Sumter County, Georgia Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Sumter County is located in Georgia with a total population of 29,174. It is the 62nd most populous county out of 159 in Georgia.

Age Demographics

The median age in Sumter County is 37.0 years. This is 1% lower than the state median of 37.4 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Sumter County is $41,877. This is 44% lower than the state median of $74,664. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 47% lower. The poverty rate stands at 22.7%. This is 68% 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 4.8%. This is 6% lower than the state rate of 5.1%. The median home value is $122,300. Housing costs are 55% lower than the state median of $272,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Sumter County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 54.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 16% lower than the state average of 65.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Sumter County is Black or African American, making up 49.8% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 38.6%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (49.8% vs 31.0%). The Asian population (1.4%) is well below the state average of 4.3%.

Education

21.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 38% 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 84.3%.