15 Poorest Counties in Georgia
- Randolph County
- Jenkins County
- Hancock County
- Macon County
- Webster County
- Wheeler County
- Quitman County
- Taylor County
- Telfair County
- Clay County
- Warren County
- Taliaferro County
- Wilcox County
- Montgomery County
- Lincoln County
Randolph County
The poorest county in Georgia is Randolph County, which has a population of 6,287. The county has a median household income of $24,638 and a poverty rate of 27.4%. Despite its economic challenges, it thrives as an agricultural hub specializing in wheat and sorghum cultivation, making it the top producer in Georgia. The median home price in Randolph County stands at $87,116, reflecting the affordable cost of living in the area.
Jenkins County
Jenkins County is another impoverished county in Georgia with a population of 8,639 people. The median household income stands at $31,463, with 27.9% of the population living below the poverty line. Despite its economic challenges, the county boasts natural beauty, notably the Ogeechee River, one of Georgia's few remaining free-flowing streams. The median home price in Jenkins County is $122,234.
Hancock County
Hancock County, a rural area in Georgia, faces economic challenges like many others. With a median household income of $31,767 and a poverty rate of 26.5%, residents struggles with financial stability.
However, despite its hardships, it boasts attractions like the Glen Mary Plantation, the Shoulderbone Plantation, and the LaFayette Hotel. With a population of 8,630, the median home price stands at $170,778, reflecting the affordability of housing in the area.
Macon County
Macon County ranked fourth on our list, is home to 12,004 people. The median household income here is $33,960, with the median home price at $95,827. About 23.8% of the population lives in poverty. This county boasts attractions like the Andersonville National Cemetery and Park and the Montezuma Bluff Wildlife Management Area.
Webster County
Webster County is a small rural county nestled in southwest Georgia. With a population of 2,367, it boasts a median household income of $35,000 and a median home price of $120,774. Around 18.1% of its residents live below the poverty line. Agriculture and forestry are the mainstays of Webster County's economy, driving its local industries and shaping its community.
Wheeler County
Wheeler County, another poor county in Georgia, was established in 1912. With a population of 7,471, its median household income stands at $36,354, while the median home price is $118,521. Despite its challenges, Wheeler County boasts the Little Ocmulgee State Park & Lodge, a 1,360-acre park offering camping and cottages. However, poverty remains a significant issue, affecting 31.1% of its residents.
Quitman County
Quitman County, located in Georgia, is another of the state's economically challenged areas. It was formed in 1858 from bits of Randolph and Stewart counties. With a median household income of $38,889 and a median home price of $114,388, it reflects its struggle with poverty, affecting 22.3% of its population of 2,243.
Despite its challenges, Quitman County shares Lake Walter F. George Wildlife Management Area with Clay County, providing some natural beauty and recreational opportunities for its residents.
Taylor County
Taylor County, established in 1852 from parts of Macon, Marion, and Talbot counties, is home to 7,799 people. The median household income here stands at $40,727, with a median home price of $129,653. Around 22.5% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county encompasses several unincorporated communities, including Mauk, Howard, Rupert, and Potterville.
Telfair County
Telfair County, founded by European Americans on December 10, 1807, is a community in Georgia. Its biggest city and county seat is McRae-Helena. The median household income is $41,801, with a median home price of $106,157. About 30.6% of the population lives below the poverty line. Telfair County is home to 12,414 people.
Clay County
Clay County, the 10th poorest county in Georgia, has a population of 2,882 people. The median household income stands at $43,264, with a median home price of $139,841. Around 25.1% of its residents live below the poverty line. The county was named after Henry Clay, a renowned American statesman.
Warren County
Warren County, named after General Joseph Warren, is next on our list of poorest counties in Georgia. With a population of 5,240, the median household income stands at $45,091, while the median home price is $84,415. About 23.4% of its residents live below the poverty line.
Taliaferro County
Taliaferro County, found in east central Georgia in the Piedmont region, is the least populous county in the state, with a population of 1,558. Despite its small size, the county boasts a median household income of $45,881 and a median home price of $126,951. However, approximately 20% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Wilcox County
Wilcox County, established on December 22, 1857, carved out from Irwin, Pulaski, and Dooly, is home to 8,739 people. The median household income in this county is $46,759, with a median home price of $108,436. About 26.4% of the population lives below the poverty line.
Montgomery County
Montgomery County, the penultimate county on our list, stands as one of Georgia's oldest counties, founded in 1793. With a population of 8,653, it offers a median household income of $49,138 and a median home price of $157,988, making it an accessible place to live.
However, it faces a poverty rate of 20.2%. Despite this, Montgomery County is renowned as a great place to live, work, and raise a family, boasting a rich history and a welcoming community ambiance.
Lincoln County
Lincoln County, established on February 20, 1796, wraps up our list of poorest counties in Georgia. With a population of 7,749, its median household income stands at $50,754, while the median home price is $203,296.
Approximately 15.4% of its residents live below the poverty line. Despite economic challenges, Clarks Hill Lake has emerged as a favorite sports area for northeast Georgia, attracting visitors and locals alike.