Georgia Living Report — July 25, 2026

With a population just shy of 10.7 million and a median age of 37.2, Georgia sits at a demographic sweet spot—old enough to have deep-rooted communities, young enough to keep attracting new arrivals from elsewhere in the country and abroad. The state’s poverty rate of 13.2 percent, while above the national average, is counterbalanced by a robust economy that has helped Georgia become the eighth most populous state. Whether they are families seeking good schools, retirees looking for mild winters, or remote workers chasing lower costs, newcomers are finding reasons to stay.

Housing remains one of Georgia’s strongest draws. The median home value sits at $245,900, well below the national median, and a one-bedroom apartment rents for a median of $1,221 per month. When measured against the state’s median household income of $71,355, that rent consumes roughly 20.5 percent of gross monthly income—well under the 30 percent threshold that financial experts consider affordable. This relative affordability, combined with a wide range of urban, suburban, and rural options, means buyers and renters can often find more space for their money than in coastal markets. Georgia’s vast geography—from the Atlanta metro to Savannah to the Blue Ridge foothills—means that housing costs vary significantly, but the statewide figures underscore a livable baseline.

The job market is what keeps that affordability sustainable. With an unemployment rate of just 3.6 percent as of June 2026, Georgia enjoys one

Explore Georgia Cities

Browse utility costs, housing data, Census demographics, and climate data for all 340 tracked cities in Georgia.

View all Georgia city guides →

Data: US Census Bureau ACS 2022, BLS. Updated July 25, 2026.

Get your home essentials, storage, and moving supplies delivered.

Shop Moving Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.