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Effingham County, GA

RANK #534 / 996  ·  POP 65,314  ·  GA

PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.6%

Effingham County shows below-average economic momentum. Growth signals are flat or softening.

[01] Why Effingham County?

Effingham County, Georgia, is distinguished by its deep historical roots, notably the Jerusalem Lutheran Church in Ebenezer, established in 1733 as the oldest continuously worshipping Lutheran congregation in America. Located just northwest of Savannah, the county offers a balance of rural charm and suburban amenities, with Springfield serving as the county seat and Rincon as the largest city. Commuting to Savannah is generally manageable, taking about 25-35 minutes, making it an option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle near urban opportunities. The area is also rich in natural beauty, bordered by the Savannah and Ogeechee Rivers, providing opportunities for boating, kayaking, and fishing.

Life in Effingham County appeals to families seeking highly-rated public schools and a strong sense of community. The county has experienced growth, attracting residents looking for more space and a family-focused atmosphere. The economy is influenced by regional growth, with job opportunities tied to major employment centers like the Port of Savannah and industrial hubs. While logistics and distribution remain significant, there is a push to diversify the industrial base by attracting more technical and professional sectors, aiming to retain young adults and offer varied career paths locally.

[02] Market Snapshot

Housing Ratio
6.3x

Above national median (4.7x)

GDP Growth
-0.8%

Contracting economy

Home Prices
-0.3%

Prices declining

Climate & Terrain
-0.1

Below-average climate & terrain

Price/Rent
9x

Strong rental yield

Housing is fairly valued at 6.3x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.

[03] Signal Profile

[04] Home Value Growth vs National

Effingham County U.S. National

The Numbers

DEMOGRAPHICS
Population
65,314
+2.94% YoY
Median Household Income
$79,474
Median Home Value
$219,000
-0.35% 12mo
Median Rent
$1,098
Average Annual Pay
$54,201
+3.8% YoY
Employment
13,926
+9.6% YoY
Income-to-Home-Value
0.3629
More affordable than average
Migration Inflow
4.24%
of pop. from another state

Market Activity

REAL ESTATE
Median Sale Price
$330,000
Days on Market
92
Slower market
Months of Supply
5.4
Buyer's market
Sale-to-List Ratio
98.4%
Near asking price
Sold Above List
14.3%
Listings w/ Price Drops
22.2%
Building Permits (2024)
836
Single-Family Permits
790

Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →

[05] Capital Investment

$3,513M
TOTAL
PROJECT AMOUNT STATUS
Kinder Morgan South System Expansion (Natural Gas Pipeline Upgrade)
Kinder Morgan
$3,000M Proposed
Sewon America Manufacturing Facility
Sewon America (subsidiary of Sewon Precision Industry Co.)
$300M Under Construction
Effingham Parkway
Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) / Balfour Beatty
$100M Under Construction
Effingham Bronze Solar Farm
Undisclosed
$63M Planned
Effingham Industrial Development Authority Class A Office Building
Effingham Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA)
$50M Under Construction

Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.

[06] Score Breakdown

GDP Growth -0.8% 5 percentile
Population Growth +2.9% 95 percentile
Income Growth +9.9% 80 percentile
Vacancy Rate 0.4% 96 percentile
Home Price Change -0.3% 27 percentile
Rent Growth +3.2% 55 percentile
Price/Rent 9x 98 percentile

Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.

[07] Frequently Asked Questions

Is Effingham County, GA a good place to move to?

Effingham County has a Boom Town Index score of 46/100, ranking #534 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +9.6% and a median household income of $79,474, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.

Is Effingham County affordable?

The median home value in Effingham County is $219,000 with median rent at $1,098/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3629, which is more affordable than the national average.

Is Effingham County growing or shrinking?

Population growth: +2.9% year-over-year. Job growth: +9.6%. Home values changed -0.3% in the past 12 months.

Are people moving to Effingham County?

Yes — 4.24% of Effingham County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.

[08] Similar Metros

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