Ellijay, Georgia Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ellijay, Georgia had a total population of 1,927, the 305th largest city in Georgia, with a median household income of $48,136, which is 38% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 26.2%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (26.2%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Housing affordability is a challenge — homes cost 7.3x the median household income.
Ellijay Quick Facts
How Ellijay Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,931 | 1,927 | -0.2% |
| Median household income | $47,639 | $48,136 | +1.0% |
| Median home value | $277,600 | $349,100 | +25.8% |
How Ellijay Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Ellijay Rankings in Georgia
Explore Georgia Rankings
Other Cities in Gilmer County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Ellijay | 488 | $29,125 | 26.8% | $208,300 |
Cities Similar to Ellijay
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ludowici | 1,897 | N/A | $238,600 | 12.4% | 32.8% |
| Morgan | 1,902 | $46,250 | $90,200 | 4.9% | 20.6% |
| Sparta | 1,830 | N/A | $56,400 | 6.6% | 47.0% |
| Trion | 2,033 | $48,750 | $127,700 | 24.0% | 26.5% |
| Unionville | 2,000 | $53,351 | $48,500 | 5.6% | 31.8% |
Population Overview
Ellijay is a small community located in Georgia, within Gilmer County. The total population is 1,927. It ranks as the 305th most populous out of 669 Census-designated places in Georgia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ellijay is 39.2 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 37.6 years. 15.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Ellijay is $48,136. This is 38% lower than the state median of $77,353. It is also 40% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 26.2%. This is 96% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.4%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 6.3%. This is 23% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $349,100. Housing costs are 15% higher than the state median of $303,300. The home-value-to-income ratio of 7.3x suggests that housing affordability is a significant concern for many residents. 35.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 46% lower than the state average of 65.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ellijay is White (non-Hispanic), making up 65.0% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 28.9%. The Black or African American population (2.4%) is well below the state average of 30.7%. The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (28.9% vs 11.0%).
Education
21.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 38% lower than the state rate of 34.9%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 87.9%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ellijay, Georgia is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Georgia state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 669 Census-designated places in Georgia. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ellijay, Georgia?
Ellijay, Georgia has a population of 1,927 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ellijay, GA?
The median household income in Ellijay is $48,136, which is 40% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Ellijay, GA?
The poverty rate in Ellijay is 26.2%. This means approximately 482 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ellijay, Georgia?
Ellijay's population is 65.0% White, 2.4% Black, 28.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ellijay, GA?
The median home value in Ellijay is $349,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.3x.
How educated is Ellijay, Georgia?
21.6% of adults (25+) in Ellijay hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.