Cornelia, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,992
3.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$39,775/yr
-1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,025
1.5% year-over-year change

Cornelia population

How many people live in Cornelia

Cornelia is home to 4,992 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 48.9% of Cornelia locals are male, and 51.1% are female.

Total population
4,992
3.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
48.9%
2,439
Female
51.1%
2,553
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,439 48.9% 5.5%
Female 2,553 51.1% 2.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Cornelia is 37, with the population distributed as follows: about 19% are children under 15, then 14.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.2% of the population, while another 26% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
14.3%
25 to 44
25.2%
45 to 64
26%
Over 65
15.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 950 19% 29.2%
15 to 24 715 14.3% -13.2%
25 to 44 1,257 25.2% -10.5%
45 to 64 1,297 26% 30.1%
Over 65 773 15.5% -9.4%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Cornelia, 83.6% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 59.3% of locals are Caucasian, 7.4% are African American and 4% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 13.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
83.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.7%
Non-citizens
12.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,174 83.6% 1.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 184 3.7% -26.4%
Non-citizens 634 12.7% 38.4%
Racial breakdown
White
59.3%
Black or African American
7.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
4%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
13.4%
Other
15.9%
Value Percent
White 2,960 59.3%
Black or African American 370 7.4%
Asian 201 4%
Two or more races 668 13.4%
Other 793 15.9%

Households in Cornelia

A peek inside Cornelia households

Cornelia has 1,861 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 61.9% are families, while the remaining 38.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,861
2.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
709
Family households
1,152
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 709 38.1% 8.2%
Family households 1,152 61.9% -1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Cornelia

The housing landscape of Cornelia

Cornelia's housing consists of 2,025 units, with 65% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.9% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,025
1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,317 65%
1 unit, attached 119 5.9%
2 units 63 3.1%
3 or 4 units 166 8.2%
5 to 9 units 122 6%
10 to 19 units 69 3.4%
20 to 49 units 56 2.8%
50 or more units 35 1.7%
Mobile home 78 3.8%
Homes built since 2020
13
0.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Cornelia

In Cornelia, the median construction year is 1983. About 0.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 13.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.7% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 14 0.7% 27.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 221 10.9% 62.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 116 5.7% -9.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 218 10.8% 6.9%
Built between 1970 and 1979 322 15.9% -3.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 385 19% -6.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 268 13.2% -20.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 271 13.4% -12.3%
Built between 2010 and 2019 197 9.7% 74.3%
Built in 2020 or later 13 0.6% 0.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Cornelia occupancy rates

Out of the 1,861 occupied housing units in Cornelia, 56.4% are owner-occupied, while 43.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 8.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,861
2.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
811
Owner occupied
1,050
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 811 43.6% 6.4%
Owner occupied 1,050 56.4% -0.8%
Unoccupied housing units
8.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Cornelia housing costs

Housing costs in Cornelia come to a median of $928 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $942.

Median housing costs per month
$928/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Cornelia
$942/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Cornelia

Cornelia education at a glance

About 47.6% of the population in Cornelia went to high school, while 21% pursued college studies. Another 3.8% earned an associate degree and 13.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.8% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 337 9% 12.7%
High school diploma 1,784 47.6% 11.7%
College diploma 789 21% -7.6%
Associate degree 144 3.8% 69.4%
Bachelor's degree 514 13.7% -17.9%
Graduate degree 181 4.8% -31.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Cornelia

How much people earn in Cornelia

The average annual household income in Cornelia was $69,581 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -7.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $39,775, reflecting a -1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Cornelia
$69,581/year
-7.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Cornelia
$39,775/year
-1.0% year-over-year change

Cornelia income by age

In Cornelia, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $38,173. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $52,596 overall. Overall, 69.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $38,173 -31.5%
45 - 64 $52,596 7.7%
Over 65 $36,455 -0.2%
Above poverty level
3,477
Below poverty level
1,515
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,477 69.6% 5.1%
Below poverty level 1,515 30.4% 0.6%

Average renter income in Cornelia

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Cornelia, their median household income was $41,065 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 27.5%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$41,065
Rent-to-income ratio
27.5%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Cornelia

Workforce and job types in Cornelia

The job market in Cornelia is powered by 2,095 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 7.5% run their own businesses, 77% are employed by private companies, and 10.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,095
-10.4% year-over-year change
White collar
1,601
Blue collar
494
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,601 76.4% -17.1%
Blue collar 494 23.6% 21.4%
Employer type
Self employees
7.5%
Private companies
77%
Governmental workers
10.2%
Not for profit companies
5.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 158 7.5% -18.6%
Private companies 1,612 77% -12.8%
Governmental workers 213 10.2% -2.7%
Not for profit companies 112 5.4% 45.5%
Unemployment rate
2.2%
-28.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Cornelia stands at 2.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Cornelia

How people get around in Cornelia

Commuting methods vary: 90.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,859 90.6% -13.9%
Walk 43 2.1% N/A
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Cornelia by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
30531 11,819 4,305 $53,762 $76,418

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FAQs about Cornelia demographics 

What is the total population of Cornelia?

Cornelia has a total population of 4,992 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +3.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Cornelia?

The gender ratio in Cornelia is as follows:
  • 48.9% males (2,439 residents)
  • 51.1% females (2,553 residents)

What is the median age in Cornelia?

The median age in Cornelia is 36.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Cornelia?

The age distribution in Cornelia is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19% (950 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.3% (715 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.2% (1,257 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26% (1,297 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.5% (773 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Cornelia?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Cornelia is as follows:
  • White: 59.3% (2,960 residents)
  • Black or African American: 7.4% (370 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 4% (201 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 13.4% (668 residents)
  • Other: 15.9% (793 residents)

What percentage of the population in Cornelia are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 83.6% of the population in Cornelia.

How many housing units are there in Cornelia?

There are 2,025 housing units in Cornelia, reflecting a +1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Cornelia and what is the average household size?

Cornelia has a total of 1,861 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Cornelia?

Cornelia has a median household income of $39,775, representing a -1.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Cornelia?

The employment rate is 97.8% in Cornelia, with a workforce of 2,095 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.4% (1,601 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.6% (494 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 7.5% (158 residents)
  • Private companies: 77% (1,612 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.2% (213 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.4% (112 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025