Fort Valley, GA
Population 8,808 · Georgia
About Fort Valley, GA
Fort Valley is a small town located in Georgia with a population of 8,808 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,714 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.6 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 Valley features a median home value of $116,400, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Fort Valley one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $830, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,137 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (1,399 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (1,793 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 Valley shows an unemployment rate of 9.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 30.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fort Valley have an average one-way commute time of 22.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.8% of Fort Valley 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 7.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 6.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fort Valley, GA
Compared to national averages, Fort Valley has a median household income of $39,714 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $116,400, which is 52% below the national median. Monthly rent at $830 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Fort Valley's income is 35% below the state average of $60,815, and home values are 40% below the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Fort Valley, GA?
Fort Valley offers affordable housing with a median home value of $116,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $830/month, and short commute times averaging just 22.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,714) that falls below the national average. However, Fort Valley’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fort Valley has a population of 8,808 with a median age of 31.6 years. Compare Fort Valley with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Fort Valley
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dock Junction | 8,786 | $48,600 | $140,300 | Compare |
| Panthersville | 8,840 | $48,984 | $207,600 | Compare |
| Irondale | 8,722 | $61,454 | $186,700 | Compare |
| Skidaway Island | 8,907 | $121,991 | $763,100 | Compare |
| Fitzgerald | 8,962 | $36,515 | $99,900 | Compare |
| Hampton | 8,491 | $77,973 | $265,100 | Compare |
| Bemiss | 8,464 | $84,886 | $196,500 | Compare |
| Toccoa | 9,173 | $48,706 | $155,200 | 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 Fort Valley With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fort Valley
What is the population of Fort Valley, GA?
The population of Fort Valley, GA is 8,808 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 Valley?
The median household income in Fort Valley, GA is $39,714 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fort Valley?
The median home value in Fort Valley, GA is $116,400, which is 52% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Fort Valley?
The median monthly rent in Fort Valley, GA is $830, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fort Valley?
The unemployment rate in Fort Valley, GA is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fort Valley, GA a good place to live?
Fort Valley offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,808 and a median age of 31.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Fort Valley, GA?
20.8% of residents in Fort Valley 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 Valley?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fort Valley, GA: median home value is $116,400 (52% below national), median rent is $830/month, and median household income is $39,714. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fort Valley?
The poverty rate in Fort Valley, GA is 30.8%, 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 Valley, GA?
Fort Valley's population is 7.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 69.0% two or more races. 6.1% of residents are foreign-born.