Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ray City, GA
Thinking about moving to Ray City, GA? With a small-town population of 1,090 and a median home price around $110,000, Ray City offers affordable living and a mild climate with warm summers and 66% sunny days. Commute times average just over 23 minutes, and the area’s public schools serve local families. While crime rates are a bit higher than average for rural Georgia, the area’s low rents and access to Valdosta’s healthcare and colleges make it a practical choice for value-minded movers seeking a quiet lifestyle.
Demographics - Ray City, GA
Demographics - Ray City, GA
Ray City is a close-knit community of 1,090 residents, featuring a youthful median age of 31.5 and a balanced gender ratio. The city’s population is predominantly White and Black, with a growing diversity and about 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
1,090
Density:
420 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.5
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
60.5%
Black:
31.8%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
7.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ray City, GA?
Ray City boasts a low cost of living, with a median home value of $110,000 and average rents around $830, making it appealing to budget-conscious movers. Essential expenses such as groceries and healthcare fall below national averages, and state income tax rates remain moderate. Residents enjoy affordable utilities and everyday costs, supporting a comfortable lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$110,000
Gross Rent:
$830
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$960
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
60.8
Utilities:
104.3
Transportation:
88.2
Health Care:
89.0
Miscellaneous:
90.3
Crime
Is Ray City, GA a safe place to live?
Ray City experiences higher-than-average property crime for its size, with a 1 in 47 chance, while violent crime remains less common at 1 in 373. The overall crime index suggests vigilance is wise, but the community maintains a generally safe small-town feel. Residents value neighborly connections and local awareness.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
268
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,120
Crime Index:
2,388
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 373
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 47
Weather
What is the weather like in Ray City, GA year-round?
Ray City enjoys a mild Southern climate, with warm summers reaching up to 92°F and winters rarely dipping below 38°F. The area receives about 49 inches of rainfall annually and benefits from 66% sunny days, ideal for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are gentle, making the weather comfortable year-round.
Winter
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F
Spring
Min:
51°F
Max:
80°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
92°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
83°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
66%
Neighbors
Neighbors in Ray City typically earn a household income around $41,900, with a notable poverty rate of 21.6%. Most adults have completed high school, though only 12% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The area is characterized by modest incomes, low public transport use, and average commute times just over 23 minutes.
Median Income:
$23,300
Household Income:
$41,900
Family Income:
$49,200
Per Capita Income:
$18,100
Income Male:
$32,200
Income Female:
$27,000
Poverty Rate:
21.6%
Non English Speakers:
7.2%
Rent:
$830
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
0.2%
Commute Time:
23.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.5%
Bachelors or More:
12.2%
Education
How are the schools in Ray City, GA?
Ray City families are served by local public schools, including Ray City Elementary and nearby Berrien Middle School, both offering manageable student-to-teacher ratios. While private schools are not present in the city, higher education is easily accessible with colleges like Valdosta State University and Wiregrass Georgia Technical College less than 25 miles away.
Public Schools
Name:
Ray City Elementary School
Street:
8695 Main St, Ray City, GA 31645
Phone:
229-455-5561
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Name:
Berrien Middle School
Street:
800 Tifton Rd, Nashville, GA 31639
Phone:
229-686-2939
Students:
670
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Colleges
Name:
Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
City:
Valdosta
State:
GA
Distance:
21 miles
Students:
6,700
Name:
Valdosta State University
City:
Valdosta
State:
GA
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
11,200
Healthcare
Residents have access to major healthcare facilities like South Georgia Medical Center in nearby Valdosta, offering emergency and general medical services. With about 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people and 84% health insurance coverage, healthcare is accessible. The region provides essential medical resources for families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
South Georgia Medical Center
Address:
2501 N Patterson St, Valdosta, GA 31602
Phone:
(229) 433-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.3%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ray City, GA?
Ray City’s housing market is highly affordable, with median home prices at $110,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $830. Over half of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen steady appreciation, rising 7.1% in the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, providing options for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$110,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$830
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
DMV services for Ray City residents are handled by the Georgia Department of Driver Services, conveniently located in Valdosta. This office offers driver licensing, registrations, and other essential vehicle services. Residents can access more information or schedule visits via the department’s official website.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
2206 East Hill Ave, Valdosta, GA 31601
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.