Folkston, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,631
0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,116/yr
10.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,603
-3.3% year-over-year change

Folkston population

How many people live in Folkston

Folkston is home to 4,631 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 59% of Folkston locals are male, and 41% are female.

Total population
4,631
0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
59%
2,734
Female
41%
1,897
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,734 59% 4.2%
Female 1,897 41% -4.5%
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 Folkston is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.9% are children under 15, then 11.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 32.9% of the population, while another 29.3% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
39.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
11.5%
25 to 44
32.9%
45 to 64
29.3%
Over 65
11.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 692 14.9% -1.7%
15 to 24 531 11.5% 120.3%
25 to 44 1,522 32.9% -20.6%
45 to 64 1,358 29.3% 21.6%
Over 65 528 11.4% -16.3%
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 Folkston, 96.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 41.9% of locals are Caucasian, 48.7% are African American and 2.9% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
96.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
2.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,482 96.8% 3.9%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 39 0.8% -55.7%
Non-citizens 110 2.4% -47.1%
Racial breakdown
White
41.9%
Black or African American
48.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
2.9%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.9%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 1,939 41.9%
Black or African American 2,256 48.7%
Asian 135 2.9%
Two or more races 273 5.9%
Other 28 0.6%

Households in Folkston

A peek inside Folkston households

Folkston has 1,495 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 68.4% are families, while the remaining 31.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,495
-4.2% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
473
Family households
1,022
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 473 31.6% -16.6%
Family households 1,022 68.4% 2.9%
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 Folkston

The housing landscape of Folkston

Folkston's housing consists of 1,603 units, with 50.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.8% 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 30.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,603
-3.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 803 50.1%
1 unit, attached 12 0.8%
2 units 161 10%
3 or 4 units 108 6.7%
10 to 19 units 9 0.6%
20 to 49 units 18 1.1%
Mobile home 485 30.3%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 7 0.4%
Homes built since 2020
17
30.8% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Folkston

In Folkston, the median construction year is 1980. About 9.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 7.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 2.1% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 157 9.8% -54.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 75 4.7% 82.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 203 12.7% -5.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 253 15.8% -12.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 113 7% 130.6%
Built between 1980 and 1989 253 15.8% 12.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 377 23.5% 27.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 121 7.6% -7.6%
Built between 2010 and 2019 34 2.1% -39.3%
Built in 2020 or later 17 1.1% 30.8%
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.

Folkston occupancy rates

Out of the 1,495 occupied housing units in Folkston, 66.2% are owner-occupied, while 33.8% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 6.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,495
-4.2% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
506
Owner occupied
989
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 506 33.8% -14.4%
Owner occupied 989 66.2% 2.1%
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.

Folkston housing costs

Housing costs in Folkston come to a median of $516 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $495.

Median housing costs per month
$516/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 Folkston
$495/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 Folkston

Folkston education at a glance

About 50.9% of the population in Folkston went to high school, while 27.2% pursued college studies. Another 7.4% earned an associate degree and 2.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 382 9.8% 38.9%
High school diploma 1,990 50.9% -14.0%
College diploma 1,061 27.2% 18.0%
Associate degree 289 7.4% 23.0%
Bachelor's degree 101 2.6% -13.7%
Graduate degree 85 2.2% 73.5%
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 Folkston

How much people earn in Folkston

The average annual household income in Folkston was $62,643 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +16.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,116, reflecting a +10.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Folkston
$62,643/year
16.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Folkston
$50,116/year
10.3% year-over-year change

Folkston income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $85,679 overall. Overall, 72.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $85,679 69.4%
Over 65 $28,036 -53.4%
Above poverty level
2,882
Below poverty level
1,105
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,882 72.3% 10.6%
Below poverty level 1,105 27.7% -9.1%

Average renter income in Folkston

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Folkston, their median household income was $33,036 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 18%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,036
Rent-to-income ratio
18%
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 Folkston

Workforce and job types in Folkston

The job market in Folkston is powered by 1,674 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 3.1% run their own businesses, 71.3% are employed by private companies, and 23.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,674
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
1,020
Blue collar
654
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,020 60.9% 5.8%
Blue collar 654 39.1% -6.2%
Employer type
Self employees
3.1%
Private companies
71.3%
Governmental workers
23.3%
Not for profit companies
2.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 52 3.1% 116.7%
Private companies 1,194 71.3% -6.4%
Governmental workers 390 23.3% 16.8%
Not for profit companies 38 2.3% 40.7%
Unemployment rate
27.4%
141.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Folkston stands at 27.4%, 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 Folkston

How people get around in Folkston

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,625 98.4% 0.0%
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 Folkston by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
31537 9,349 3,496 $64,461 $81,739

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FAQs about Folkston demographics 

What is the total population of Folkston?

Folkston has a total population of 4,631 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 +0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Folkston?

The gender ratio in Folkston is as follows:
  • 59% males (2,734 residents)
  • 41% females (1,897 residents)

What is the median age in Folkston?

The median age in Folkston is 39.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Folkston?

The age distribution in Folkston is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.9% (692 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.5% (531 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 32.9% (1,522 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 29.3% (1,358 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.4% (528 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Folkston?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Folkston is as follows:
  • White: 41.9% (1,939 residents)
  • Black or African American: 48.7% (2,256 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 2.9% (135 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.9% (273 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (28 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 96.8% of the population in Folkston.

How many housing units are there in Folkston?

There are 1,603 housing units in Folkston, 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 Folkston and what is the average household size?

Folkston has a total of 1,495 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Folkston?

Folkston has a median household income of $50,116, representing a +10.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 72.6% in Folkston, with a workforce of 1,674 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.9% (1,020 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.1% (654 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 3.1% (52 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.3% (1,194 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.3% (390 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 2.3% (38 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