GeorgiaPop. 201,528Mid-size cities
Is Augusta a Good Place to Live? Augusta, Georgia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Augusta ranks #1173 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #222 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($178,400, #23 of 256) and low living costs (91.9, #38 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (77%, #189 of 205) and low household income ($55,485, #231 of 256).
Augusta by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Augusta'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 Augusta?
Augusta's cost of living index is 91.9, 8% below the US level of 100 and #310 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,142/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $178,400.
| Measure | Augusta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 91.9#310 of 1,308 | 96.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $178,400#164 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,142/mo#375 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.2x#263 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 24.7%#971 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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.
Is Augusta safe?
Augusta recorded 547 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% above the US rate of 328 and 84% above Georgia's 297. That ranks #876 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #174 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Augusta-Richmond County Sheriff's Office. Property crime runs 3,652 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Augusta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 547#876 of 1,085 | 297 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 3,652#1024 of 1,085 | 1,409 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 Augusta?
The median household in Augusta earns $55,485, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 31% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 20.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Augusta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $55,485#1146 of 1,312 | $79,991 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 4.7%#760 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 20.1%#1112 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | 0%#663 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Augusta?
The median resident of Augusta is 35.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 24.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Augusta | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 35.2 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 24.7%#982 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 50.8% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Augusta's schools and health?
Augusta's 39 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 12.4 students per teacher and $13,883 spent per pupil. 36.1% of adults are obese and 16.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Augusta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 77%#944 of 1,063 | 84.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 12.4#120 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $13,883#722 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.1%#880 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 16.7%#1255 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 19.6%#1122 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 14.7%#1057 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 23,298 students are enrolled in Augusta's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Augusta?
The average commute in Augusta is 21.1 minutes (Georgia 29.4); 1.4% of workers take transit and 9.1% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Augusta scores 6.9 of 20 (below average walkable), #1246 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.4°F and winters 49.2°F, with 44.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Augusta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 21.1 min#430 of 1,312 | 29.4 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.1%#208 of 1,312 | 11.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 76.3% | 71.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 1.4% | 1.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 2.5% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 9.1% | 14.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 6.9#1246 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 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 | 59.6 | 35.3 | 3.8 |
| Feb | 63.5 | 38.1 | 3.7 |
| Mar | 71 | 44.1 | 4.1 |
| Apr | 78.5 | 50.6 | 2.9 |
| May | 85.9 | 59.6 | 3.1 |
| Jun | 91.3 | 68.1 | 4.8 |
| Jul | 94.1 | 71.6 | 4.5 |
| Aug | 92.6 | 71 | 4.6 |
| Sep | 87.8 | 65 | 3.6 |
| Oct | 79 | 53.1 | 2.6 |
| Nov | 69.1 | 42.2 | 2.7 |
| Dec | 61.5 | 37.3 | 3.9 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Augusta Bush Fld Airport.
| Measure | Augusta | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 65.4°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81.4°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 49.2°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 44.1 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Augusta Bush Fld Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Augusta?
Richmond County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 47% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Richmond County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
| Measure | Augusta | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 2#481 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.1%#226 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Richmond County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Richmond County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.013% | 77% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0084% | 76% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0021% | 76% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0021% | 52% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0048% | 37% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.058% | 20% 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 Augusta compare with similar-size cities?
Augusta is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #222 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 201,528.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #1173 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 | 21.1 min |
| Little Rock, ARPop. 203,436 | #1190 | 45.3 | $63,003 | $1,106/mo | 1,485 | 18.5 min |
| Mobile, ALPop. 203,416 | #1131 | 47.2 | $53,558 | $1,068/mo | 588 | 22.8 min |
| Grand Prairie, TXPop. 201,883 | #760 | 54.0 | $81,619 | $1,629/mo | 202 | 28 min |
| Tallahassee, FLPop. 201,875 | #1007 | 49.9 | $57,409 | $1,293/mo | 629 | 19.1 min |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #309 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 | 17 min |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #912 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 | 25.3 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #1275 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data | 28.3 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 Augusta compare with the rest of Georgia?
Augusta ranks #18 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 45.9 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 31% below the Georgia median. Violent crime is 84% above the statewide rate.
| 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 Augusta's score calculated?
Augusta scores 45.9 out of 100, #1173 of 1,312 (grade D, 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 Augusta. Similar-size median 52.9.
40.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Augusta's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
45.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Augusta. Similar-size median 53.8.
35.9 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Augusta's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
53.0 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Augusta's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
81.2 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Augusta. Similar-size median 51.2.
27.2 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Augusta. Similar-size median 42.1.
38.7 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Augusta. Similar-size median 50.1.
47.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Augusta's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
31.1 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
60.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Augusta's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Augusta 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 Augusta
Is Augusta, GA a good place to live?
Augusta ranks #1173 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #222 of 256 mid-size cities and #18 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($178,400, #23 of 256) and low living costs (91.9, #38 of 256), and trails on low graduation rates (77%, #189 of 205) and low household income ($55,485, #231 of 256).
What is the cost of living in Augusta?
Augusta's cost of living index is 91.9, 8% below the US level of 100 and #310 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,142/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The median owner-occupied home is valued at $178,400.
What is the crime rate in Augusta?
Augusta recorded 547 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 67% above the US rate of 328 and 84% above Georgia's 297. That ranks #876 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #174 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Augusta-Richmond County Sheriff's Office. Property crime runs 3,652 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Augusta?
The median household in Augusta earns $55,485, 33% below the US figure of $83,163 and 31% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 4.7% (US 4.3%). 20.1% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Augusta?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,142/mo (Census), #375 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 24.7% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Augusta?
The Census median value of owner-occupied homes in Augusta is $178,400, #164 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest).
How are the public schools in Augusta?
Augusta's 39 public schools graduate 77% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 12.4 students per teacher and $13,883 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Augusta?
The average commute is 21.1 minutes, #430 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.4 minutes across Georgia. 3.1% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Augusta?
Augusta averages 65.4°F over the year, 81.4°F in summer and 49.2°F in winter, with 44.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Augusta walkable?
Augusta scores 6.9 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1246 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 Augusta at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Richmond County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, earthquake, and ice storm, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 86% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Augusta?
Richmond County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 47% of measured days were rated good; 2 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Augusta?
Augusta has 201,528 residents. The median resident of Augusta is 35.2 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 24.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #982 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 50.8% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Augusta compare with the rest of Georgia?
Augusta ranks #18 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 45.9 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 31% below the Georgia median. Violent crime is 84% above the statewide rate.
What cities are similar in size to Augusta?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Augusta's population of 201,528 are Little Rock, AR (#1190 overall), Mobile, AL (#1131 overall), Grand Prairie, TX (#760 overall), Tallahassee, FL (#1007 overall), and Sioux Falls, SD (#309 overall). Augusta is #1173.