Cost of Living in Fort Oglethorpe, GA

Population 10,332 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023

66
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Fort Oglethorpe a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $187,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 9 miles south of Chattanooga, Fort Oglethorpe falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 28% lower than Chattanooga's $259,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 61
Rent 72

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

About the Cost of Living in Fort Oglethorpe

The median home value in Fort Oglethorpe is $186,500 — 39% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $952/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,902/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. The climate averages highs of 72.2°F and lows of 51.5°F, with about 3.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Fort Oglethorpe has a cost of living index of 66 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$186,500
39% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$120,552
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$952/mo
28% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,139/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.3x
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 50.3%
Renter-occupied 49.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$952
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,566/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
23.8 min
12% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
87.5%
Carpooled
5.3%
Walked
0.5%
Work from home
6.2%

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
$50,902
32% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,536
Unemployment Rate
6.2%
29% above avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
Labor Force Participation
55.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.5%
Graduate degree 10.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.4
Male median age 41.3
Female median age 50.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
72.2°F
Avg Low
51.5°F
Annual Precip
55"
Annual Snowfall
3.6"
30° 48° 65° 83° 100° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 515664748188919084746253
Low °F 323642505967717064514035
Precip" 5.025.035.344.873.944.185.083.674.233.594.805.25
Snow" 1.01.21.10.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.00.3

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fort Oglethorpe, GA?

Fort Oglethorpe has a cost index of 66 (100 = national average). It is 34% below the national average.

What is average rent in Fort Oglethorpe, GA?

The median gross rent in Fort Oglethorpe is $952 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fort Oglethorpe?

The median home value in Fort Oglethorpe is $186,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Fort Oglethorpe?

The median household income in Fort Oglethorpe is $50,902 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fort Oglethorpe, GA?

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

Is Fort Oglethorpe, GA affordable?

Yes, Fort Oglethorpe is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 66 — about 34% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Fort Oglethorpe?

Fort Oglethorpe has average high temperatures of 72.2°F and average lows of 51.5°F. Annual precipitation is 55". Average annual snowfall is 3.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Fort Oglethorpe at a Glance

Population
10,332
Median Income
$50,902
Home Value
$186,500
Median Rent
$952/mo
Unemployment
6.2%
Avg High Temp
72.2°F
Sales Tax
7.3%
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