GeorgiaPop. 67,224Smaller cities
Is Albany a Good Place to Live? Albany, Georgia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Albany ranks #1280 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #513 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($124,300, #17 of 524) and low rents ($931/mo, #21 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (1,485 per 100,000, #444 of 444) and high poverty (27.5%, #511 of 524).
Albany by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Albany's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Albany?
Albany's cost of living index is 87.7, 12% below the US level of 100 and #128 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $931/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $133,518, 60% below the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
| Measure | Albany | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 87.7#128 of 1,308 | 96.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $133,518#20 of 1,187 | $330,817 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,008/mo#24 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $124,300#40 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $931/mo#133 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.6x#65 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 23.6%#845 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Albany housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Albany is in the Albany, GA metro.
Georgia housing market →Is Albany safe?
Albany recorded 1,485 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.5 times the US rate of 328 and 5 times Georgia's 297. That ranks #1079 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #444 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Albany Police Department. Property crime runs 3,761 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Albany | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 1,485#1079 of 1,085 | 297 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 3,761#1030 of 1,085 | 1,409 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Albany?
The median household in Albany earns $47,240, 43% below the US figure of $83,163 and 41% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 27.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Albany | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $47,240#1260 of 1,312 | $79,991 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.1%#852 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 27.5%#1274 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.1%#723 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Albany?
The median resident of Albany is 34.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 21.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1128 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 37.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Albany | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.9 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 21.4%#1128 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 37.7% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Albany's schools and health?
Albany's 18 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $18,742 spent per pupil. 43% of adults are obese and 19.2% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Albany | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 84.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 15.6#561 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $18,742#283 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 43%#1246 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 19.2%#1298 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 20.4%#1210 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 16.8%#1136 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 11,354 students are enrolled in Albany's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Albany?
The average commute in Albany is 19.7 minutes (Georgia 29.4); 0.8% of workers take transit and 9.2% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Albany scores 8.8 of 20 (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 82.2°F and winters 52.4°F, with 46.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Albany | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 19.7 min#320 of 1,312 | 29.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 5.9%#697 of 1,312 | 11.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.7% | 71.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 1.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.3% | 1.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 9.2% | 14.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 8.8#866 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 62 | 39.1 | 4.2 |
| Feb | 66 | 42.1 | 4 |
| Mar | 72.6 | 48.1 | 4.4 |
| Apr | 79.6 | 54.3 | 3.7 |
| May | 87.5 | 63.1 | 2.4 |
| Jun | 91.2 | 70.6 | 5.1 |
| Jul | 93.2 | 73 | 5.1 |
| Aug | 92.4 | 72.9 | 4.8 |
| Sep | 88.2 | 68 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 80.5 | 57.3 | 2.3 |
| Nov | 71.3 | 46.2 | 2.9 |
| Dec | 63.9 | 41.4 | 4.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Albany Sw Georgia Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Albany | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 67.7°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 82.2°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 52.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 46.6 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Albany Sw Georgia Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Albany?
Dougherty County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 57% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dougherty County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
| Measure | Albany | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 46#700 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.16%#706 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Dougherty County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Dougherty County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.021% | 80% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.1% | 70% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0027% | 59% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0032% | 53% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0095% | 52% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Albany compare with similar-size cities?
Albany is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #513 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 67,224.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albany, GAPop. 67,224 | #1280 | 39.5 | $47,240 | $931/mo | 1,485 | 19.7 min |
| Haverhill, MAPop. 67,698 | #444 | 59.1 | $88,326 | $1,668/mo | 330 | 27.4 min |
| Rockville, MDPop. 67,671 | #40 | 71.4 | $128,649 | $2,274/mo | 108 | 30.7 min |
| Conway, ARPop. 67,642 | #903 | 51.7 | $63,004 | $1,011/mo | 486 | 22.8 min |
| Horizon West, FLPop. 67,416 | #217 | 64.0 | $127,335 | $2,464/mo | no data | 27.2 min |
| Palo Alto, CAPop. 67,237 | #46 | 70.9 | $231,101 | $3,484/mo | 159 | 21.4 min |
| Maricopa, AZPop. 67,163 | #842 | 52.6 | $96,391 | $1,998/mo | 242 | 36.6 min |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #1014 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 | 15.9 min |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #377 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 | 18.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Albany compare with the rest of Georgia?
Albany ranks #20 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 39.5 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 41% below the Georgia median. Violent crime is 5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 60% below the typical Georgia home.
| City | Rank in GA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Creek, GAPop. 81,988 | #1 | 73.4 | $160,093 | $2,257/mo | 40 |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #2 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #3 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #4 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #5 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #6 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 |
| Smyrna, GAPop. 56,633 | #7 | 64.8 | $100,061 | $1,739/mo | 240 |
| Marietta, GAPop. 62,263 | #8 | 60.9 | $72,725 | $1,586/mo | 291 |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #9 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #10 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #11 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 |
| South Fulton, GAPop. 110,471 | #12 | 53.9 | $82,324 | $1,702/mo | 477 |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #13 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #14 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro |
| Columbus, GAPop. 203,711 | #15 | 51.4 | $58,073 | $1,106/mo | 366 |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #16 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #17 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #18 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #19 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 |
| Albany, GAPop. 67,224 | #20 | 39.5 | $47,240 | $931/mo | 1,485 |
All 20 Georgia cities we track, by overall score. Georgia statewide: median income $79,991, violent crime 296.9 per 100,000.
How is Albany's score calculated?
Albany scores 39.5 out of 100, #1280 of 1,312 (grade F, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Georgia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Albany. Similar-size median 55.5.
34.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Albany's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
16.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Albany. Similar-size median 58.9.
20.1 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Albany's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
61.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Albany's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
88.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Albany. Similar-size median 56.1.
10.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Albany. Similar-size median 42.4.
36.3 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Albany. Similar-size median 50.0.
47.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Albany's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
41.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
47.7 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Albany's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Albany has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Albany
Is Albany, GA a good place to live?
Albany ranks #1280 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #513 of 524 smaller cities and #20 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($124,300, #17 of 524) and low rents ($931/mo, #21 of 524), and trails on high violent crime (1,485 per 100,000, #444 of 444) and high poverty (27.5%, #511 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Albany?
Albany's cost of living index is 87.7, 12% below the US level of 100 and #128 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $931/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $133,518, 60% below the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
What is the crime rate in Albany?
Albany recorded 1,485 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 4.5 times the US rate of 328 and 5 times Georgia's 297. That ranks #1079 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #444 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Albany Police Department. Property crime runs 3,761 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Albany?
The median household in Albany earns $47,240, 43% below the US figure of $83,163 and 41% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 5.1% (US 4.3%). 27.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.1% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Albany?
Median rent in Albany is $931/mo (Census), #133 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,008/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 23.6% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Albany?
The typical home value in Albany is $133,518, up 2% in a year, against $330,817 for Georgia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $124,300.
How are the public schools in Albany?
Albany's 18 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 15.6 students per teacher and $18,742 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Albany?
The average commute is 19.7 minutes, #320 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.4 minutes across Georgia. 5.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Albany?
Albany averages 67.7°F over the year, 82.2°F in summer and 52.4°F in winter, with 46.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Albany walkable?
Albany scores 8.8 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #866 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Albany at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Dougherty County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and strong wind, with expected yearly losses of 0.16% of building value, higher than 53% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Albany?
Dougherty County's air had a median air quality index of 46, and 57% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Albany?
Albany has 67,224 residents. The median resident of Albany is 34.9 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 21.4% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1128 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 37.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Albany compare with the rest of Georgia?
Albany ranks #20 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 39.5 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 41% below the Georgia median. Violent crime is 5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 60% below the typical Georgia home.
What cities are similar in size to Albany?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Albany's population of 67,224 are Haverhill, MA (#444 overall), Rockville, MD (#40 overall), Conway, AR (#903 overall), Horizon West, FL (#217 overall), and Palo Alto, CA (#46 overall). Albany is #1280.