1st Advantage Mortgage37% of Lumpkin County households earn $100,000 or more; the median is $77,448 (ACS 2020-24). Borrow only what the expense needs, pick the shortest affordable term, and walk away from any lender asking a Lumpkin County applicant for an upfront fee.
On this page
- Who lives in Lumpkin County
- Housing costs in Lumpkin County
- Lumpkin County against other Georgia counties
- Work, industries and travel time in Lumpkin County
- Lumpkin County income bands
- Neighboring counties at a glance
- Dahlonega and the rest of Lumpkin County
- What a median Lumpkin County budget can carry
- Lumpkin County households compared
- Before borrowing in Lumpkin County
- Licensing and complaints for Lumpkin County
- Four steps for Lumpkin County borrowers
- Nearby and statewide guides
- Frequently asked questions
Who lives in Lumpkin County
With an estimated 34,505 residents (ACS 2020 to 2024), Lumpkin County ranks 56th of 159 in Georgia for population. Packed into 283 square miles, that is close to 122 residents for every square mile of land. For statistical purposes it belongs to the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metro area, as delineated by the Office of Management and Budget in July 2023. Dahlonega, with about 7,299 people, is the only Census place mainly inside the county.
Housing costs in Lumpkin County
Median gross rent, utilities included, comes to $1,142 in Lumpkin County versus $1,393 statewide. 51% of renting households spend 30% or more of income on rent, and 33% spend half or more. With a median value of $307,900, a typical Lumpkin County house costs 4.0 times what the median household earns in a year. The ownership rate is 76%. Median construction year: 1998.
| Home costs | Lumpkin County | Georgia | Compared with Georgia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median gross rent | $1,142/mo | $1,393/mo | 18% lower |
| Median home value | $307,900 | $303,300 | 2% higher |
| Owners | 76% | 66% | +10.7 pts |
| Rent-burdened renters | 51% | 52% | -1.0 pts |
| Burdened owners | 24% | 26% | -2.3 pts |
| Vacant units | 14% | 10% | +3.5 pts |
Lumpkin County owners: get one secured and one unsecured quote, then compare the total cost and what you would put up as collateral (side by side). 51% of Lumpkin County renters are already past the 30% line; one more payment should leave room for a late paycheck.
Lumpkin County against other Georgia counties
Out of every Georgia county, Lumpkin County is most unusual on these measures.
- Households without a vehicle: 2.3% in Lumpkin County. Only 7 of 159 Georgia counties are lower. Car ownership is close to universal, and so are repair bills.
- The share of adults with a bachelor's degree: 32% in Lumpkin County. Only 21 of 159 Georgia counties are higher. Student loan payments count in a debt-to-income ratio, so list them.
- Median age: 36.5 in Lumpkin County. Only 22 of 159 Georgia counties are lower. Younger borrowers often have thin credit files; a co-signer or credit union may help.
Work, industries and travel time in Lumpkin County
Top Lumpkin County industry by residents employed: education and health care, 23%; second, retail trade, 17%. Retail trade stands out: 17% of workers here, versus 11% statewide. The survey's unemployment rate for Lumpkin County averages 5.7% over 2020 to 2024 (state: 5.1%). 27% of Lumpkin County workers get to work in under 15 minutes, while 24% need 45 or more. No car: 2.3% of Lumpkin County households.
| Industry (employed residents 16+) | Lumpkin County | Gap to Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Education and health care | 23.1% | +2.1 pts |
| Retail trade | 16.7% | +5.4 pts |
| Arts, lodging and food service | 12.0% | +3.5 pts |
| Professional and administrative services | 10.1% | -3.5 pts |
| Manufacturing | 9.9% | -0.2 pts |
| Construction | 9.4% | +2.4 pts |
Industry shapes paperwork. Salaried and public jobs are easy to verify, while hourly, tipped, commission or contract earners in Lumpkin County should have bank statements and tax returns ready.
Lumpkin County income bands
Lumpkin County households have a median income of $77,448 (ACS 2020 to 2024), which ranks 30th of 159 in Georgia.
| Household income | Lumpkin County | vs Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Under $35,000 | 24.9% | +2.7 pts |
| $35,000 to $99,999 | 38.6% | -1.0 pts |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 27.0% | +0.5 pts |
| $200,000 or more | 9.5% | -2.3 pts |
25% under $35,000 and 37% at $100,000 or more: that is the Lumpkin County income split. Census counts 14.1% of Lumpkin County residents in poverty, against 13.4% across Georgia. The Gini index of income inequality is 0.463 (0 is perfect equality). None of these numbers decides a Lumpkin County application. Lenders weigh your own documented income against your own debts.
Neighboring counties at a glance
The six counties whose centers lie closest to Lumpkin County's, from 13 to 27 miles away. Lumpkin County's $77,448 median trails 3 of the six and beats 3; the range runs $66,176 (Union County) to $143,784 (Forsyth County).
| Neighbor | Distance | Income | Rent | Own |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumpkin County | - | $77,448 | $1,142/mo | 76% |
| Dawson County, GA | 13 mi | $92,991 | $1,626/mo | 79% |
| White County, GA | 15 mi | $70,666 | $1,032/mo | 79% |
| Union County, GA | 18 mi | $66,176 | $808/mo | 84% |
| Hall County, GA | 20 mi | $80,901 | $1,341/mo | 69% |
| Forsyth County, GA | 25 mi | $143,784 | $2,090/mo | 84% |
| Gilmer County, GA | 27 mi | $74,499 | $998/mo | 81% |
Dahlonega and the rest of Lumpkin County
Dahlonega is the only Census place mainly inside Lumpkin County, with about 7,299 of the county's 34,505 residents. This guide covers each of the 1 places and the rural areas around them.
| Place in county | Status | Population (ACS) | Median HH income | Monthly rent | Distance from center |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dahlonega | city | 7,299 | $77,516 | $1,220 | 3 mi |
What a median Lumpkin County budget can carry
The debt-to-income ratio is the main affordability test lenders use. Applied to Lumpkin County's medians:
- Start: $6,454 gross per month ($77,448 / 12)
- Rent at the median, $1,142, takes 18% of that
- 36% debt-to-income limit: $1,181 left for all other debt payments
Car, student loan and card payments come out of that room first. Try your own numbers in the calculator.
Lumpkin County households compared
Degree holders: 32% of adults over 25. Uninsured, Lumpkin County: 11.8%; Georgia: 12.4%.
| Measure | Lumpkin County | Gap to Georgia | Gap to typical U.S. county |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 36.5 | -1.1 yrs | -5.0 yrs |
| Bachelor's or higher | 31.6% | -3.4 pts | +9.4 pts |
| No high school diploma | 10.3% | -0.5 pts | n/a |
| No health insurance | 11.8% | -0.6 pts | +3.9 pts |
| No vehicle | 2.3% | -3.6 pts | -3.1 pts |
| Work from home | 10.3% | -5.6 pts | +1.6 pts |
| Poverty rate | 14.1% | +0.8 pts | +1.0 pts |
| Unemployment (ACS) | 5.7% | +0.6 pts | +1.3 pts |
| Travel time to work | Workers |
|---|---|
| Under 15 min | 27.0% |
| 15 to 29 min | 33.3% |
| 30 to 44 min | 15.8% |
| 45 to 59 min | 9.0% |
| 60+ min | 14.8% |
Before borrowing in Lumpkin County
Lumpkin County-specific points to check:
- 12% uninsured. In Lumpkin County, ask for an itemized bill and a payment plan first (medical bills).
- Commuter costs. 24% drive 45 minutes or more. Compare shop financing with a loan, and keep a small repair fund.
- Mobile homes in Lumpkin County. At 17% of units, they are a big part of local housing; check whether yours is titled as real or personal property.
- Renters under pressure. When 51% pay 30% or more for rent, the smallest loan that solves the problem is the right size.
Licensing and complaints for Lumpkin County
The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance is the place to verify any lender's Georgia license. Federal complaints: consumerfinance.gov. The Georgia guide covers state rules in more detail.
Four steps for Lumpkin County borrowers
Quick steps for Lumpkin County:
- Know the exact dollar figure you need before talking to a lender.
- Line up offers side by side: APR, fees in dollars, total cost.
- A Georgia license check takes minutes; do it first.
- Ask a Lumpkin County credit union about member loans.
Nearby and statewide guides
Next step up from Lumpkin County:
Frequently asked questions
Is $77,448 a good income in Lumpkin County?
It is the county median, so half of Lumpkin County households earn more and half less; 37% earn $100,000 or more.
What is the median rent in Lumpkin County, GA?
$1,142 a month, utilities included, or $13,704 a year.
I live near Dahlonega. Which guide is mine?
This one. Dahlonega and the rest of Lumpkin County have no separate city guide.
Can Lumpkin County residents use the questionnaire?
Yes. It asks the same questions in every Georgia county, lists every requirement up front and does not affect your credit score.
What agency protects Lumpkin County borrowers?
The Georgia Department of Banking and Finance at the state level and the CFPB federally.