Augusta
RANK #726 / 996 NAT · #17 / 41 GA · POP 206,153
1YR FORECAST: +0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +18%
Richmond County, Georgia, is perhaps best known as the home of Augusta, a city rich in history and natural beauty, situated along the Savannah River bordering South Carolina. The county offers a blend of urban amenities and outdoor recreation, with the Augusta Canal providing opportunities for historic boat tours, biking, and walking along its trails. The community provides access to various parks and green spaces, including the Phinizy Swamp Nature Preserve, which features miles of trails through wetlands. Life in Richmond County offers a balance of affordability and a relaxed pace. The local economy is stable, driven significantly by the healthcare sector, anchored by Augusta University, and the growing cybersecurity and defense industries, supported by institutions like Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon). These sectors attract professionals and contribute to job creation. The county also sees ongoing private investment in housing and downtown revitalization, reflecting a focus on community development and providing diverse living options for its residents.
Below national median
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.2x — home prices are low 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 →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Amazon Web Services (AWS) Data Center Campus
Amazon
|
$10,000M | Under Construction |
|
QTS Augusta Campus Data Center (Project Eisenhower)
QTS Data Centers (Blackstone)
|
$2,000M | Under Construction |
|
Fort Gordon Solar Facility
Georgia Power Co.
|
$30M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 26/100, Richmond County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $50,605 combined with job growth of +0.3% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
By national standards, Richmond County is quite affordable. Homes here have a median value of $142,100, and the income-to-home-value ratio of 0.36 is well above the U.S. average — especially with median rent at just $1,024/month. Residents can generally buy a home without being cost-burdened.
Population and employment in Richmond County are both close to flat — population +0.2% YoY and jobs +0.3%. Home values shifted -0.3% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.2% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Richmond County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.