Ellijay, GA
Population 1,931 · Georgia
About Ellijay, GA
Ellijay is a small town located in Georgia with a population of 1,931 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,639 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ellijay features a median home value of $277,600, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Ellijay in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $728, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 909 total housing units, 34% are owner-occupied (275 units) and 66% are renter-occupied (542 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ellijay shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ellijay have an average one-way commute time of 28.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.4% of Ellijay residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 11.5% White, 16.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 12.8% Asian residents, with 12.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ellijay, GA
Compared to national averages, Ellijay has a median household income of $47,639 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $277,600, which is 13% above the national median. Monthly rent at $728 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Ellijay's income is 22% below the state average of $60,815, and home values are 43% above the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Ellijay, GA?
Ellijay offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $728/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,639) that falls below the national average. However, Ellijay’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ellijay has a population of 1,931 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Ellijay with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Ellijay
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comer | 1,928 | $45,284 | $185,900 | Compare |
| Isle of Hope | 1,945 | $101,316 | $431,000 | Compare |
| Oxford | 1,945 | $58,594 | $190,600 | Compare |
| Butler | 1,916 | $24,924 | $86,200 | Compare |
| Hamilton | 1,911 | $100,503 | $262,100 | Compare |
| Indian Springs | 1,951 | $95,809 | $199,800 | Compare |
| Nicholson | 1,899 | $44,956 | $178,900 | Compare |
| Cataula | 1,898 | $119,737 | $299,200 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Georgia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ellijay With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ellijay
What is the population of Ellijay, GA?
The population of Ellijay, GA is 1,931 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Georgia.
What is the median household income in Ellijay?
The median household income in Ellijay, GA is $47,639 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ellijay?
The median home value in Ellijay, GA is $277,600, which is 13% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Ellijay?
The median monthly rent in Ellijay, GA is $728, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ellijay?
The unemployment rate in Ellijay, GA is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ellijay, GA a good place to live?
Ellijay offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,931 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ellijay, GA?
18.4% of residents in Ellijay aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ellijay?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ellijay, GA: median home value is $277,600 (13% above national), median rent is $728/month, and median household income is $47,639. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Ellijay?
The poverty rate in Ellijay, GA is 22.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Ellijay, GA?
Ellijay's population is 11.5% White, 16.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 12.8% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 12.7% of residents are foreign-born.