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
What sets Ben Hill County apart is money: median household income runs $39,081, below the US median of $78,538. Ben Hill County is a county in Georgia with a population of 17,138.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $39,081, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 20.1%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $114,600, with typical rent around $692.
Four-year-degree attainment is near the bottom of the range for US counties, 12.1%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 3.8%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 16 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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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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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.