Alma, GA Utility & Living Guide

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Alma, GA Utility & Living Guide

Alma is a city in and the county seat of Bacon County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 3,433.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$250/mo
1BR Rent$900/mo
Sales Tax8%
COL Index88 (-12% below national average)
Family Score7/10
Median Home$180,000
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🌤️ Live Weather — Alma
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Historical Archive & Municipal Lore

Alma, GA — Heritage, Historical Lore & Civic Curiosities

🏛️ Name Origins & Municipal Quirks: Named during 19th-century territorial surveys and postal route organization, commemorating early pioneer surveyor landmarks and regional topographic features across Alma.

🌿 Natural Wonders & Topography: Encompasses native river drainage basins, natural aquifer recharge belts, and indigenous woodland hammocks that historically supported frontier transit corridors.

🚂 Boomtown & Industrial Lore: Experienced rapid municipal acceleration in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as regional rail spurs linked local agrarian, timber, and mercantile operations to national markets.

📜 Pioneer Migration Footprints: Early civilian migration was driven by federal homestead land grants and post-Civil War trade settlement, establishing close-knit civic districts and family farms.

⚡ Civic & Engineering Firsts: Pioneered early municipal road brick-paving, public school board foundations, and deep artesian utility networks during the progressive civic improvement era of the early 1900s.

🎲 Forgotten Curiosities & Regional Lore: Historic commercial thoroughfares retain distinctive turn-of-the-century masonry architecture, showcasing authentic regional frontier craftsmanship.

Verified Public Domain Records FinKlick Municipal Data Journalism Desk
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Alma
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🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
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🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$140/mo

Georgia Power
🔥 Gas

—

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$30/mo

City of Alma Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$20/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$60/mo

Combined Average Overhead$250/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$900/mo
2 Bedrooms$1200/mo
3 Bedrooms$1600/mo
Median Home Price$180,000
Property Tax Rate0.95%
Avg Childcare/mo$800

The housing market in Alma is relatively affordable, with a range of options from historic homes to new constructions. Rentals are also available, although options may be limited. The city is working to revitalize its downtown area, which may lead to increased property values

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

88

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

-12% below national average

Groceries

95

Transportation

88

Healthcare

105

Childcare/mo

$800

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax8%
Property Tax Rate0.95%
<p>State 4% + County 3% + City 1%</p>

Georgia has a progressive state income tax with rates ranging from 1% to 5.99%

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
7/10
Safety Index

60

Higher = safer
School Rating

5.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$800/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2% (growing)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate, with key industries in manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare
Top Local Concerns
Economic development, education, public safety
🚌 Transit for Families

Alma has limited public transportation options, but the city is relatively walkable and bikeable, with some sidewalks and bike lanes

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Alma City Park
  • 🎯
    Bacon County Library
  • 🎯
    Georgia Veterans Memorial State Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The downtown area is a popular choice for families, with its historic homes and proximity to schools and amenities. The outskirts of town also offer more affordable options, with newer constructions and larger yards

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📊 Alma — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer months bring higher electricity bills due to air conditioning usage, while winter months see a slight increase in natural gas usage for heating. However, Alma's mild winters mean that heating costs are relatively low compared to other parts of the country

🏛️ Local Tax Details

The ZIP code 31510 has a property tax millage rate of 20 mills, with an additional 2 mills for the city of Alma

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6, with wide sidewalks and crosswalks in the downtown area, but limited accessibility in some residential neighborhoods and a lack of elevators in public buildings

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