McRae-Helena, Georgia Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, McRae-Helena, Georgia had a total population of 6,030, the 151st largest city in Georgia, with a median household income of $43,618, which is 44% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 31.5%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 44% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (31.5%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
- Only 8.0% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.7%.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 1.8%.
McRae-Helena Quick Facts
How McRae-Helena 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 | 5,959 | 6,030 | +1.2% |
| Median household income | $51,296 | $43,618 | -15.0% |
| Median home value | $111,800 | $113,500 | +1.5% |
How McRae-Helena 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
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 65 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
McRae-Helena Rankings in Georgia
Explore Georgia Rankings
Other Cities in Telfair County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumber City | 1,004 | $32,841 | 21.8% | $77,200 |
| Scotland | 218 | $61,964 | 6.0% | $102,500 |
| Jacksonville | 121 | $49,375 | 11.0% | $33,300 |
Cities Similar to McRae-Helena
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conley | 5,822 | $44,056 | $183,000 | 15.9% | 35.9% |
| Adel | 5,641 | $43,618 | $154,900 | 18.5% | 23.9% |
| Jackson | 5,741 | $46,191 | $168,400 | 14.6% | 19.4% |
| Waynesboro | 5,644 | $41,620 | $161,500 | 11.9% | 26.0% |
| Jonesboro | 6,143 | $50,843 | $188,300 | 12.3% | 35.3% |
Population Overview
McRae-Helena is a small city located in Georgia, within Telfair County. The total population is 6,030. It ranks as the 151st most populous out of 669 Census-designated places in Georgia.
Age Demographics
The median age in McRae-Helena is 41.3 years. This is 10% higher than the state median of 37.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in McRae-Helena is $43,618. This is 44% lower than the state median of $77,353. It is also 46% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 31.5%. This is 135% 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 1.8%. This is 65% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $113,500. Housing costs are 63% lower than the state median of $303,300. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, McRae-Helena is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 54.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% lower than the state average of 65.7%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in McRae-Helena is White (non-Hispanic), making up 46.6% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 45.2%. The Asian population (0.3%) is well below the state average of 4.5%.
Education
8.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 77% 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 79.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for McRae-Helena, 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 McRae-Helena, Georgia?
McRae-Helena, Georgia has a population of 6,030 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in McRae-Helena, GA?
The median household income in McRae-Helena is $43,618, which is 46% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in McRae-Helena, GA?
The poverty rate in McRae-Helena is 31.5%. This means approximately 1,244 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of McRae-Helena, Georgia?
McRae-Helena's population is 46.6% White, 45.2% Black, 6.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.3% Asian.
What is the median home value in McRae-Helena, GA?
The median home value in McRae-Helena is $113,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x.
How educated is McRae-Helena, Georgia?
8.0% of adults (25+) in McRae-Helena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 4.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.