Ben Hill County, Georgia Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 102nd-largest in Georgia
The population of Ben Hill County, Georgia is 17,138 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 102nd-largest county in Georgia. The median household income is $39,081, the median home value is $114,600, and the median age is 38.5.
The population of Ben Hill County has declined 4.0% since 2010 (17,649 → 16,945), a -0.29% annualized rate.
17,138
Population
-0.29%
Annual growth
69
People / sq mi
$39,081
Median Income
$114,600
Median Home Value
Ben Hill County covers 250 sq mi of land at 68.5 people per square mile.
About Ben Hill County, GA
Ben Hill County is a county in Georgia with a population of 17,138. It ranks #102 among counties in Georgia by population. The median age is 38.5, in line with the national median. The population is 46.1% male and 53.9% female.
The median household income in Ben Hill County is $39,081, below the US median of $74,580. 20.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $114,600, with monthly rent averaging $692. The homeownership rate of 59.8% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ben Hill County reflects 12.1% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 16.1 minutes each way.
Ben Hill County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ben Hill County had a population of 17,649 in 2010 and 16,945 in 2024, a -4.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 17,649 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.29%.
16,945
Population (2024)
17,649
Population (2010)
17,649
Peak (2010)
-0.29%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 17,649 |
| 2011 | 17,595 |
| 2012 | 17,608 |
| 2013 | 17,461 |
| 2014 | 17,462 |
| 2015 | 17,368 |
| 2016 | 17,267 |
| 2017 | 17,059 |
| 2018 | 16,794 |
| 2019 | 16,711 |
| 2020 | 17,166 |
| 2021 | 17,128 |
| 2022 | 17,055 |
| 2023 | 17,150 |
| 2024 | 16,945 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 57.3% |
| Black or African American | 37.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 0.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
38.5
Median Age
53.9%
Female
46.1%
Male
17.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.9% · Seniors (65+): 17.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $39,081$-35,583 vs state |
| Mean household income | $56,280 |
| Per-capita income | $23,099 |
| Poverty rate | 20.1%+10.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.7% |
| Employment-to-population | 50.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ben Hill County is manufacturing, accounting for 21.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.7%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
83.4%
Public transit
3.8%
Work from home
16.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$114,600$-158,300 vs state
Median home value
$692
Median rent
59.8%
Homeownership rate
8,135
Total housing units
88.0%
Occupied
12.0%
Vacant
40.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
81.3%
With health insurance
89.9%
With broadband internet
17.8%
Foreign-born
6.4%
Veterans (18+)
12.2%
With a disability
93.1%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.3%
High School+
12.1%
Bachelor's+
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Part of Georgia
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ben Hill County, Georgia has a population of 17,138 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 102nd-largest county in Georgia. Population density is 69 people per square mile.
The population of Ben Hill County has declined 4.0% since 2010 (17,649 → 16,945), a -0.29% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ben Hill County, Georgia is $39,081, with mean (average) household income of $56,280 and per-capita income of $23,099. 20.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ben Hill County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (57.3%), Black or African American (37.7%), Hispanic or Latino (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Ben Hill County, Georgia is 38.5 years. Residents are 53.9% female and 46.1% male.
The median home value in Ben Hill County is $114,600 and median monthly rent is $692. 59.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 8,135 total housing units, 12.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ben Hill County, Georgia is manufacturing, employing 21.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.7%.
Atlanta is among the largest cities associated with Ben Hill County, Georgia, with a population of 499,287.
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Statewide data for Georgia
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Georgia
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.