Fort Gaines, GA
Population 1,166 · Georgia
About Fort Gaines, GA
Fort Gaines is a small town located in Georgia with a population of 1,166 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,636 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Fort Gaines features a median home value of $91,400, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Gaines one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $518, 55% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 568 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (182 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (198 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 Fort Gaines shows an unemployment rate of 9.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 35.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Gaines have an average one-way commute time of 21.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.8% of Fort Gaines 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 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Fort Gaines Ranks in Georgia
Cost of Living in Fort Gaines, GA
Compared to national averages, Fort Gaines has a median household income of $38,636 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $91,400, which is 63% below the national median. Monthly rent at $518 is 55% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Fort Gaines's income is 36% below the state average of $60,815, and home values are 53% below the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Fort Gaines, GA?
Fort Gaines offers affordable housing with a median home value of $91,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $518/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,636) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Gaines’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Gaines has a population of 1,166 with a median age of 31.7 years. Compare Fort Gaines with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Fort Gaines
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nahunta | 1,168 | $33,934 | $52,200 | Compare |
| Cave Spring | 1,148 | $47,560 | $150,700 | Compare |
| Alto | 1,187 | $54,479 | $132,900 | Compare |
| Robins AFB | 1,187 | $95,859 | $0 | Compare |
| Baconton | 1,134 | $56,488 | $86,100 | Compare |
| Rutledge | 1,134 | $57,083 | $266,900 | Compare |
| Sycamore | 1,124 | $42,917 | $56,200 | Compare |
| Tunnel Hill | 1,122 | $61,964 | $183,700 | 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 Fort Gaines With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Gaines
What is the population of Fort Gaines, GA?
The population of Fort Gaines, GA is 1,166 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 Fort Gaines?
The median household income in Fort Gaines, GA is $38,636 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Gaines?
The median home value in Fort Gaines, GA is $91,400, which is 63% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fort Gaines?
The median monthly rent in Fort Gaines, GA is $518, which is 55% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Gaines?
The unemployment rate in Fort Gaines, GA is 9.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Gaines, GA a good place to live?
Fort Gaines offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,166 and a median age of 31.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fort Gaines, GA?
8.8% of residents in Fort Gaines 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 Fort Gaines?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Gaines, GA: median home value is $91,400 (63% below national), median rent is $518/month, and median household income is $38,636. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Gaines?
The poverty rate in Fort Gaines, GA is 35.0%, 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 Fort Gaines, GA?
Fort Gaines's population is 0.0% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 83.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.