GeorgiaPop. 147,898Mid-size cities
Is Savannah a Good Place to Live? Savannah, Georgia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Savannah ranks #891 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #162 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.2%, #18 of 241) and affordable homes ($248,900, #58 of 256), and trails on low household income ($57,137, #219 of 256) and a shrinking population (-0.4%, #201 of 241).
Savannah by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Savannah's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
No crime figure is shown for Savannah: its police agency covers a much larger area. See Is Savannah safe?
What is the cost of living in Savannah?
Savannah's cost of living index is 95.2, 5% below the US level of 100 and #450 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,382/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $322,239, 3% below the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
| Measure | Savannah | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 95.2#450 of 1,308 | 96.3 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $322,239#441 of 1,187 | $330,817 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,757/mo#552 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $248,900#393 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,382/mo#618 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 29%#1228 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.
Savannah 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. Savannah is in the Savannah, GA metro.
Georgia housing market →Is Savannah safe?
Savannah Police Department serves 242,372 people across a larger area than Savannah (population 147,898), so its rate is not a Savannah rate and we don't rank Savannah on safety. Georgia as a whole records 297 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What do people earn in Savannah?
The median household in Savannah earns $57,137, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Savannah | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $57,137#1102 of 1,312 | $79,991 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 3.2%#155 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 19.7%#1102 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | -0.4%#906 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 Savannah?
The median resident of Savannah is 34 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #677 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Savannah | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 34 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 33.3%#677 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 45.4% | 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 Savannah's schools and health?
Savannah's 39 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $15,342 spent per pupil. 34.5% of adults are obese and 13.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Savannah | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 90%#358 of 1,063 | 84.1% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 13.3#197 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $15,342#544 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 34.5%#734 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.6%#1038 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.5%#951 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 13.8%#1016 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. 21,584 students are enrolled in Savannah's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Savannah?
The average commute in Savannah is 20.7 minutes (Georgia 29.4); 2.3% of workers take transit and 11.5% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Savannah scores 12.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #428 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 81.7°F and winters 52.6°F, with 48.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Savannah | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 20.7 min#395 of 1,312 | 29.4 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 3.6%#311 of 1,312 | 11.3% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 69.7% | 71.4% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 2.3% | 1.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.4% | 1.3% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 1.5% | 0.1% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 11.5% | 14.9% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 12.4#428 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 | 61.4 | 40 | 3.3 |
| Feb | 65.1 | 42.9 | 2.8 |
| Mar | 71.4 | 48.6 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 78.2 | 55.2 | 3.4 |
| May | 84.7 | 63.4 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 89.6 | 70.7 | 6.7 |
| Jul | 92.3 | 73.7 | 5.8 |
| Aug | 90.8 | 73.3 | 5.5 |
| Sep | 86.4 | 69 | 4.4 |
| Oct | 79 | 58.6 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 70.2 | 48 | 2.4 |
| Dec | 63.7 | 42.6 | 3.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Savannah International Airport.
| Measure | Savannah | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 67.5°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 81.7°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 52.6°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 48.1 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 Savannah International Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Savannah?
Chatham County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 59% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Chatham County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.43% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
| Measure | Savannah | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 47#731 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 0#1 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.43%#1249 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 Chatham County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Chatham County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.28% | 97% of counties |
| Coastal flooding | 0.017% | 90% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.013% | 81% of counties |
| Wildfire | 0.0029% | 72% of counties |
| Ice storm | 0.0013% | 65% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.066% | 29% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0026% | 26% 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 Savannah compare with similar-size cities?
Savannah is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #162 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 147,898.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #891 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro | 20.7 min |
| Mesquite, TXPop. 149,299 | #1039 | 49.2 | $72,537 | $1,513/mo | 453 | 32.1 min |
| Bridgeport, CTPop. 149,153 | #873 | 52.1 | $58,685 | $1,450/mo | 250 | 30.5 min |
| Pomona, CAPop. 147,943 | #1171 | 46.0 | $79,479 | $1,810/mo | 645 | 31.8 min |
| Rockford, ILPop. 147,521 | #1248 | 42.5 | $54,752 | $985/mo | 900 | 21.9 min |
| Jackson, MSPop. 146,631 | #1189 | 45.4 | $42,071 | $1,055/mo | 400 | 19.9 min |
| Syracuse, NYPop. 146,384 | #1012 | 49.8 | $47,819 | $1,039/mo | 612 | 18 min |
| Gainesville, FLPop. 145,702 | #1062 | 48.6 | $46,195 | $1,296/mo | 634 | 18.8 min |
| Olathe, KSPop. 145,057 | #98 | 68.4 | $114,009 | $1,314/mo | 230 | 20.6 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 Savannah compare with the rest of Georgia?
Savannah ranks #14 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 51.9 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 29% below the Georgia median. Homes are 3% 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 Savannah's score calculated?
Savannah scores 51.9 out of 100, #891 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 9 of 11 categories with local data; safety and outdoor access are 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 · 18% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Savannah. Similar-size median 52.9.
49.6 - HealthCity data · 15% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Savannah. Similar-size median 53.8.
46.5 - EducationCity data · 15% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Savannah's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
67.1 - AffordabilityCity data · 12% of score
Savannah's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
73.3 - Household financesCity data · 10% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Savannah. Similar-size median 51.2.
28.7 - GrowthCity data · 9% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Savannah. Similar-size median 42.1.
40.0 - TransportationCity data · 9% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Savannah. Similar-size median 50.1.
55.1 - WalkabilityCity data · 9% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Savannah's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
60.0 - EnvironmentCounty data · 5% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
25.8 - SafetyNot scored
Savannah's police agency covers a much larger area, so its rate is not a Savannah rate.
— - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Savannah'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 Savannah 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 Savannah
Is Savannah, GA a good place to live?
Savannah ranks #891 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #162 of 256 mid-size cities and #14 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (3.2%, #18 of 241) and affordable homes ($248,900, #58 of 256), and trails on low household income ($57,137, #219 of 256) and a shrinking population (-0.4%, #201 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Savannah?
Savannah's cost of living index is 95.2, 5% below the US level of 100 and #450 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,382/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $322,239, 3% below the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
Is Savannah safe?
Savannah Police Department serves 242,372 people across a larger area than Savannah (population 147,898), so its rate is not a Savannah rate and we don't rank Savannah on safety. Georgia as a whole records 297 violent crimes per 100,000 residents against 328 nationally.
What is the median household income in Savannah?
The median household in Savannah earns $57,137, 31% below the US figure of $83,163 and 29% below Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 3.2% (US 4.3%). 19.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.4% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Savannah?
Median rent in Savannah is $1,382/mo (Census), #618 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,757/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 29% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Savannah?
The typical home value in Savannah is $322,239, down 2.8% in a year, against $330,817 for Georgia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $248,900.
How are the public schools in Savannah?
Savannah's 39 public schools graduate 90% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 13.3 students per teacher and $15,342 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Savannah?
The average commute is 20.7 minutes, #395 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.4 minutes across Georgia. 3.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Savannah?
Savannah averages 67.5°F over the year, 81.7°F in summer and 52.6°F in winter, with 48.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Savannah walkable?
Savannah scores 12.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #428 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 Savannah at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Chatham County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, coastal flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.43% of building value, higher than 95% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Savannah?
Chatham County's air had a median air quality index of 47, and 59% of measured days were rated good; 0 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Savannah?
Savannah has 147,898 residents. The median resident of Savannah is 34 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 33.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #677 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 45.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Savannah compare with the rest of Georgia?
Savannah ranks #14 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 51.9 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 29% below the Georgia median. Homes are 3% below the typical Georgia home.
What cities are similar in size to Savannah?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Savannah's population of 147,898 are Mesquite, TX (#1039 overall), Bridgeport, CT (#873 overall), Pomona, CA (#1171 overall), Rockford, IL (#1248 overall), and Jackson, MS (#1189 overall). Savannah is #891.