Fort Gaines, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,248
7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$38,071/yr
-1.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
612
7.8% year-over-year change

Fort Gaines population

How many people live in Fort Gaines

Fort Gaines is home to 1,248 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.2% of Fort Gaines locals are male, and 57.8% are female.

Total population
1,248
7.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.2%
526
Female
57.8%
722
Value Percent YoY change
Male 526 42.2% -3.0%
Female 722 57.8% 15.7%
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 Fort Gaines is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 20% are children under 15, then 23.1% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 24% of the population, while another 16% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.5
Age breakdown
Under 15
20%
15 to 24
23.1%
25 to 44
24%
45 to 64
16%
Over 65
17%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 250 20% 13.6%
15 to 24 288 23.1% -7.7%
25 to 44 299 24% 34.1%
45 to 64 199 16% 0.0%
Over 65 212 17% 0.0%
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

There’s also a share of 3.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
100%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,248 100% 8.2%
Racial breakdown
White
13.3%
Black or African American
82.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
3.9%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 166 13.3%
Black or African American 1,032 82.7%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1 0.1%
Two or more races 49 3.9%

Households in Fort Gaines

A peek inside Fort Gaines households

Fort Gaines has 452 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 54.9% are families, while the remaining 45.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
452
18.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
204
Family households
248
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 204 45.1% 43.7%
Family households 248 54.9% 4.2%
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 Fort Gaines

The housing landscape of Fort Gaines

Fort Gaines's housing consists of 612 units, with 56.4% 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 22.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
612
7.8% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 345 56.4%
2 units 16 2.6%
3 or 4 units 2 0.3%
5 to 9 units 88 14.4%
10 to 19 units 24 3.9%
20 to 49 units 2 0.3%
Mobile home 135 22.1%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Fort Gaines

In Fort Gaines, the median construction year is 1965. About 28.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 173 28.3% 5.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 68 11.1% 79.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 42 6.9% 23.5%
Built between 1960 and 1969 43 7% -8.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 60 9.8% 7.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 140 22.9% 23.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 28 4.6% -22.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 47 7.7% -30.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 11 1.8% -8.3%
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.

Fort Gaines occupancy rates

Out of the 452 occupied housing units in Fort Gaines, 48.4% are owner-occupied, while 51.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 26.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
452
18.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
233
Owner occupied
219
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 233 51.6% 17.7%
Owner occupied 219 48.4% 20.3%
Unoccupied housing units
26.1%
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.

Fort Gaines housing costs

Housing costs in Fort Gaines come to a median of $540 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $525.

Median housing costs per month
$540/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 Fort Gaines
$525/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 Fort Gaines

Fort Gaines education at a glance

About 50% of the population in Fort Gaines went to high school, while 33.7% pursued college studies. Another 3.2% earned an associate degree and 5.6% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 3.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 33 3.6% 6.5%
High school diploma 456 50% 14.9%
College diploma 308 33.7% 9.6%
Associate degree 29 3.2% -40.8%
Bachelor's degree 51 5.6% -7.3%
Graduate degree 36 3.9% 71.4%
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 Fort Gaines

How much people earn in Fort Gaines

The average annual household income in Fort Gaines was $51,129 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +7.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $38,071, reflecting a -1.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Fort Gaines
$51,129/year
7.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Fort Gaines
$38,071/year
-1.5% year-over-year change

Fort Gaines income by age

In Fort Gaines, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $32,276. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $64,375 overall. Overall, 70.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $32,276 3.3%
45 - 64 $64,375 6.9%
Over 65 $16,806 N/A
Above poverty level
810
Below poverty level
333
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 810 70.9% 12.5%
Below poverty level 333 29.1% -8.0%

Average renter income in Fort Gaines

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Fort Gaines, their median household income was $26,630 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 23.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$26,630
Rent-to-income ratio
23.7%
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 Fort Gaines

Workforce and job types in Fort Gaines

The job market in Fort Gaines is powered by 498 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 61.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 38.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs.

Workforce demographics

Working population
498
17.2% year-over-year change
White collar
305
Blue collar
193
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 305 61.2% 19.1%
Blue collar 193 38.8% 14.2%
Employer type
Self employees
0%
Private companies
72.7%
Governmental workers
23.7%
Not for profit companies
3.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Private companies 362 72.7% 19.1%
Governmental workers 118 23.7% 11.3%
Not for profit companies 18 3.6% 20.0%
Unemployment rate
9.8%
17.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Fort Gaines stands at 9.8%, 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 Fort Gaines

How people get around in Fort Gaines

Commuting methods vary: 90.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.2% 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 448 90.3% 24.4%
Walk 6 1.2% 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 Fort Gaines by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
39851 2,080 914 $48,382 $71,086

Explore more communities

FAQs about Fort Gaines demographics 

What is the total population of Fort Gaines?

Fort Gaines has a total population of 1,248 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 +7.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Fort Gaines?

The gender ratio in Fort Gaines is as follows:
  • 42.2% males (526 residents)
  • 57.8% females (722 residents)

What is the median age in Fort Gaines?

The median age in Fort Gaines is 32.5.

What is the age distribution of the population in Fort Gaines?

The age distribution in Fort Gaines is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20% (250 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 23.1% (288 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 24% (299 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16% (199 residents)
  • Over 65: 17% (212 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Gaines?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Fort Gaines is as follows:
  • White: 13.3% (166 residents)
  • Black or African American: 82.7% (1,032 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (1 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.9% (49 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 100% of the population in Fort Gaines.

How many housing units are there in Fort Gaines?

There are 612 housing units in Fort Gaines, reflecting a +7.8% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Fort Gaines has a total of 452 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Fort Gaines?

Fort Gaines has a median household income of $38,071, representing a -1.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Fort Gaines?

The employment rate is 90.2% in Fort Gaines, with a workforce of 498 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 61.2% (305 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 38.8% (193 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 0% (0 residents)
  • Private companies: 72.7% (362 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 23.7% (118 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.6% (18 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