Cost of Living in McRae-Helena, GA

Population 5,959 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023

40
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 McRae-Helena a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $112,000. Around 38% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.

McRae-Helena is about 70 miles southeast of Macon-Bibb County, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 33% lower than Macon-Bibb County's $166,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 37
Rent 46

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

About the Cost of Living in McRae-Helena

The median home value in McRae-Helena is $111,800 — 63% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $606/month, 54% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,296/year is 31% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 0.8%, 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, McRae-Helena has a cost of living index of 40 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 60% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$111,800
63% below avg
Median Rent
$606/mo
54% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.4x
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 61.2%
Renter-occupied 38.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$606
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,220/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
20.3 min
25% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
89.4%
Carpooled
6.1%
Work from home
4.6%

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
$51,296
31% below avg
Per Capita Income
$14,314
Unemployment Rate
0.8%
84% below avg
Poverty Rate
37.7%
Labor Force Participation
31.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 4.3%
Graduate degree 3.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.8
Male median age 33.8
Female median age 46.8

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in McRae-Helena, GA?

McRae-Helena has a cost index of 40 (100 = national average). It is 60% below the national average.

What is average rent in McRae-Helena, GA?

The median gross rent in McRae-Helena is $606 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in McRae-Helena?

The median home value in McRae-Helena is $111,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in McRae-Helena?

The median household income in McRae-Helena is $51,296 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in McRae-Helena, GA?

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

Is McRae-Helena, GA affordable?

Yes, McRae-Helena is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 40 — about 60% below the US national average of 100.

McRae-Helena at a Glance

Population
5,959
Median Income
$51,296
Home Value
$111,800
Median Rent
$606/mo
Unemployment
0.8%
Sales Tax
7.3%
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🗺️ County data for Georgia

Explore county-level cost of living data

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