Cost of Living in Fort Valley, GA
Population 8,808 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fort Valley's median household income of $39,714 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 (31% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Fort Valley sits roughly 20 miles southwest of Macon-Bibb County — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than Macon-Bibb County's $166,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fort Valley
The median home value in Fort Valley is $116,400 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $830/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $39,714/year is 47% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.1%, 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%. Overall, Fort Valley has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Fort Valley is a military installation
This location is a military installation. Civilian housing is primarily found in surrounding communities — here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fort Valley, GA?
Fort Valley has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fort Valley, GA?
The median gross rent in Fort Valley is $830 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fort Valley?
The median home value in Fort Valley is $116,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Fort Valley?
The median household income in Fort Valley is $39,714 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fort Valley, GA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fort Valley is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.
Is Fort Valley, GA affordable?
Yes, Fort Valley is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
Fort Valley at a Glance
- Population
- 8,808
- Median Income
- $39,714
- Home Value
- $116,400
- Median Rent
- $830/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.1%
- Sales Tax
- 7.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Georgia Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs