Median Income
$59,808
20% lower than US avg
Home Value
$125,000
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
241/100K
37% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.5%
51% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$901
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.8%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.5%
3% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.5%
25% higher than US avg
How Sylvester Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,557
Median Age42.2 yrs
Density846/mi²
Male / Female43% / 57%
Largest GroupWhite 36%
Veterans7.6%
Economy
B+
Median Income$59,808
Per Capita$28,911
Unemployment3.5%
Poverty15.5%
County GDP$451M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$125,000
Rent$901
Ownership58.6%
Zillow$166,334
Housing Units2,474
Rent Burden29.8%
Crime
F
Violent241/100K
Property2,774/100K
Health
Obesity41.8%
Uninsured14.7%
Smoking18.2%
Depression20.5%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp66°F (19°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation387 ft (118 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.5%
High School+85.5%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score4.69
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 25%
Commute21 min
Broadband71.6%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Sylvester a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Sylvester receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Sylvester offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Sylvester is $59,808, 20% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 15.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Sylvester is $125,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $901 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Sylvester is below the national average at 241 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,774 per 100,000, 42% above the national average.
Education
16.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Sylvester enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F. Winters average 48°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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Sylvester has a population of 5,557 with a density of 846 people per square mile, spread across 6.2 square miles. The median age is 42.2 years, 8% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 57.2% female and 42.8% male. The city is predominantly Black (58.5%), with 35.8% White, 1.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 7.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 89.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
42.2yrs
Median Age
8% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Sylvester vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Sylvester vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Sylvester is $59,808, which is 20% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,911 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $794, 45% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 366 business establishments, including 19 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 8.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Sylvester vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,808 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,911 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $794 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $51,113 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.5% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 366 |
| County GDP | $451M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Healthcare | 18 |
| Retail | 51 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,922 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 76.1% |
| Public Transit | 2.1% |
| Work from Home | 8.0% |
The median home value in Sylvester is $125,000, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,334, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $901 (23% 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. 58.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,474 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $2,922 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 29.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $125,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $166,334 |
| Median List Price | $291,500 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $291,500 |
| $/Sq Ft | $140 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 27.3% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $901 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.8% |
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 | 58.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.4% |
| Housing Units | 2,474 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,922 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.34% |
In Sylvester, 41.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 15.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 41.9% have high blood pressure. 18.2% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 13.1% report binge drinking. 33.3% are physically inactive, above the national average. 20.5% 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 1:3,426. The dentist ratio is 1:10,212. 37.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Sylvester vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.8% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 15.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.9% |
| Asthma | 11.7% |
| COPD | 7.5% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 4.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.2% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 13.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.3% |
| Depression | 20.5% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.4% |
| Short Sleep | 43.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.5% |
| Uninsured | 14.7% |
| 71% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,426 |
| Dentists | 1:10,212 |
| Mental Health | 1:6,758 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.3% |
| Dental Visits | 48.3% |
| Premature Death | 12,753/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 37.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 18 |
Sylvester has a violent crime rate of 241 per 100,000 residents, 37% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,774 per 100,000, 42% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 8 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Sylvester receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Sylvester vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 241.3/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,774.4/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 8 |
| Traffic Accidents | 55 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Sylvester enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winters average 48°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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 387 feet.
Temperature
48°F Jan (9°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 65.6°F |
| 21% above US avg |
| January Average | 48°F (9°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 387 ft (118 m) |
| Area | 6.2 sq mi (16.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 846/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 31.5297°N, 83.8346°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Worth County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Georgia Regional (ABY) 21 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Jul)
5.51"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 74.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 19.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 |
141 km |
| May 17, 1997 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
141 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 |
57 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
186 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 4 |
121 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
63 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
138 km |
| 1998 |
Earl |
Category 1 |
239 km |
| 1995 |
Opal |
Category 1 |
260 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
32 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
474 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 66 fatalities, 900 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
64 km |
11 |
| Jan 22, 2017 |
EF3 |
50 km |
5 |
| Mar 3, 2012 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Feb 19, 2009 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
80 km |
2 |
| Mar 20, 2003 |
EF3 |
57 km |
6 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
58 km |
11 |
| Feb 13, 2000 |
EF3 |
67 km |
7 |
| Apr 15, 1999 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1971 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 1968 |
EF3 |
22 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 1961 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
80 km |
1 |
| May 11, 1952 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jan 22, 2023 |
EF2 |
56 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2022 |
EF2 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 2021 |
EF2 |
79 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROUNDABOUT SWAMP FIRE (5,791 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
ROUNDABOUT SWAMP FIRE |
5,791 |
89 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
5,216 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,949 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
4,630 |
97 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
4,421 |
95 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
3,116 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,770 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,574 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,410 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,361 |
99 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
2,338 |
99 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,335 |
100 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
2,079 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,070 |
98 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
2,060 |
99 km |
| 2000 |
UNNAMED |
1,964 |
96 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,859 |
88 km |
| 2012 |
UNNAMED |
1,853 |
98 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
1,700 |
98 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,481 |
98 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
48°F (9°C) |
5.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
5.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
67°F (19°C) |
2.2 in |
Driest |
| November |
58°F (14°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
51°F (11°C) |
3.9 in |
|
Sylvester has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 48°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 49.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (5.5") and October the driest (2.2").
Average costs for common services in Sylvester. 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 Sylvester
What is the population of Sylvester?
Sylvester has a population of 5,557 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 846 people per square mile, spread across 6.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 42.2 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 57.2% female and 42.8% male.
Is Sylvester expensive to live in?
Sylvester 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 $59,808, 20% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $125,000 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $901 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Sylvester safe?
Sylvester is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 241 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,774 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Sylvester receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Sylvester?
Sylvester enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 66°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 48°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. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Sylvester?
Sylvester has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.5%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $794. There are 366 business establishments in the area, including 19 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 8.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Sylvester?
The median home value in Sylvester is $125,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $166,334. For renters, the median monthly rent is $901. Fair market rent is $1,023 for a 1-bedroom and $1,203 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.6%. The average annual property tax is $2,922.
How are the schools in Sylvester?
Schools in Sylvester have an average test score of 4.7 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 16.5% of adults in Sylvester hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.5% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Sylvester?
The obesity rate in Sylvester is 41.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.2% of adults are smokers. 33.3% are physically inactive. 20.5% of residents report depression. 14.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 37.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,426.
What is transportation like in Sylvester?
The average commute in Sylvester is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 76.1% of workers drive alone to work, 2.1% use public transit, and 8.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Sylvester?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Sylvester is 35.8% White, 58.5% Black or African American, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 7.6% of the population are military veterans. 15.8% of residents have a disability. 89.5% have health insurance coverage.