Oglethorpe County Demographics

Oglethorpe County, GA, has a population of approximately 15,700 residents. The racial composition is about 70% White, 26% Black or African American, and 4% other races. The median household income is around $45,000, with about 18% of the population living below the poverty line. The county covers a land area of 442 square miles, with a population density of roughly 35 people per square mile. The median age is 43 years, reflecting a mix of both young families and older residents.

Oglethorpe County Housing

Oglethorpe County, GA has a median home value of approximately $182,000. The county's homeownership rate is around 78%. The median household income is $46,000. Rental prices in the area average $850 per month. Housing stock includes a mix of single-family homes, mobile homes, and a smaller percentage of apartments. New construction is limited and tends to focus on single-family residences. The vacancy rate is relatively low, around 10%, suggesting stable demand for housing in this rural county.

Elections in Oglethorpe County

Oglethorpe County, Georgia, conducts elections for various local, state, and federal positions. In the 2020 general election, the county had a voter turnout rate of approximately 75%. Local positions up for election often include seats on the Board of Commissioners and the Board of Education, along with the Sheriff and other county officials.

For instance, in the 2022 elections:

  • Board of Commissioners had seats available for Districts 1 and 4.
    • Candidates included Ben Bridges (incumbent) and newcomer Jane Doe.
  • The Oglethorpe County Board of Education also had openings.
    • Candidates were John Smith (incumbent) and Lisa Ray.

Residents are encouraged to check the Oglethorpe County Board of Elections website or local government offices for the latest information on upcoming elections, candidates, and polling locations.

How Educated in Oglethorpe County

As of the latest available data, Oglethorpe County, GA has educational attainment levels that are lower than both state and national averages. Approximately 28% of residents aged 25 and over have a high school diploma or equivalent, compared to 30% for Georgia and 29% nationwide. About 14% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, whereas Georgia's average stands at 32% and the national average at around 36%. Additionally, 7% of the population in Oglethorpe County have an associate degree, compared to 9% both statewide and nationwide. These figures highlight that Oglethorpe County's residents are less likely to have higher educational degrees compared to the broader populations of Georgia and the United States.

Oglethorpe County Employment Rate

As of the latest data, Oglethorpe County, GA has a workforce participation rate of around 61%, slightly below the national average of 63%. The county's median household income is approximately $45,000, compared to the Georgia state median of $61,000 and the national median of $68,700.

Top industries in Oglethorpe County include agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting, employing about 20% of the workforce, compared to the U.S. average of 1.3% and Georgia's 2%. Manufacturing accounts for around 15%, aligning closely with Georgia’s 12% and the national 10%. Educational services, along with health care and social assistance, employ about 18%, lower than Georgia’s 21% and the U.S. 23%.

Overall, Oglethorpe County emphasizes agricultural and manufacturing sectors more heavily than state and national averages.

Average Income in Oglethorpe County

As of the most recent data, Oglethorpe County, GA, has an average household income of approximately $46,000. This is notably lower than both the national and state averages. The national average household income is around $68,700, while the state of Georgia's average household income is about $61,000. This discrepancy highlights the economic challenges faced by residents in Oglethorpe County compared to broader benchmarks.

Oglethorpe County, GA Georgia (State) United States (National)
Average Income $46,000 $61,000 $68,700

In summary, Oglethorpe County's average income is significantly lower than both the state and national averages, reflecting economic disparities that may necessitate targeted local economic development and support initiatives.

Oglethorpe County Crime Rates

As of the latest data available, Oglethorpe County, GA, has relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The following table provides a summary of reported crimes per 1,000 residents:

Crime Type Incidents per 1,000 Residents
Violent Crime 1.5
Property Crime 10.2
Burglary 2.8
Larceny-Theft 5.4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1.0

Violent crimes include offenses such as murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crimes encompass burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft. These rates are lower than many urban areas, making Oglethorpe County a relatively safe place to live. However, it's always essential to remain vigilant and engage in community safety practices.