Cost of Living in Elberton, GA

Population 4,691 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023

45
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Elberton's median household income of $41,454 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (35% here).

Located 30 miles east of Athens-Clarke County, Elberton falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 64% lower than Athens-Clarke County's $272,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 32
Rent 64

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Elberton

The median home value in Elberton is $97,500 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $846/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $41,454/year is 44% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, below the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, Elberton has a cost of living index of 45 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$97,500
68% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$209,972
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$846/mo
36% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.6x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
0.9%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$773
1 BR
$817
2 BR
$984
3 BR
$1,289
4 BR
$1,520
Owner-occupied 45.4%
Renter-occupied 54.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$846
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,460/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
23.5 min
13% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
87.2%
Carpooled
6.7%
Walked
0.5%
Work from home
5.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.5%
Total Sales Tax 7.3%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 3.4%
Property Tax 0.9%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$41,454
44% below avg
Per Capita Income
$26,419
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
17% below avg
Poverty Rate
35.0%
Labor Force Participation
57.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.6%
Graduate degree 8.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.5
Male median age 34.1
Female median age 38.6

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
3,068
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Elberton, GA?

Elberton has a cost index of 45 (100 = national average). It is 55% below the national average.

What is average rent in Elberton, GA?

The median gross rent in Elberton is $846 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Elberton?

The median home value in Elberton is $97,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Elberton?

The median household income in Elberton is $41,454 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Elberton, GA?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elberton is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.

Is Elberton, GA affordable?

Yes, Elberton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 45 — about 55% below the US national average of 100.

Elberton at a Glance

Population
4,691
Median Income
$41,454
Home Value
$97,500
Median Rent
$846/mo
Unemployment
4.0%
Sales Tax
7.3%
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🗺️ County data for Georgia

Explore county-level cost of living data

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