Waycross 55 Below average
Waycross Livability #520 ranked city in Georgia#23,276 ranked city in the USARanks better than 20% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Waycross

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    Everyday cost of living expenses like goods and services, housing, groceries, transportation, health care and utilities are far below the national average.

  • Housing Housing

    Impressive scores in the housing category characterize this area, potentially attributed to the availability of affordable housing, strong appreciation rates and high home values.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    The majority of amenities will be difficult to reach within a short walk, often requiring residents to use a vehicle or public transportation for access.

  • Commute Commute

    Low commute scores could be due to limited access to public transit in this area, as well as longer-than-average work commute times for residents.

  • Crime Crime

    Reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people, this area may be perceived as an unsafe place to reside. These statistics encompass both violent and property crime rates.

  • Employment Employment

    This area earns a low score in the employment category due to low household income levels and high unemployment rates, which may pose challenges in seeking job opportunities.

  • Schools Schools

    The low schools score might be a result of factors like lower than average education levels, lackluster reading and math scores and the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools.

What's it like Living in Waycross?

Waycross is a mid-sized city located in the state of Georgia. The city has a population of 13,957 people. Waycross is mostly populated by White (40%) and Black or African American (57%) ethnic groups. In Waycross, only 43% of people over the age of fifteen are married. This city could be a good option for singles ready to mingle. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Waycross offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Waycross is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a positive experience before moving to any new city in Georgia, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Waycross and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Georgia and national averages.

Using data and statistics Waycross has received a livability score of 57 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 26th percentile when compared to all other cities. This is a lower than the national average livability score as Waycross does not rank well for most categories. There are nine total categories that create the livability score. Waycross ranks well for housing (A+) There are some categories that Waycross scores poorly for, including: amenities (F), crime (F), education (D-) and employment (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to determine why.

Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Waycross has an unemployment rate of 2.1% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.

A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Waycross excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.

Assuming that Waycross meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Waycross. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Waycross are simply unattainable. The median home price for Waycross homes is $128,134, which is 53.9% lower than the Georgia average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Waycross, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.9, which is 21.6% lower than the Georgia average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Waycross

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Compare Waycross, GA Livability

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      Waycross transportation information

      Statistic Waycross Georgia National
      Average one way commute17min28min26min
      Workers who drive to work85.7%79.6%76.4%
      Workers who carpool9.4%10.1%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.0%2.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.3%0.2%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.1%1.6%2.8%
      Working from home1.5%5.1%4.6%
      Source: The Waycross, GA data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.