Waycross, Georgia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Waycross, Georgia is 13,813 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 96th-largest city in Georgia. The median household income is $37,398, the median home value is $88,600, and the median age is 35.5.
The population has declined 6.2% since 2010 (14,581 → 13,671).
13,813
Population
1163
People / sq mi
$37,398
Median Income
$88,600
Median Home Value
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Waycross covers 11.9 sq mi of land at 1163 people per square mile.
About Waycross, GA
In Waycross, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $88,600. Waycross is a city in Georgia with a population of 13,813.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US cities: the median household earns just $37,398, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate, 30.0%, is among the steepest of comparable US cities and above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $88,600, with typical rent around $810.
College credentials are comparatively rare here: just 16.3%, below the national 35.0%. Just 5.0% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Waycross city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Waycross city had a population of 14,581 in 2010 and 13,671 in 2024, a -6.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 14,581 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.45%.
13,671
Population (2024)
14,581
Population (2010)
14,581
Peak (2010)
-0.45%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,581 |
| 2011 | 14,467 |
| 2012 | 14,250 |
| 2013 | 14,117 |
| 2014 | 14,026 |
| 2015 | 13,867 |
| 2016 | 13,865 |
| 2017 | 13,739 |
| 2018 | 13,543 |
| 2019 | 13,480 |
| 2020 | 13,928 |
| 2021 | 13,734 |
| 2022 | 13,739 |
| 2023 | 13,724 |
| 2024 | 13,671 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 37.9% |
| Black or African American | 53.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$37,398
Median Household Income
$21,147
Per Capita Income
30.0%
Poverty Rate
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$88,600
Median Home Value
$810
Median Rent
43.7%
Owner-Occupied
Education
81.7%
High School+
16.3%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
84.2%
Public Transit
5.0%
Work From Home
17.6 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
26.3%
Foreign Born
96.3%
Non-English at Home
6.0%
Veterans
14.8%
With Disability
86.0%
Health Insurance
92.3%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 19.7% |
| Manufacturing | 16.1% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 9.6% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 7.9% |
| Public Administration | 6.8% |
| Construction | 3.7% |
| Retail Trade | 3.3% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 2.4% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 1.7% |
| Information | 0.8% |
Largest cities in Georgia
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City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Waycross, Georgia has a population of 13,813 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 96th-largest city in Georgia.
The median household income in Waycross, Georgia is $37,398, with 30.0% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Waycross, Georgia is $88,600, with median monthly rent at $810 and a homeownership rate of 43.7%.
The median age in Waycross, Georgia is 35.5 years. The population is 45.4% male and 54.6% female.
The population has declined 6.2% since 2010 (14,581 → 13,671).
Waycross city, GA Climate
Waycross city, GA has an average annual temperature of 19.5°C (67°F) and receives about 1290 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
19.5°C
Avg Temp
1290
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10° / 51° | 116 mm |
| February | 12° / 54° | 100 mm |
| March | 16° / 60° | 114 mm |
| April | 19° / 66° | 77 mm |
| May | 23° / 73° | 93 mm |
| June | 26° / 79° | 143 mm |
| July | 28° / 82° | 160 mm |
| August | 27° / 81° | 168 mm |
| September | 25° / 77° | 97 mm |
| October | 20° / 68° | 66 mm |
| November | 16° / 60° | 67 mm |
| December | 12° / 53° | 89 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Waycross city, GA
The most comfortable months to visit Waycross city, GA are typically October, April and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 34°C high). The coldest is January (near 4°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.