Cost of Living in Thomson, GA

Population 6,824 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023

53
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Thomson run well below national norms — a median of $43,376 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $136,000). A poverty rate near 26% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Thomson is about 25 miles west of Augusta-Richmond 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 17% lower than Augusta-Richmond County's $163,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 44
Rent 67

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

About the Cost of Living in Thomson

The median home value in Thomson is $135,500 — 56% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $876/month, 33% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,376/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.6%, 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, Thomson has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$135,500
56% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$196,301
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$876/mo
33% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.9x
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 53.5%
Renter-occupied 46.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$876
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,490/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
20.0 min
26% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
6.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
85.8%
Carpooled
6.2%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
0.2%
Work from home
6.7%

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
$43,376
42% below avg
Per Capita Income
$20,048
Unemployment Rate
8.6%
80% above avg
Poverty Rate
25.6%
Labor Force Participation
55.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 8.8%
Graduate degree 2.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.8
Male median age 23.3
Female median age 38.4

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

82%
4-Year Graduation Rate
14.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
6
Public schools
3,635
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Thomson, GA?

Thomson has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.

What is average rent in Thomson, GA?

The median gross rent in Thomson is $876 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Thomson?

The median home value in Thomson is $135,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Thomson?

The median household income in Thomson is $43,376 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Thomson, GA?

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

Is Thomson, GA affordable?

Yes, Thomson is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.

Thomson at a Glance

Population
6,824
Median Income
$43,376
Home Value
$135,500
Median Rent
$876/mo
Unemployment
8.6%
Sales Tax
7.3%
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🗺️ County data for Georgia

Explore county-level cost of living data

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