Georgia Living Report — July 11, 2026

Georgia’s population now stands at 10.7 million, a figure that has been steadily climbing as more people discover the state’s blend of Southern charm, economic opportunity, and relatively affordable living. For anyone considering a move here, the numbers paint a clear picture of a place that offers a middle ground between the high costs of the coasts and the limited opportunities of the rural heartland.

The housing market is a major draw. The median home value in Georgia is $245,900, well below the national median of roughly $350,000. That affordability extends to rentals: the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,221 per month. To put that in perspective, the median household income in Georgia is $71,355 per year, which means a typical renter spending the median rent would allocate about 20.5% of their gross monthly income to housing—well within the standard 30% affordability threshold. For comparison, in many coastal metros, that figure exceeds 35%. The state’s poverty rate, however, sits at 13.2%, slightly above the national average, indicating that not everyone shares equally in the gains.

The job market is robust. As of May 2026, Georgia’s unemployment rate is 3.2%, lower than the national rate and reflecting a diverse economy anchored by logistics, film production, technology, and manufacturing. Atlanta remains the engine, but cities like Savannah, Augusta, and Columbus are also growing. The median age of 37.2 suggests a population that is neither too young nor too old—a sign of a balanced demographic that attracts families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Remote workers are increasingly drawn to Georgia’s lower cost of living and warmer climate, while the state’s 340 tracked cities (per Finklick) offer a range of urban, suburban, and rural options.

Quality of life is a mixed bag. Georgia offers four distinct seasons, abundant outdoor recreation, and a relatively low cost of living. But it also faces challenges: traffic congestion in metro Atlanta is notorious, and the state’s public school system ranks in the middle of the pack nationally. The median age of 37.2 skews slightly younger than the national average, which aligns with a growing workforce. Yet the poverty rate of 13.2% reminds us that prosperity is not universal—some rural areas and inner-city neighborhoods struggle with economic stagnation.

Looking ahead, Georgia’s outlook remains bright but not without caveats. In-migration is expected to continue, fueled by corporate relocations and a housing market that, while rising, remains more accessible than many other Sun Belt states.

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Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 11, 2026.