Sylvester, GA
Population 5,557 · Georgia
About Sylvester, GA
Sylvester is a small town located in Georgia with a population of 5,557 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $59,808 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 42.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Sylvester features a median home value of $125,000, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Sylvester one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $901, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,518 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (1,296 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (914 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sylvester shows an unemployment rate of 6.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sylvester have an average one-way commute time of 21.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.5% of Sylvester 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 0.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.8% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Sylvester, GA
Compared to national averages, Sylvester has a median household income of $59,808 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,000, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $901 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Sylvester's income is 2% below the state average of $60,815, and home values are 36% below the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Sylvester, GA?
Sylvester offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $901/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($59,808) that falls below the national average. However, Sylvester’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sylvester has a population of 5,557 with a median age of 42.2 years. Compare Sylvester with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Sylvester
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakwood | 5,499 | $61,191 | $255,400 | Compare |
| Adel | 5,619 | $35,897 | $136,900 | Compare |
| Fairview | 5,620 | $60,714 | $171,500 | Compare |
| Eastman | 5,624 | $46,214 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Jackson | 5,648 | $44,508 | $163,300 | Compare |
| Temple | 5,655 | $89,269 | $210,800 | Compare |
| Sandersville | 5,673 | $44,724 | $128,100 | Compare |
| Waynesboro | 5,700 | $36,156 | $96,000 | 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 Sylvester With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sylvester
What is the population of Sylvester, GA?
The population of Sylvester, GA is 5,557 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 Sylvester?
The median household income in Sylvester, GA is $59,808 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sylvester?
The median home value in Sylvester, GA is $125,000, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sylvester?
The median monthly rent in Sylvester, GA is $901, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sylvester?
The unemployment rate in Sylvester, GA is 6.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sylvester, GA a good place to live?
Sylvester offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,557 and a median age of 42.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Sylvester, GA?
16.5% of residents in Sylvester 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 Sylvester?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sylvester, GA: median home value is $125,000 (49% below national), median rent is $901/month, and median household income is $59,808. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Sylvester?
The poverty rate in Sylvester, GA is 24.9%, 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 Sylvester, GA?
Sylvester's population is 0.3% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 58.5% two or more races. 0.8% of residents are foreign-born.