 |
| Mental Health | 1:620 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 72.3% |
| Premature Death | 11,817/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 73.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 285 |
St. Simons 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 5 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 | 5 ft (2 m) |
| Area | 17.1 sq mi (44.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 974/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.1801°N, 81.3854°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Glynn County County |
| Nearest Airport | Jacksonville International (JAX)
51 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)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Jul 13, 2003.
| Jul 13, 2003 |
6 km N of Cobbtown, Georgia |
M3.6 |
147 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Hurricane History
20 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 |
183 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
240 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
138 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 1 |
229 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
160 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
162 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 1 |
259 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
75 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
268 km |
| 2014 |
Arthur |
Category 1 |
220 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
253 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
113 km |
| 1999 |
Floyd |
Category 3 |
227 km |
| 1999 |
Dennis |
Category 2 |
288 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
160 km |
| 1996 |
Bertha |
Category 2 |
265 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
231 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 1 |
204 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
87 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 3 |
152 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980-2026)
Tornado History
223 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 6 fatalities, 173 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
27 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 2018 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Nov 18, 1968 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Mar 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2017 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 2009 |
EF2 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2009 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Mar 22, 2005 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 2004 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1998 |
EF2 |
81 km |
4 |
| Oct 2, 1994 |
EF2 |
53 km |
0 |
| Feb 27, 1984 |
EF2 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 16, 1976 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1974 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1974 |
EF2 |
98 km |
2 |
| Nov 9, 1973 |
EF2 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jan 15, 1971 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jan 15, 1971 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1964 |
EF2 |
92 km |
0 |
| Feb 24, 1963 |
EF2 |
3 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 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
CRAVENS HAMMOCK |
142,688 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
SWEAT FARM ROAD |
52,495 |
99 km |
| 2011 |
GA-19 (SAW FLY RD) |
19,730 |
77 km |
| 2011 |
DURDIN PRAIRIE |
19,487 |
84 km |
| 1999 |
HICKORY IS |
14,656 |
98 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
12,186 |
97 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
10,963 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,163 |
92 km |
| 2011 |
RACEPOND |
7,951 |
79 km |
| 2000 |
GA-2 |
7,319 |
88 km |
| 2001 |
CRAVENS IS |
6,412 |
97 km |
| 2002 |
NO.1WILD |
5,355 |
94 km |
| 1998 |
HONEYSCRUB |
4,678 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,021 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
ELIM CHURCH RD. FIRE |
3,850 |
67 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
3,827 |
29 km |
| 1990 |
MOTHERS DAY |
3,761 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,845 |
92 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,768 |
83 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 |
|
St. Simons 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 St. Simons. 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 St. Simons
What is the population of St. Simons?
St. Simons has a population of 16,026 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 974 people per square mile, spread across 17.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 59.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52% female and 48% male.
Is St. Simons expensive to live in?
St. Simons 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 $105,944, 41% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $484,100 (72% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,626 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in St. Simons?
St. Simons 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 St. Simons?
The job market in St. Simons is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / 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 17.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in St. Simons?
The median home value in St. Simons is $484,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $250,684. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $635,750, with homes typically selling within 128 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,626. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,468.
How are the schools in St. Simons?
Schools in St. Simons score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 55.2% of adults in St. Simons hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.2% have completed high school. 22.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is St. Simons?
The obesity rate in St. Simons is 28.5% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 9.3% of adults are smokers. 16.6% are physically inactive. 20.9% of residents report depression. 4.1% lack health insurance (below 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 St. Simons?
The average commute in St. Simons is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of St. Simons?
The racial and ethnic makeup of St. Simons is 93.4% White, 1.7% Black or African American, 2.9% Hispanic or Latino. 96.3% of residents speak only English at home. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 11.1% of residents have a disability. 95.9% have health insurance coverage.