Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Alma, GA
Considering a move to Alma, GA? This friendly city of 3,433 offers notably affordable living, with median home prices around $97,000 and average rents at $780. Residents enjoy short commutes of about 20 minutes, mild winters, and 65% sunny days each year. While Alma features a strong sense of community and access to local healthcare, be aware that property crime rates are above national averages and educational attainment is below the state norm. Affordable housing, small-town charm, and a warm climate are Alma’s standout features for newcomers.
Demographics - Alma, GA
Alma, GA is a small, close-knit community with a population of 3,433 and a median age of 36.4. The city is predominantly White (54.7%) and Black (37.3%), and about 7% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density and balanced gender ratio contribute to a welcoming, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
3,433
Density:
850 per sq mi
Median Age:
36.4
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
54.7%
Black:
37.3%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
7.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Alma, GA?
Alma boasts an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of just $97,000 and average rent around $780. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making daily expenses like groceries, utilities, and transportation budget-friendly for residents. State income tax rates are moderate, further supporting the city’s reputation for affordability.
Median House Value:
$97,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.9
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
54.1
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
92.3
Health Care:
94.8
Miscellaneous:
92.1
Crime
Is Alma, GA a safe place to live?
While Alma offers small-town charm, it has higher-than-average crime rates, with a 1 in 40 chance of experiencing property crime. Violent crime is less frequent but still present, with a rate of 482 incidents per 100,000 residents. Prospective residents should consider these factors when choosing neighborhoods within the city.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
482
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,492
Crime Index:
2,974
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 208
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Alma, GA year-round?
Residents enjoy a warm, humid climate with mild winters averaging 40–62°F and hot summers reaching up to 93°F. Alma receives nearly 50 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 65% of the year, making outdoor activities possible most months. The pleasant weather is a highlight for those seeking a southern climate.
Winter
Min:
40°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
54°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
93°F
Fall
Min:
56°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
Alma’s neighbors experience a median household income of $35,400, with about a third of the population living below the poverty line. Commute times are short, averaging just over 20 minutes, and unemployment remains relatively low at 4.7%. Educational attainment is modest, with most adults having completed high school, though fewer hold college degrees.
Median Income:
$28,300
Household Income:
$35,400
Family Income:
$43,800
Per Capita Income:
$17,900
Income Male:
$35,000
Income Female:
$26,800
Poverty Rate:
34.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
20.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
76.1%
Bachelors or More:
11.5%
Education
How are the schools in Alma, GA?
Alma provides local public education through Bacon County Elementary and Middle Schools, both offering manageable student-teacher ratios. While there are no private school options in town, college-bound students can attend South Georgia State College just 18 miles away. The city’s educational offerings support families with school-age children and those pursuing higher education.
Public Schools
Name:
Bacon County Elementary School
Street:
901 North Blvd
Phone:
912-632-5166
Students:
850
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Bacon County Middle School
Street:
901 North Blvd
Phone:
912-632-2956
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Colleges
Name:
South Georgia State College
City:
Douglas
State:
GA
Distance:
18 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Healthcare in Alma is anchored by Bacon County Hospital, which provides general and emergency services locally. With about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 residents and 85.4% of people covered by health insurance, basic medical needs are well-served. The city offers accessible healthcare for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Bacon County Hospital
Address:
302 S Wayne St, Alma, GA 31510
Phone:
(912) 632-8961
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.4%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Alma, GA?
The housing market in Alma is attractive for buyers and renters alike, featuring a median home price of $97,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $780. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and home values have appreciated by 4.2% over the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for newcomers seeking affordability.
Median Home Price:
$97,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents of Alma can access Georgia Department of Driver Services at the nearby Waycross location for driver licensing and vehicle registration. The office is conveniently located at 134 S. Central Ave, with services and resources also available online. This facilitates easy handling of DMV needs for those moving to the area.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
134 S. Central Ave, Waycross, GA 31501
Phone:
678-413-8400
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.