St. Marys
RANK #829 / 996 NAT · #23 / 41 GA · POP 55,105
1YR FORECAST: -1.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +15%
Camden County, Georgia, distinguishes itself with its coastal location and access to Cumberland Island National Seashore, a protected area featuring undeveloped beaches and maritime forests. Located in the southeastern corner of Georgia, with Kingsland as its largest city and Woodbine as the county seat, it offers a quieter, rural Southern lifestyle. Commuting options within the county primarily rely on personal vehicles, though regional public transit is available for travel across multiple coastal counties. Residents enjoy a mild climate year-round, with popular outdoor activities including fishing, boating, kayaking, and exploring numerous parks and trails.
Life in Camden County often appeals to families and those seeking a relaxed pace. The public school system is highly rated, with Camden County Schools consistently ranking among Georgia's best. The economy is significantly influenced by federal and government roles, largely due to the presence of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay. Beyond this, the county is experiencing new industrial development, with efforts to attract businesses in sectors like aerospace, defense, marine, and manufacturing. This growth is supported by investments in infrastructure, including a new commerce park designed to accommodate industrial projects.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 5.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Green Hydrogen Fuel Production Plant
Plug Power
|
$84M | Operating |
|
Coastal Georgia Commerce Park
Camden County Joint Development Authority
|
$50M | Planned |
|
Gilman Paper Site Redevelopment (Waterfront Mixed-Use)
Various Developers (RFP process)
|
$50M | Proposed |
|
NorthShore on the St. Marys River (Residential Development)
Smith Family Homes
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Camden County scores just 16/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #829 of 996 counties. Job growth at +1.8% and median household income of $68,104 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Camden County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $213,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $1,136/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Camden County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.6% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.8% clip. Home values shifted +0.5% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.05% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Camden County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.