RANK #937 / 1001 NAT · #39 / 41 GA · POP 69,143
1YR FORECAST: -0.6%
5YR OUTLOOK: +16%
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.
Effingham County is one of 43 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of -1.0% runs below the profile's typical -0.0%.
See all 43 Sun Belt Exurban Boom counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks overvalued at 23.3x — home prices are high 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
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 1001 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Effingham County scores just 6/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #937 of 1001 counties. Job growth at +4.7% and median household income of $88,438 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Effingham County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $276,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.32, with rents averaging $1,147/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Effingham County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +2.8% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +4.7% clip. Home values shifted -1.0% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.66% 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.