Fitzgerald, Georgia Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Fitzgerald, Georgia had a total population of 8,918, the 123rd largest city in Georgia, with a median household income of $37,323, which is 52% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 27.9%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 52% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (27.9%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Fitzgerald Quick Facts
How Fitzgerald 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 | 8,962 | 8,918 | -0.5% |
| Median household income | $36,515 | $37,323 | +2.2% |
| Median home value | $99,900 | $99,000 | -0.9% |
How Fitzgerald 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+)
Fitzgerald Rankings in Georgia
Explore Georgia Rankings
Cities Similar to Fitzgerald
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thomaston | 9,831 | $38,917 | $211,000 | 17.8% | 28.1% |
| Dock Junction | 8,147 | $41,258 | $143,700 | 14.2% | 27.0% |
| Fort Valley | 8,858 | $50,283 | $127,100 | 19.8% | 29.6% |
| Cordele | 9,994 | $33,800 | $121,500 | 13.3% | 29.0% |
| Toccoa | 9,238 | $48,438 | $178,100 | 20.0% | 23.9% |
Population Overview
Fitzgerald is a small city located in Georgia, within Ben Hill County. The total population is 8,918. It ranks as the 123rd most populous out of 669 Census-designated places in Georgia.
Age Demographics
The median age in Fitzgerald is 37.5 years. This is about the same as the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Fitzgerald is $37,323. This is 52% lower than the state median of $77,353. It is also 54% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 27.9%. This is 108% 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 3.2%. This is 38% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $99,000. Housing costs are 67% lower than the state median of $303,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Fitzgerald is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 53.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 18% lower than the state average of 65.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Fitzgerald is Black or African American, making up 51.0% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 45.2%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (51.0% vs 30.7%). The Hispanic or Latino population (2.5%) is well below the state average of 11.0%. The Asian population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 4.5%.
Education
14.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 59% 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 83.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Fitzgerald, 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 Fitzgerald, Georgia?
Fitzgerald, Georgia has a population of 8,918 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Fitzgerald, GA?
The median household income in Fitzgerald is $37,323, which is 54% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Fitzgerald, GA?
The poverty rate in Fitzgerald is 27.9%. This means approximately 2,407 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Fitzgerald, Georgia?
Fitzgerald's population is 45.2% White, 51.0% Black, 2.5% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Fitzgerald, GA?
The median home value in Fitzgerald is $99,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x.
How educated is Fitzgerald, Georgia?
14.3% of adults (25+) in Fitzgerald hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.