Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Hartwell, GA
Considering a move to Hartwell, GA? This friendly city of 4,590 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $189,000 and rents near $780. Commute times are short at just over 21 minutes, and the climate is warm with 62% sunny days each year. Hartwell features a small-town atmosphere, solid local schools, and access to healthcare, though property crime rates are higher than the national average. Discover the affordable cost of living, inviting weather, and welcoming community that make Hartwell a unique place to call home.
Demographics - Hartwell, GA
Demographics - Hartwell, GA
Hartwell is a small city of 4,590 people, with a median age of 42.1, reflecting a balanced mix of families and retirees. The population is predominantly White at 68%, with a significant Black community making up about a quarter of residents, and just under 5% speak a language other than English at home. The city’s moderate population density provides a comfortable small-town environment.
Population:
4,590
Density:
745 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
89 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.6%

Ethnic Composition
White:
68.3%
Black:
25.1%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Hartwell, GA?
Hartwell offers an affordable cost of living, with median home values at $189,000 and average rents around $780 per month. Utility and transportation costs are below the national average, making daily expenses more manageable. State taxes are also moderate, contributing to the city’s overall cost of living index of 82.3.
Median House Value:
$189,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,480
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,160
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$350
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.3
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
65.5
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
89.4
Health Care:
91.7
Miscellaneous:
92.3
Crime
Is Hartwell, GA a safe place to live?
Hartwell experiences a higher rate of property crime, with chances of 1 in 40, but violent crime remains comparatively low at 263 incidents per 100,000 residents. While the overall crime index is above national averages, many residents appreciate the close-knit community and local law enforcement presence. It's advisable for newcomers to stay aware and take standard safety precautions.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
263
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,470
Crime Index:
2,733
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 380
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 40
Weather
What is the weather like in Hartwell, GA year-round?
Residents enjoy a mild climate with warm summers reaching highs of 89°F and winters that rarely dip below 33°F. The city receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and boasts sunshine nearly two-thirds of the year, making outdoor activities popular throughout the seasons. Hartwell’s weather supports a comfortable and active lifestyle year-round.

Winter
Min:
33°F
Max:
51°F

Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
75°F

Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
52°F
Max:
77°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Hartwell typically earn around $41,250 annually, with a notable poverty rate of 23.9%. Most residents commute about 21 minutes to work, and public transportation use is low, reflecting the town’s rural character. The community is friendly and diverse, with over 83% of adults holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$26,700
Household Income:
$41,250
Family Income:
$53,800
Per Capita Income:
$22,700
Income Male:
$36,000
Income Female:
$28,200
Poverty Rate:
23.9%
Non English Speakers:
4.6%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
21.2 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
83.2%
Bachelors or More:
17.5%
Education
How are the schools in Hartwell, GA?
Hartwell supports a range of educational options, with local public schools such as Hart County High and Hartwell Elementary offering manageable class sizes. Private schooling is also available, and nearby colleges like Athens Technical College and Anderson University expand higher education opportunities. The community values education, with most adults holding at least a high school diploma.

Public Schools
Name:
Hart County High School
Street:
59 Fifth Street
Phone:
706-376-5461
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Name:
Hartwell Elementary School
Street:
147 S College Ave
Phone:
706-376-4425
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7

Private Schools
Name:
Hartwell Mennonite School
Street:
1007 Liberty Hill Church Rd
Phone:
706-376-2599
Students:
60

Colleges
Name:
Athens Technical College – Elberton Campus
City:
Elberton
State:
GA
Distance:
22 miles
Students:
750
Name:
Anderson University
City:
Anderson
State:
SC
Distance:
25 miles
Students:
3,900
Healthcare
Hartwell provides access to healthcare through facilities like St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital, located nearby, and maintains a physician rate of 1.4 per 1,000 residents. About 86% of locals have health insurance, supporting a good level of healthcare coverage. Emergency services are readily available for residents’ peace of mind.

Major Hospitals
Name:
St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital
Address:
367 Clear Creek Pkwy, Lavonia, GA 30553
Phone:
(706) 356-7800
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
85.9%
Health Care Index:
78.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Hartwell, GA?
The housing market in Hartwell is accessible, with a median home price of $189,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $780. Over half of the homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen steady home appreciation of 5.3% in the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, offering options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$189,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
51.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Hartwell residents can access driver services through the Georgia Department of Driver Services in nearby Athens, located at 1345 Highway 29 North. The office provides licensing, registration, and other vehicle-related services, all of which are detailed on the state’s official website. Friendly staff are available by phone to assist with appointments or questions.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
1345 Highway 29 North, Athens, GA 30601
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.