Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ellijay, GA
Considering a move to Ellijay, GA? This charming mountain town of 1,832 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $278,000 and average rents under $900. Ellijay boasts a mild climate with 61% sunny days, a short average commute of 27 minutes, and access to local schools and healthcare. While property crime is slightly above average, residents enjoy a laid-back lifestyle nestled in the scenic North Georgia mountains—perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking a relaxed pace.
Demographics - Ellijay, GA
Demographics - Ellijay, GA
Ellijay is a small community of about 1,800 residents, characterized by a majority White population and a median age of just over 41 years. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, offering a welcoming and close-knit environment for newcomers.
Population:
1,832
Density:
610 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
83.6%
Black:
1.6%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
13.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ellijay, GA?
Living in Ellijay is relatively affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $278,000. Residents benefit from reasonable housing, grocery, and utility costs, making it a budget-friendly option for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$278,000
Gross Rent:
$870
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
85.7
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
72.0
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
87.9
Health Care:
90.6
Miscellaneous:
89.4
Crime
Is Ellijay, GA a safe place to live?
Ellijay experiences low violent crime rates, though property crime is somewhat higher than average, with a chance of about 1 in 45 of being affected. Overall, the city remains a safe place to live, with crime rates that align with many other small towns in Georgia.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
242
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,250
Crime Index:
2,492
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 413
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 45
Weather
What is the weather like in Ellijay, GA year-round?
The climate in Ellijay features four distinct seasons, with comfortable summers reaching highs in the upper 80s and mild winters dipping to the upper 20s. The area enjoys 61% sunny days and receives ample rainfall, making it ideal for those who appreciate a temperate and scenic mountain setting.

Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
49°F

Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
72°F

Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
87°F

Fall
Min:
46°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
57.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
61%
Neighbors
Ellijay’s residents have a median household income of $45,200, and the community enjoys a strong sense of neighborliness. While the poverty rate is higher than average, most adults have completed high school, and the town’s relaxed pace is reflected in its low unemployment and manageable commute times.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$45,200
Family Income:
$58,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,300
Income Male:
$31,200
Income Female:
$24,100
Poverty Rate:
23.5%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$870
Unemployment Rate:
4.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
27.3 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
84.8%
Bachelors or More:
17.1%
Education
How are the schools in Ellijay, GA?
Ellijay offers quality educational opportunities with public schools like Ellijay Elementary and Gilmer High School, both maintaining favorable student-teacher ratios. For higher education, the University of North Georgia’s Blue Ridge Campus is just 16 miles away, providing convenient options for local students.

Public Schools
Name:
Ellijay Elementary School
Street:
32 McCutchen St
Phone:
706-276-5026
Students:
570
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Name:
Gilmer High School
Street:
408 Bobcat Trail
Phone:
706-276-5080
Students:
1,170
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.5

Private Schools
Name:
Pleasant Hills Montessori
Street:
180 Schoolhouse Rd
Phone:
706-635-2117
Students:
70

Colleges
Name:
University of North Georgia - Blue Ridge Campus
City:
Blue Ridge
State:
GA
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
650
Healthcare
Healthcare in Ellijay is anchored by Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Ellijay, which offers emergency and general care services. With 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 81% health insurance coverage, locals have access to essential healthcare within the city limits.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Piedmont Mountainside Hospital Ellijay
Address:
103 Mountain View Dr, Ellijay, GA 30540
Phone:
(706) 515-4000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
81.3%
Health Care Index:
68.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ellijay, GA?
Ellijay’s housing market is attractive for both buyers and renters, with median home prices at $278,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom around $900. The area sees healthy home appreciation and a high owner-occupancy rate, reflecting stable and growing demand.
Median Home Price:
$278,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$900
Owner Occupied Rate:
61.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
The Georgia Department of Driver Services handles licensing and vehicle registration for Ellijay residents, with the nearest main office located in Atlanta. Services and information are easily accessible online through the state DDS website.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
1010 Underwood St SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
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.