Waycross, GA
Population 13,813 · Georgia
About Waycross, GA
Waycross is a mid-sized city located in Georgia with a population of 13,813 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,398 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.5 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 Waycross features a median home value of $88,600, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Waycross one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $810, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,961 total housing units, 44% are owner-occupied (2,297 units) and 56% are renter-occupied (2,956 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 Waycross shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Waycross have an average one-way commute time of 17.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
16.3% of Waycross 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 3.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waycross, GA
Compared to national averages, Waycross has a median household income of $37,398 (50% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $88,600, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $810 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Waycross's income is 39% below the state average of $60,815, and home values are 54% below the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Waycross, GA?
Waycross offers affordable housing with a median home value of $88,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $810/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,398) that falls below the national average. However, Waycross’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waycross has a population of 13,813 with a median age of 35.5 years. Compare Waycross with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Waycross
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College Park | 13,969 | $48,505 | $314,500 | Compare |
| Vinings | 13,538 | $91,308 | $551,700 | Compare |
| Braselton | 14,139 | $113,810 | $425,900 | Compare |
| Jefferson | 14,249 | $96,761 | $346,800 | Compare |
| Covington | 14,334 | $47,797 | $242,700 | Compare |
| Bainbridge | 14,353 | $41,531 | $150,600 | Compare |
| Belvedere Park | 14,422 | $68,900 | $266,000 | Compare |
| Dallas | 14,440 | $73,387 | $234,700 | 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 Waycross With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waycross
What is the population of Waycross, GA?
The population of Waycross, GA is 13,813 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Georgia.
What is the median household income in Waycross?
The median household income in Waycross, GA is $37,398 per year, which is 50% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waycross?
The median home value in Waycross, GA is $88,600, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Waycross?
The median monthly rent in Waycross, GA is $810, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waycross?
The unemployment rate in Waycross, GA is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waycross, GA a good place to live?
Waycross offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,813 and a median age of 35.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Waycross, GA?
16.3% of residents in Waycross 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 Waycross?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waycross, GA: median home value is $88,600 (64% below national), median rent is $810/month, and median household income is $37,398. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waycross?
The poverty rate in Waycross, GA is 34.4%, 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 Waycross, GA?
Waycross's population is 3.6% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 53.3% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.