Waynesboro, GA
Population 5,700 · Georgia
About Waynesboro, GA
Waynesboro is a small town located in Georgia with a population of 5,700 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,156 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.2 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 Waynesboro features a median home value of $96,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Waynesboro one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $752, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,502 total housing units, 37% are owner-occupied (774 units) and 63% are renter-occupied (1,312 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 Waynesboro shows an unemployment rate of 10.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 32.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Waynesboro have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.6% of Waynesboro 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 2.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Waynesboro, GA
Compared to national averages, Waynesboro has a median household income of $36,156 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $96,000, which is 61% below the national median. Monthly rent at $752 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Waynesboro's income is 41% below the state average of $60,815, and home values are 51% below the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Waynesboro, GA?
Waynesboro offers affordable housing with a median home value of $96,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $752/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,156) that falls below the national average. However, Waynesboro’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Waynesboro has a population of 5,700 with a median age of 28.2 years. Compare Waynesboro with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Waynesboro
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandersville | 5,673 | $44,724 | $128,100 | Compare |
| Temple | 5,655 | $89,269 | $210,800 | Compare |
| Jackson | 5,648 | $44,508 | $163,300 | Compare |
| Eastman | 5,624 | $46,214 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Fairview | 5,620 | $60,714 | $171,500 | Compare |
| Adel | 5,619 | $35,897 | $136,900 | Compare |
| Byron | 5,839 | $86,265 | $230,100 | Compare |
| Sylvester | 5,557 | $59,808 | $125,000 | 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 Waynesboro With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Waynesboro
What is the population of Waynesboro, GA?
The population of Waynesboro, GA is 5,700 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 Waynesboro?
The median household income in Waynesboro, GA is $36,156 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Waynesboro?
The median home value in Waynesboro, GA is $96,000, which is 61% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Waynesboro?
The median monthly rent in Waynesboro, GA is $752, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Waynesboro?
The unemployment rate in Waynesboro, GA is 10.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Waynesboro, GA a good place to live?
Waynesboro offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,700 and a median age of 28.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Waynesboro, GA?
13.6% of residents in Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Waynesboro, GA: median home value is $96,000 (61% below national), median rent is $752/month, and median household income is $36,156. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Waynesboro?
The poverty rate in Waynesboro, GA is 32.6%, 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 Waynesboro, GA?
Waynesboro's population is 2.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.9% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 72.7% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.