RANK #447 / 1001 NAT · #12 / 41 GA · POP 119,965
1YR FORECAST: +1.1%
5YR OUTLOOK: +29%
Lowndes County, Georgia, distinguishes itself with Valdosta, its largest city and county seat, often called the "Azalea City of the South." Valdosta's history includes a notable relocation in the 1850s when its residents moved the entire town four miles to align with a new railroad line, demonstrating a proactive community spirit. Located in south-central Georgia near the Florida border, the county offers a moderate climate for year-round outdoor activities. Residents and visitors can explore over 40 local parks, lakes for boating and fishing, and the Grand Bay Wildlife Management Area, a significant wetlands complex.
Life in Lowndes County blends small-town community with regional amenities. The public school system, Lowndes County Schools, is recognized as one of the best in Georgia. Commuting within the county is generally quick, though public transportation options are primarily demand-response van services. The economy, historically rooted in agriculture, has diversified. Recent developments indicate growth in manufacturing and energy sectors, with new facilities supporting industrial operations and food processing. The presence of Valdosta State University and Moody Air Force Base also contributes to the local economy and community.
Lowndes County is one of 35 U.S. counties in this market profile — near the profile average on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +2.9% runs above the profile's typical +1.4%.
See all 35 Secondary Market Surge counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 10.5x — 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 →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Walmart Dairy Processing Facility
Walmart
|
$390M | Planned |
|
Golden Triangle I Solar Farm
Origis Energy
|
$175M | Under Construction |
|
Golden Triangle II Solar Farm & Battery Storage
Origis Energy
|
$150M | Operating |
|
GAF Valdosta Manufacturing Facility
GAF
|
$146M | Planned |
|
Moody BESS (Battery Energy Storage System)
Georgia Power
|
$74M | Under Construction |
|
Atlanta Gas Light LNG Facility
Atlanta Gas Light
|
$50M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 1001 counties.
Lowndes County scores 55/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 1001 U.S. counties (#447). Median household income is $58,541. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Lowndes County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $215,600 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,052/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Lowndes County's population is growing — up +0.8% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of 0.0%). Home values shifted +2.9% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.76% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Lowndes County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.