Is Hinesville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hinesville
Hinesville, Georgia, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and military influence, situated in Liberty County. As the county seat, it serves as a principal city to its metropolitan area, which encompasses Fort Stewart, a significant U.S. Army post. This proximity to a major military installation shapes the city’s culture and economy, creating a dynamic environment for residents and visitors alike.
The city is characterized by its subtropical climate, with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Its location on the Atlantic coastal plain provides a lush, green landscape, though it also means the area is susceptible to coastal weather patterns. Hinesville’s community is diverse, with a significant population of military families contributing to its cultural fabric.
Is it Safe to Live in Hinesville?
Hinesville’s overall crime rate is higher than the national average. Reports indicate that the crime rate is approximately 47% higher than the national average, with violent crimes being 91.2% higher than the national average. Property crimes also exceed the national average, being 38.1% higher.
Despite these statistics, local sentiment on safety is divided. Some residents feel safe walking alone at night, with 58% of surveyed individuals expressing this sentiment. However, 42% of respondents indicated they do not feel safe walking alone at night, suggesting a varied perception of safety within the community. The northwest part of the city is generally considered the safest, while the southern areas experience a higher incidence of crime (as reported by CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout).
Violent Crime Statistics
The chance of being a victim of violent crime in Hinesville is approximately 1 in 146. This rate is significantly higher than both the state average and the national average. The assault rate in Hinesville, specifically, is considerably higher than state and national figures (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and Jarrett Maillet).
Property Crime Statistics
Property crimes, including burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson, are also a concern in Hinesville. The chance of becoming a victim of property crime is about 1 in 41. While the burglary rate is slightly higher than Georgia’s average, it remains lower than the national average. Conversely, the theft rate in Hinesville is notably higher than both state and national averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and Jarrett Maillet).
Cost of Living in Hinesville
Hinesville offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average. The overall cost of living index is 95, indicating it is 5% less expensive than the U.S. average. This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, making it an attractive option for many.
Housing costs in Hinesville are particularly favorable, being 16% lower than the national average. This makes homeownership and renting more accessible compared to many other areas. Food costs are also slightly below the national average, contributing to overall savings for residents.
Housing Expenses
The median home value in Hinesville was approximately $169,171 (as reported by Livability.com). More recent data indicates that in March 2026, the median sale price of a home was $234,000 (as reported by Redfin). The average home value was reported as $237,454 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow).
Rental prices are also competitive, with the average rent for an apartment being around $1,080 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). Other sources indicate a median rent of $1,435 in 2026 (as reported by RentCafe), and a median rent of $1,800 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zumper). These figures suggest a range of rental options available to suit different budgets.
Daily Expenses
Beyond housing, other daily expenses also contribute to Hinesville’s affordability. Food costs are approximately 1.3% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Transportation, utilities, and healthcare costs are also noted to be lower than the national average, further enhancing the city’s cost-effectiveness for its residents (as reported by Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Hinesville’s economy is significantly influenced by the presence of Fort Stewart, which is a major employer and economic driver for the region. Beyond the military, the city’s economy is supported by sectors such as retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, and accommodation and food services.
The job market in Hinesville has seen growth, with employment increasing by 2.34% from 2023 to 2024. The most common job sectors for residents include retail trade, followed by healthcare and social assistance, and accommodation and food services. These industries provide a variety of employment opportunities for the local population.
Employment Sectors
Retail trade employs approximately 3,910 residents, while healthcare and social assistance employs 3,866. The accommodation and food services sector provides employment for 3,232 residents. These sectors form the backbone of Hinesville’s civilian employment landscape (as reported by Data USA).
Major Employers
Key employers in Hinesville include the Liberty County School District, which is a significant provider of jobs in the education sector. Liberty Regional Medical Center is another major employer, offering healthcare services to the community. Additionally, national retailers like Walmart and McDonald’s have a strong presence, providing numerous employment opportunities (as reported by Zippia and Indeed.com).
Unemployment and Salaries
The unemployment rate in Hinesville was reported at 3.9% in February 2026 (as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and FRED). The average annual salary in Hinesville is around $53,476, with an hourly rate of approximately $25.71 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Other sources indicate an average salary of $44,870 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter), and a median household income of $60,028 in 2024 (as reported by Census Data).
Climate in Hinesville
Hinesville experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The city’s weather patterns are typical of the southeastern United States, with distinct seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation.
The annual precipitation averages around 51 inches, with August typically being the wettest month. While rain occurs throughout the year, November tends to have the least amount of rainfall. The city enjoys a significant amount of sunshine, with May often having the most hours of daylight.
Temperatures
During the summer months, from May to September, daily high temperatures frequently exceed 86°F, with July being the hottest month, reaching an average high of 91°F and a low of 72°F (as reported by Weather.com and myPerfectWeather). In contrast, the cooler season, from November to February, sees average daily high temperatures below 67°F, with January having the lowest average high of 62°F and a low of 40°F.
Rainfall and Humidity
Hinesville receives an average of 51 inches of rain annually (as reported by Livability.com). August typically sees the most precipitation, with an average of 5.0 inches, while November has the least, averaging 2.2 inches (as reported by Weather.com). The city’s climate can feel uncomfortably humid during the summer months, from June to September (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Education in Hinesville
Hinesville is served by the Liberty County School District, which provides educational services for students from pre-school through 12th grade. The district comprises multiple elementary, middle, and high schools, catering to a large student population.
While the district serves a diverse student body, with a majority being Black, the overall academic performance of Hinesville’s public schools is mixed. Proficiency scores in math and reading are generally lower than the state averages, and the schools’ average ranking falls within the bottom 50% of Georgia public schools.
School Performance
Public schools in Hinesville have an average math proficiency score of 26% and a reading proficiency score of 30%, compared to Georgia’s statewide averages of 39% and 40%, respectively (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger). The schools in Hinesville have an average ranking of 3 out of 10, placing them in the bottom 50% of Georgia’s public schools (as reported by Niche).
Top-Ranked Schools
Despite the overall averages, some schools in Hinesville stand out. Taylors Creek Elementary School, Joseph Martin Elementary School, and Waldo Pafford Elementary School are among the top-ranked elementary schools in the area (as reported by Niche and SchoolDigger). Liberty County High School and Bradwell Institute serve as the comprehensive high schools for the community.
Demographics of Hinesville
Hinesville is a city with a diverse population, reflecting a mix of racial and ethnic backgrounds. As of the most recent data, the city’s population is estimated to be around 35,679 people (as reported by Data USA and Livability.com). This represents a slight increase from previous census counts.
The racial composition of Hinesville is notably diverse, with a significant Black or African American population. White and Hispanic populations also form substantial portions of the city’s demographic makeup. The median age in Hinesville is relatively young, suggesting a community with a mix of families and working professionals.
Racial and Ethnic Composition
The largest racial/ethnic group in Hinesville is Black or African American, making up approximately 48.1% of the population. White residents constitute about 26.5%, and Hispanic residents make up 13.1% of the population. Other racial groups, including multiracial, Asian, and Native American, are also represented (as reported by Census Dots and Data USA).
Age and Household Income
The median age in Hinesville is 28.9 years (as reported by Data Commons and Hinesville Demographics). The median household income was reported as $60,028 in 2024 (as reported by Hinesville Demographics). However, 11.4% of families in Hinesville live below the poverty line (as reported by Hinesville Demographics), and 14% of the population for whom poverty status is determined live below the poverty line (as reported by Data USA).
Pros and Cons of Living in Hinesville
Hinesville offers a unique living experience shaped by its military presence, affordability, and Southern charm. The cost of living is a significant advantage, with housing and daily expenses being lower than the national average. This financial benefit, combined with a growing job market, makes it an appealing location for many.
However, the city also faces challenges. The crime rate is higher than the national average, and school performance, while having some bright spots, generally lags behind state averages. The humid subtropical climate can also be a deterrent for those who prefer drier conditions.
Advantages
The affordability of Hinesville is a major draw, with a cost of living that is 5% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Housing costs are particularly favorable, being 16% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). The city’s economy is bolstered by major employers like Fort Stewart, and sectors like retail and healthcare provide diverse job opportunities.
Disadvantages
The higher-than-average crime rates, particularly for violent crimes, are a significant concern for residents (as reported by NeighborhoodScout and CrimeGrade.org). While some schools perform well, the overall academic performance of the Liberty County School District is below state averages (as reported by Niche). The hot and humid summers can also be a drawback for those sensitive to such weather conditions (as reported by myPerfectWeather).