Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Sapelo Island, GA
Thinking of relocating to Sapelo Island, GA? With a population of just 110, Sapelo Island offers tranquil coastal living, affordable homes with a median price of $175,000, and average rents around $950. Residents enjoy mild, sunny weather and a close-knit community. Crime rates are relatively low, and commute times average just under 30 minutes to the nearest mainland amenities. While education and healthcare options are limited on the island itself, nearby Darien and Brunswick provide schools and hospital access. Sapelo Island is perfect for those seeking a quiet lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty.
Demographics - Sapelo Island, GA
Demographics - Sapelo Island, GA
Sapelo Island is home to about 110 residents, with a median age of 54.2, reflecting a mature, close-knit community. The population is predominantly Black (78%), and the island's low density offers a peaceful, rural environment. Only a small percentage of residents speak a language other than English, contributing to a strong sense of local identity.
Population:
110
Density:
7 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
20.0%
Black:
78.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Sapelo Island, GA?
Living on Sapelo Island is relatively affordable, with a median home value of $175,000 and average rent at $950. The overall cost of living index is slightly below the national average, making it accessible for those seeking cost-effective coastal living. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and state income tax rates are moderate.
Median House Value:
$175,000
Gross Rent:
$950
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
92.5
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
70.2
Utilities:
103.9
Transportation:
92.8
Health Care:
94.5
Miscellaneous:
95.0
Crime
Is Sapelo Island, GA a safe place to live?
Sapelo Island experiences low crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,420 per 100,000 residents. This means residents enjoy a high sense of safety, with the chance of being a victim of violent crime at just 1 in 476. The tranquil and small-town setting contributes to the community's security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
210
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,420
Crime Index:
1,630
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 476
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 70
Weather
What is the weather like in Sapelo Island, GA year-round?
The island enjoys a mild subtropical climate, with winter temperatures ranging from 41°F to 63°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. Rainfall averages about 52 inches annually, and 62% of days are sunny, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. The comfortable weather adds to the relaxed, coastal lifestyle.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
63°F
Spring
Min:
57°F
Max:
79°F
Summer
Min:
72°F
Max:
90°F
Fall
Min:
58°F
Max:
81°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
51.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Sapelo Island's residents typically have a median household income of $37,100, and about a quarter live below the poverty line. Most neighbors commute around 29 minutes for work, and there is little use of public transportation. The community values education, with nearly 85% holding at least a high school diploma.
Median Income:
$27,000
Household Income:
$37,100
Family Income:
$42,500
Per Capita Income:
$19,200
Income Male:
$30,000
Income Female:
$24,000
Poverty Rate:
25.8%
Non English Speakers:
2.3%
Rent:
$950
Unemployment Rate:
7.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.0%
Commute Time:
28.7 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.8%
Bachelors or More:
15.4%
Education
How are the schools in Sapelo Island, GA?
Educational opportunities on Sapelo Island are limited, but nearby Darien offers public schooling such as Todd Grant Elementary, with a student-teacher ratio of 14.7. Higher education is accessible at the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, about 24 miles away. Families benefit from close community schools and convenient access to college programs on the mainland.
Public Schools
Name:
Todd Grant Elementary School
Street:
1106 N Way, Darien, GA 31305
Phone:
912-437-6657
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Colleges
Name:
College of Coastal Georgia
City:
Brunswick
State:
GA
Distance:
24 miles
Students:
3,400
Healthcare
While Sapelo Island itself has limited medical facilities, residents have access to major hospitals like Southeast Georgia Health System in nearby Brunswick. The area maintains a relatively high health insurance coverage rate of 87.5% and offers access to around 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people. Healthcare services are accessible on the mainland, supporting residents’ well-being.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Southeast Georgia Health System - Brunswick Campus
Address:
2415 Parkwood Dr, Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone:
(912) 466-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.5%
Health Care Index:
69.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Sapelo Island, GA?
The island's housing market features a median home price of $175,000 and an average rent of $950 for a two-bedroom unit, making it a cost-effective choice for buyers and renters alike. Homeownership is prevalent, with over 70% of units owner-occupied, and home values have appreciated by 4.5% over the past year. Rental vacancies are moderate, providing options for new residents.
Median Home Price:
$175,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$950
Owner Occupied Rate:
72.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Residents of Sapelo Island handle driver services through the Georgia Department of Driver Services office in Brunswick, located about 24 miles away. The office offers licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential DMV services. For more information, residents can visit the official Georgia DDS website or contact the local branch by phone.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
134 Jack Kingston Way, Brunswick, GA 31525
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.