Cost of Living in Waycross, GA
Population 13,813 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Waycross's median household income of $37,398 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 (34% here). 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.
Waycross is about 75 miles northwest of Jacksonville, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 67% lower than Jacksonville's $266,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waycross
The median home value in Waycross is $88,600 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $810/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,398/year is 50% 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 79.1°F and lows of 55.7°F. Overall, Waycross has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% less expensive.
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 63 | 67 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 91 | 93 | 92 | 88 | 80 | 72 | 65 |
| Low °F | 39 | 42 | 48 | 53 | 62 | 69 | 72 | 72 | 67 | 57 | 47 | 42 |
| Precip" | 3.72 | 3.37 | 4.17 | 2.85 | 2.78 | 5.34 | 5.23 | 5.37 | 3.80 | 2.93 | 2.21 | 3.03 |
| Snow" | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Waycross, GA?
Waycross has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.
What is average rent in Waycross, GA?
The median gross rent in Waycross is $810 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waycross?
The median home value in Waycross is $88,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waycross?
The median household income in Waycross is $37,398 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waycross, GA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waycross is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.
Is Waycross, GA affordable?
Yes, Waycross is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Waycross?
Waycross has average high temperatures of 79.1°F and average lows of 55.7°F. Annual precipitation is 44.8". Average annual snowfall is 0.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Waycross at a Glance
- Population
- 13,813
- Median Income
- $37,398
- Home Value
- $88,600
- Median Rent
- $810/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 79.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.3%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Georgia Rankings
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