McRae-Helena, GA
Population 5,959 · Georgia
About McRae-Helena, GA
McRae-Helena is a small town located in Georgia with a population of 5,959 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,296 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in McRae-Helena features a median home value of $111,800, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes McRae-Helena one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $606, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,774 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (792 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (502 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in McRae-Helena shows an unemployment rate of 0.8%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 37.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in McRae-Helena have an average one-way commute time of 20.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
8.2% of McRae-Helena 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 14.1% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 4.4% Asian residents, with 8.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How McRae-Helena Ranks in Georgia
Cost of Living in McRae-Helena, GA
Compared to national averages, McRae-Helena has a median household income of $51,296 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $111,800, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $606 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, McRae-Helena's income is 16% below the state average of $60,815, and home values are 43% below the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in McRae-Helena, GA?
McRae-Helena offers affordable housing with a median home value of $111,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $606/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.8%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,296) that falls below the national average. However, McRae-Helena’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
McRae-Helena has a population of 5,959 with a median age of 36.8 years. Compare McRae-Helena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near McRae-Helena
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnesville | 6,070 | $58,317 | $172,700 | Compare |
| Byron | 5,839 | $86,265 | $230,100 | Compare |
| Jonesboro | 6,137 | $50,060 | $142,900 | Compare |
| Waynesboro | 5,700 | $36,156 | $96,000 | Compare |
| Fairfield Plantation | 6,231 | $97,133 | $293,100 | Compare |
| Sandersville | 5,673 | $44,724 | $128,100 | Compare |
| Temple | 5,655 | $89,269 | $210,800 | Compare |
| Jackson | 5,648 | $44,508 | $163,300 | 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 McRae-Helena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about McRae-Helena
What is the population of McRae-Helena, GA?
The population of McRae-Helena, GA is 5,959 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 McRae-Helena?
The median household income in McRae-Helena, GA is $51,296 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in McRae-Helena?
The median home value in McRae-Helena, GA is $111,800, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in McRae-Helena?
The median monthly rent in McRae-Helena, GA is $606, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in McRae-Helena?
The unemployment rate in McRae-Helena, GA is 0.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is McRae-Helena, GA a good place to live?
McRae-Helena offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,959 and a median age of 36.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is McRae-Helena, GA?
8.2% of residents in McRae-Helena 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 McRae-Helena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for McRae-Helena, GA: median home value is $111,800 (54% below national), median rent is $606/month, and median household income is $51,296. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in McRae-Helena?
The poverty rate in McRae-Helena, GA is 37.7%, 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 McRae-Helena, GA?
McRae-Helena's population is 14.1% White, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 4.4% Asian, and 37.4% two or more races. 8.0% of residents are foreign-born.