Valdosta, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
55,252
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$45,925/yr
0.2% year-over-year change
Housing units
25,667
2.5% year-over-year change

Valdosta population

How many people live in Valdosta

Valdosta is home to 55,252 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 45.5% of Valdosta locals are male, and 54.5% are female.

Total population
55,252
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
45.5%
25,146
Female
54.5%
30,106
Value Percent YoY change
Male 25,146 45.5% 0.1%
Female 30,106 54.5% 0.0%
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 Valdosta is 29, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.5% are children under 15, then 23.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.4% of the population, while another 16% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 14.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
28.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.5%
15 to 24
23.9%
25 to 44
26.4%
45 to 64
16%
Over 65
14.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 10,784 19.5% 1.3%
15 to 24 13,205 23.9% 1.8%
25 to 44 14,584 26.4% -3.8%
45 to 64 8,831 16% -1.5%
Over 65 7,848 14.2% 4.9%
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 Valdosta, 94.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2.1% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 36.3% of locals are Caucasian, 55.4% are African American and 1.3% have Asian roots. Another 0.1% are Indigenous American, 0.2% are Pacific Islanders, while 1.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 5.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
94.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.1%
Non-citizens
2.1%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 52,393 94.8% -0.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 1,702 3.1% 6.4%
Non-citizens 1,157 2.1% -0.2%
Racial breakdown
White
36.3%
Black or African American
55.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.1%
Asian
1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.2%
Two or more races
5.4%
Other
1.3%
Value Percent
White 20,034 36.3%
Black or African American 30,634 55.4%
American Indian and Alaska Native 54 0.1%
Asian 706 1.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 84 0.2%
Two or more races 2,999 5.4%
Other 741 1.3%

Households in Valdosta

A peek inside Valdosta households

Valdosta has 22,532 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 50.3% are families, while the remaining 49.7% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
22,532
2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
11,203
Family households
11,329
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 11,203 49.7% 6.9%
Family households 11,329 50.3% -1.5%
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 Valdosta

The housing landscape of Valdosta

Valdosta's housing consists of 25,667 units, with 61.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 1.6% 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 1.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
25,667
2.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 15,679 61.1%
1 unit, attached 409 1.6%
2 units 765 3%
3 or 4 units 2,070 8.1%
5 to 9 units 3,164 12.3%
10 to 19 units 1,876 7.3%
20 to 49 units 359 1.4%
50 or more units 969 3.8%
Mobile home 376 1.5%
Homes built since 2020
154
214.3% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Valdosta

In Valdosta, the median construction year is 1986. About 3.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 17.4% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 9.2% 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 984 3.8% -1.0%
Built between 1940 and 1949 725 2.8% -5.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 2,152 8.4% -7.6%
Built between 1960 and 1969 2,394 9.3% 4.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 4,151 16.2% 0.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 3,759 14.6% -5.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 4,520 17.6% 2.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,464 17.4% 2.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 2,364 9.2% 38.3%
Built in 2020 or later 154 0.6% 214.3%
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.

Valdosta occupancy rates

Out of the 22,532 occupied housing units in Valdosta, 41.7% are owner-occupied, while 58.3% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
22,532
2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
13,135
Owner occupied
9,397
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 13,135 58.3% 1.2%
Owner occupied 9,397 41.7% 4.4%
Unoccupied housing units
12.2%
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.

Valdosta housing costs

Housing costs in Valdosta come to a median of $1,009 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,054.

Median housing costs per month
$1,009/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 Valdosta
$1,054/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 Valdosta

Valdosta education at a glance

About 38% of the population in Valdosta went to high school, while 26.9% pursued college studies. Another 8.3% earned an associate degree and 14% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 9.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 1,460 3.4% 3.4%
High school diploma 16,250 38% -2.8%
College diploma 11,495 26.9% 1.0%
Associate degree 3,558 8.3% 2.4%
Bachelor's degree 5,985 14% -4.2%
Graduate degree 3,994 9.3% 5.5%
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 Valdosta

How much people earn in Valdosta

The average annual household income in Valdosta was $63,727 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $45,925, reflecting a +0.2% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Valdosta
$63,727/year
2.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Valdosta
$45,925/year
0.2% year-over-year change

Valdosta income by age

In Valdosta, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $50,311. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $55,000 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $29,748, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $46,107 in earnings. Overall, 73.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $29,748 0.6%
25 - 44 $50,311 3.8%
45 - 64 $55,000 -2.1%
Over 65 $46,107 6.0%
Above poverty level
38,255
Below poverty level
13,560
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 38,255 73.8% 0.5%
Below poverty level 13,560 26.2% -2.8%

Average renter income in Valdosta

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Valdosta, their median household income was $30,754 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 41.1%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$30,754
Rent-to-income ratio
41.1%
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 Valdosta

Workforce and job types in Valdosta

The job market in Valdosta is powered by 23,044 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 8.3% run their own businesses, 71.5% are employed by private companies, and 15% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
23,044
-3.4% year-over-year change
White collar
17,571
Blue collar
5,473
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 17,571 76.2% -2.0%
Blue collar 5,473 23.8% -7.7%
Employer type
Self employees
8.3%
Private companies
71.5%
Governmental workers
15%
Not for profit companies
5.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 1,904 8.3% 7.6%
Private companies 16,478 71.5% -4.9%
Governmental workers 3,453 15% -8.9%
Not for profit companies 1,209 5.2% 23.2%
Unemployment rate
5.7%
-18.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Valdosta stands at 5.7%, 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 Valdosta

How people get around in Valdosta

In Valdosta, the average commute time is 16 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 88.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
16 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 21,255 88.4% -4.9%
Taxicab 68 0.3% -12.8%
Bus or trolleybus 82 0.3% 41.4%
Motorcycle 30 0.1% -65.5%
Bicycle 62 0.3% -12.7%
Walk 679 2.8% 5.4%
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 Valdosta by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
31601 31,302 12,161 $36,111 $59,189
31602 35,728 14,481 $56,939 $73,258
31605 24,829 9,529 $79,156 $98,684
31606 3,734 1,427 $50,303 $73,897
31698 1,096 0 $0 $0

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FAQs about Valdosta demographics 

What is the total population of Valdosta?

Valdosta has a total population of 55,252 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 +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Valdosta?

The gender ratio in Valdosta is as follows:
  • 45.5% males (25,146 residents)
  • 54.5% females (30,106 residents)

What is the median age in Valdosta?

The median age in Valdosta is 28.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Valdosta?

The age distribution in Valdosta is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.5% (10,784 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 23.9% (13,205 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.4% (14,584 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 16% (8,831 residents)
  • Over 65: 14.2% (7,848 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Valdosta?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Valdosta is as follows:
  • White: 36.3% (20,034 residents)
  • Black or African American: 55.4% (30,634 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.1% (54 residents)
  • Asian: 1.3% (706 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.2% (84 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.4% (2,999 residents)
  • Other: 1.3% (741 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 94.8% of the population in Valdosta.

How many housing units are there in Valdosta?

There are 25,667 housing units in Valdosta, reflecting a +2.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Valdosta has a total of 22,532 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Valdosta?

Valdosta has a median household income of $45,925, representing a +0.2% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 94.3% in Valdosta, with a workforce of 23,044 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.2% (17,571 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.8% (5,473 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 8.3% (1,904 residents)
  • Private companies: 71.5% (16,478 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 15% (3,453 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.2% (1,209 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