Rincon
RANK #872 / 996 NAT · #28 / 41 GA · POP 65,314
1YR FORECAST: +0.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +13%
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.
Above national median (4.7x)
Contracting economy
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 6.3x 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
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.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Effingham County scores just 12/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #872 of 996 counties. Job growth at +9.6% and median household income of $79,474 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
By national standards, Effingham County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $219,000, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.36 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $1,098/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Effingham County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +2.9% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +9.6% clip. Home values shifted -0.3% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.24% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Effingham County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.