Recent analyses of economic data reveal that Camilla holds the unfortunate distinction of being the poorest town in Georgia. According to a 2024 report, Camilla has the highest poverty rate among Georgia towns, with 46.7% of its population living below the poverty line.
The median household income in Camilla is just $27,306, and the town faces an unemployment rate of 11.3%—both figures significantly worse than state averages. Only 8.1% of adults in Camilla have a bachelor’s degree or higher, further limiting economic mobility and opportunity for residents.
How Does Camilla Compare to Other Towns?
Camilla’s poverty rate is notably higher than other struggling towns in Georgia. For example:
- McRae-Helena ranks second, with a 42.1% poverty rate.
- Monroe ranks third, with 41.8%.
- Other towns such as Thomaston, Dublin, and Waycross also report poverty rates above 30%, but none match Camilla’s level of economic hardship.
Why Is Camilla So Poor?
Several factors contribute to Camilla’s economic struggles:
- Limited Job Opportunities: The town’s high unemployment rate reflects a lack of available jobs.
- Low Educational Attainment: With only 8.1% of adults holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, residents have fewer opportunities for higher-paying employment.
- Systemic Economic Challenges: Like many rural towns, Camilla faces persistent economic and infrastructural challenges that hinder growth and development.
Other Perspectives
Some sources list Cordele as the poorest city in Georgia, citing a poverty rate of 50.7%. However, differences in data sources and population thresholds can affect these rankings.
Cordele, with a population of over 10,000, also struggles with high poverty and low median income, but recent comprehensive rankings place Camilla at the top for poverty rate among towns with more than 5,000 residents.
The Broader Context
Camilla’s situation is emblematic of the broader economic difficulties facing many small towns in Georgia. High poverty, low educational attainment, and limited access to well-paying jobs continue to challenge these communities, highlighting the need for targeted economic development and educational initiatives.
Camilla is currently recognized as the poorest town in Georgia, with nearly half its residents living in poverty and significant barriers to economic advancement.
Sources:
- https://247wallst.com/income/2024/05/06/towns-in-georgia-with-the-worst-poverty/
- https://www.theworkersrights.com/top-10-poorest-cities-in-georgia/
- https://www.iheart.com/content/2025-01-06-georgia-city-named-among-the-10-neediest-cities-in-the-us/
- https://www.ajc.com/news/local/this-the-poorest-town-georgia-income-inequality-analysis-finds/jiz1qOgss9nMWF7E9TSjmK/
- https://247wallst.com/income/2025/01/17/the-poorest-town-in-every-state-in-america/