Ellijay, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,927
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,136/yr
1.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
879
-3.3% year-over-year change

Ellijay population

How many people live in Ellijay

Ellijay is home to 1,927 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.4% of Ellijay locals are male, and 57.6% are female.

Total population
1,927
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.4%
818
Female
57.6%
1,109
Value Percent YoY change
Male 818 42.4% -10.9%
Female 1,109 57.6% 9.5%
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 Ellijay is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.8% are children under 15, then 8.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.5% of the population, while another 16.6% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 25.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.8%
15 to 24
8.7%
25 to 44
25.5%
45 to 64
16.6%
Over 65
25.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 458 23.8% 8.3%
15 to 24 168 8.7% 3.7%
25 to 44 491 25.5% -3.7%
45 to 64 320 16.6% -14.4%
Over 65 490 25.4% 6.1%
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 Ellijay, 87.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 7% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 5.8% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
7%
Non-citizens
5.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,681 87.2% 1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 134 7% 9.8%
Non-citizens 112 5.8% -23.8%
Racial breakdown
White
68.1%
Black or African American
2.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
13%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.7%
Other
11.7%
Value Percent
White 1,313 68.1%
Black or African American 47 2.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 251 13%
Two or more races 91 4.7%
Other 225 11.7%

Households in Ellijay

A peek inside Ellijay households

Ellijay has 820 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 53.9% are families, while the remaining 46.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
820
0.4% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
378
Family households
442
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 378 46.1% 12.5%
Family households 442 53.9% -8.1%
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 Ellijay

The housing landscape of Ellijay

Ellijay's housing consists of 879 units, with 54.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 4.2% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
879
-3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 480 54.6%
2 units 119 13.5%
3 or 4 units 31 3.5%
5 to 9 units 33 3.8%
10 to 19 units 18 2%
20 to 49 units 73 8.3%
50 or more units 88 10%
Mobile home 37 4.2%
Homes built since 2020
40
110.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ellijay

In Ellijay, the median construction year is 1990. About 6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 23.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.5% between 2010 and 2019, and 4.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 53 6% 29.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 71 8.1% -14.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 51 5.8% 21.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 50 5.7% -50.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 101 11.5% 3.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 112 12.7% -7.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 174 19.8% 7.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 205 23.3% -5.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 22 2.5% -15.4%
Built in 2020 or later 40 4.6% 110.5%
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.

Ellijay occupancy rates

Out of the 820 occupied housing units in Ellijay, 35.4% are owner-occupied, while 64.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
820
0.4% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
530
Owner occupied
290
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 530 64.6% -2.2%
Owner occupied 290 35.4% 5.5%
Unoccupied housing units
6.7%
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.

Ellijay housing costs

Housing costs in Ellijay come to a median of $830 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $791.

Median housing costs per month
$830/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 Ellijay
$791/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 Ellijay

Ellijay education at a glance

About 40.9% of the population in Ellijay went to high school, while 25.9% pursued college studies. Another 4.3% earned an associate degree and 15.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 122 8.4% -12.9%
High school diploma 595 40.9% 4.2%
College diploma 377 25.9% -7.4%
Associate degree 63 4.3% -29.2%
Bachelor's degree 225 15.5% -3.4%
Graduate degree 73 5% 30.4%
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 Ellijay

How much people earn in Ellijay

The average annual household income in Ellijay was $69,002 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.9% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,136, reflecting a +1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ellijay
$69,002/year
4.9% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ellijay
$48,136/year
1.0% year-over-year change

Ellijay income by age

In Ellijay, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $90,833. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $49,340 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $27,125, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $27,625 in earnings. Overall, 75% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $27,125 9.1%
25 - 44 $90,833 17.6%
45 - 64 $49,340 1.1%
Over 65 $27,625 4.2%
Above poverty level
1,349
Below poverty level
450
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,349 75% -5.5%
Below poverty level 450 25% 17.8%

Average renter income in Ellijay

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ellijay, their median household income was $24,911 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,911
Rent-to-income ratio
38.1%
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 Ellijay

Workforce and job types in Ellijay

The job market in Ellijay is powered by 682 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 64.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 35.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 25.4% run their own businesses, 57.5% are employed by private companies, and 10.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
682
-4.3% year-over-year change
White collar
439
Blue collar
243
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 439 64.4% 5.8%
Blue collar 243 35.6% -18.5%
Employer type
Self employees
25.4%
Private companies
57.5%
Governmental workers
10.6%
Not for profit companies
6.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 173 25.4% 1.2%
Private companies 392 57.5% -9.5%
Governmental workers 72 10.6% -4.0%
Not for profit companies 45 6.6% 32.4%
Unemployment rate
6.3%
2.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ellijay stands at 6.3%, 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 Ellijay

How people get around in Ellijay

In Ellijay, the average commute time is 24 minutes.

Commute time
24 min
-14.8% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 613 95.3% -5.1%
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 Ellijay by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
30536 9,398 3,566 $80,000 $95,245
30540 20,582 8,285 $72,578 $86,005

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FAQs about Ellijay demographics 

What is the total population of Ellijay?

Ellijay has a total population of 1,927 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ellijay?

The gender ratio in Ellijay is as follows:
  • 42.4% males (818 residents)
  • 57.6% females (1,109 residents)

What is the median age in Ellijay?

The median age in Ellijay is 39.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ellijay?

The age distribution in Ellijay is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.8% (458 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.7% (168 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.5% (491 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16.6% (320 residents)
  • Over 65: 25.4% (490 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ellijay?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ellijay is as follows:
  • White: 68.1% (1,313 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.4% (47 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 13% (251 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.7% (91 residents)
  • Other: 11.7% (225 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.2% of the population in Ellijay.

How many housing units are there in Ellijay?

There are 879 housing units in Ellijay, reflecting a -3.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ellijay has a total of 820 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ellijay?

Ellijay has a median household income of $48,136, 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 Ellijay?

The employment rate is 93.7% in Ellijay, with a workforce of 682 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 64.4% (439 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 35.6% (243 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 25.4% (173 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.5% (392 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 10.6% (72 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.6% (45 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