Emanuel County, Georgia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Emanuel County is located in Georgia with a total population of 22,961. It is the 81st most populous county out of 159 in Georgia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Emanuel County is 38.6 years. This is 3% higher than the state median of 37.4 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Emanuel County is $50,053. This is 33% lower than the state median of $74,664. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 36% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.7%. This is 83% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.5%. 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 9.7%. This is 89% higher than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $88,200. Housing costs are 68% lower than the state median of $272,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.8x, Emanuel County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 59.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% lower than the state average of 65.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Emanuel County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 58.2% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 32.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (4.7%) is well below the state average of 10.7%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 4.3%.

Education

12.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 62% lower than the state rate of 34.2%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 79.4%.