Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fort Gaines, GA
Looking for a small-town feel in southwest Georgia? Fort Gaines offers a close-knit community of just under 1,000 residents, with affordable living—median home prices around $70,000 and rents near $610. Enjoy a mild climate with 65% sunny days each year and short, 21-minute average commutes. While crime rates are higher than the national average, residents appreciate the low cost of living and access to local schools and healthcare. If you value affordability and southern charm, Fort Gaines might be the right move for you.
Demographics - Fort Gaines, GA
Demographics - Fort Gaines, GA
Fort Gaines has a population of about 995, with a strong sense of community and a median age of 46 years. The city is predominantly African American, with a balanced gender ratio and a low percentage of non-English speakers, making it welcoming for newcomers seeking a small-town atmosphere.
Population:
995
Density:
460 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.8
Gender Ratio:
87 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
31.0%
Black:
67.0%
Asian:
0.5%
Others:
1.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fort Gaines, GA?
Living in Fort Gaines is highly affordable, with median home values around $70,000 and average rents near $610. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, allowing residents to stretch their budgets further, especially when it comes to housing and utilities.
Median House Value:
$70,000
Gross Rent:
$610
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,630
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$870
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$310
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
76.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
48.0
Utilities:
95.0
Transportation:
85.0
Health Care:
90.0
Miscellaneous:
89.0
Crime
Is Fort Gaines, GA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Fort Gaines are higher than average, with property crime being more prevalent than violent crime. Residents have a 1 in 46 chance of experiencing property crime and a 1 in 310 chance of violent crime, so it's important to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,150
Crime Index:
2,470
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 310
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Fort Gaines, GA year-round?
Fort Gaines enjoys a mild climate, featuring warm summers with highs near 92°F and mild winters with lows around 38°F. The area receives about 52 inches of annual rainfall and boasts 65% sunny days, making it appealing for those who appreciate outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
61°F
Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
79°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
55°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
52 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
The community has a modest median household income of $31,500 and a higher-than-average poverty rate at 32.5%. Most residents commute about 21 minutes to work, and a significant portion have a high school diploma, reflecting the town's rural, working-class character.
Median Income:
$23,400
Household Income:
$31,500
Family Income:
$40,900
Per Capita Income:
$18,200
Income Male:
$26,500
Income Female:
$21,000
Poverty Rate:
32.5%
Non English Speakers:
2.2%
Rent:
$610
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
21.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
74.0%
Bachelors or More:
10.5%
Education
How are the schools in Fort Gaines, GA?
Fort Gaines is served by Clay County Elementary School, known for its small class sizes. Higher education options are available nearby, including Andrew College and Wallace Community College, both within a short drive and offering diverse academic programs.
Public Schools
Name:
Clay County Elementary School
Street:
200 Hobbs Lane
Phone:
229-768-2232
Students:
110
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.5
Colleges
Name:
Andrew College
City:
Cuthbert
State:
GA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
300
Name:
Wallace Community College
City:
Eufaula
State:
AL
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
1,700
Healthcare
Residents benefit from access to primary care and emergency services at Clay County Medical Center, as well as nearby regional hospitals. With roughly 86% of locals covered by health insurance and a physician density of 1.3 per 1,000 people, basic healthcare needs are generally met.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Clay County Medical Center
Address:
116 S. Washington St, Fort Gaines, GA 39851
Phone:
(229) 768-3652
Type:
Primary Care & Emergency
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Southwest Georgia Regional Medical Center
Address:
821 N Cobb St, Cuthbert, GA 39840
Phone:
(229) 732-2181
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
86.5%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fort Gaines, GA?
The housing market in Fort Gaines is very accessible, with a median home price of $70,000 and the majority of residents owning their homes. Rental vacancies are available and home values have shown modest appreciation, making it a favorable location for buyers and renters alike.
Median Home Price:
$70,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$610
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Local DMV services are provided by the Georgia Department of Driver Services, conveniently located on Brown Avenue in Fort Gaines. Residents can access license renewals, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
220 Brown Avenue, Fort Gaines, GA 39851
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.