Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Waycross, GA
Thinking of moving to Waycross, GA? This friendly city of 13,800 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $114,000 and average rents about $780. Waycross enjoys mild winters, warm summers, and 65% sunny days annually, making outdoor activities a year-round possibility. Commute times are short at under 20 minutes, and local schools provide solid options for families. While crime rates are higher than national averages, the city offers a close-knit community feel and easy access to regional healthcare and education.
Demographics - Waycross, GA
Demographics - Waycross, GA
Waycross, GA is home to about 13,800 residents, with a balanced mix of White and Black communities and a median age of 37.5. The city features a moderate population density and a small but notable percentage of non-English speakers, reflecting a diverse and welcoming atmosphere.
Population:
13,800
Density:
1,140 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.5
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
5.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
47.4%
Black:
46.2%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
5.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Waycross, GA?
Waycross offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $114,000 and average rents around $780. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the overall cost of living index is notably lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$114,000
Gross Rent:
$780
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$145
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$970
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$355
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.3
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
46.3
Utilities:
94.2
Transportation:
82.4
Health Care:
95.8
Miscellaneous:
88.1
Crime
Is Waycross, GA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Waycross are higher than national averages, with a 1 in 156 chance of experiencing a violent crime and a 1 in 23 chance of property crime. While safety is a consideration, residents often highlight the community’s close-knit feel and local support networks.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
640
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,340
Crime Index:
4,980
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 156
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 23
Weather
What is the weather like in Waycross, GA year-round?
Waycross enjoys a mild climate, featuring warm summers with highs near 93°F and pleasant winters with lows around 41°F. Residents benefit from about 65% sunny days each year and approximately 48 inches of annual rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Spring
Min:
53°F
Max:
81°F
Summer
Min:
70°F
Max:
93°F
Fall
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
48 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
65%
Neighbors
The city’s median household income is $35,300, with a family income of $40,500 and a poverty rate of 28.1%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, and the average commute is under 20 minutes, contributing to a relaxed, small-town lifestyle.
Median Income:
$30,200
Household Income:
$35,300
Family Income:
$40,500
Per Capita Income:
$17,800
Income Male:
$36,200
Income Female:
$25,100
Poverty Rate:
28.1%
Non English Speakers:
8.1%
Rent:
$780
Unemployment Rate:
6.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
19.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
82.3%
Bachelors or More:
12.1%
Education
How are the schools in Waycross, GA?
Waycross offers a range of educational options, including Ware County High School and several elementary schools with favorable student-teacher ratios. The city is also home to Coastal Pines Technical College, providing accessible higher education opportunities for local students.
Public Schools
Name:
Ware County High School
Street:
700 Victory Dr
Phone:
912-287-2351
Students:
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.3
Name:
Ruskin Elementary School
Street:
3550 Valdosta Hwy
Phone:
912-287-2302
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8
Private Schools
Name:
Southside Christian School
Street:
3439 Knight Ave
Phone:
912-283-8851
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Coastal Pines Technical College
City:
Waycross
State:
GA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,000
Name:
South Georgia State College
City:
Douglas
State:
GA
Distance:
36 miles
Students:
2,600
Healthcare
Waycross provides access to quality healthcare, anchored by Memorial Satilla Health and a physician-to-population ratio of 1.7 per 1,000 residents. Health insurance coverage is strong at over 87%, offering peace of mind for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Memorial Satilla Health
Address:
1900 Tebeau St, Waycross, GA 31501
Phone:
(912) 283-3030
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.1%
Health Care Index:
69.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Waycross, GA?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $114,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $780. Nearly half of residents own their homes, and home values have appreciated by 4.5% in the past year, indicating a stable real estate environment.
Median Home Price:
$114,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$780
Owner Occupied Rate:
47.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
11.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.5%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Waycross residents are served by the Georgia Department of Driver Services, conveniently located on Memorial Drive. The local DMV provides essential driver licensing and vehicle registration services for the community.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
3029 Memorial Dr, Waycross, GA 31503
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.