Is Moultrie Safe, Pros and cons of living in Moultrie

Moultrie, Georgia, offers a blend of Southern charm and practical living, making it a notable city for those considering a move. It’s a place where community values often take precedence, set against a backdrop of Georgia’s agricultural heartland. Understanding the nuances of life in Moultrie, from its economic landscape to its daily climate, is key for any prospective resident.

This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Moultrie, covering essential aspects such as safety, cost of living, housing, employment, climate, education, and demographics. By gathering and presenting up-to-date information, we can help paint a clear picture of what it’s like to call Moultrie home.

Is it Safe to Live in Moultrie?

Crime Rates

Moultrie faces significant challenges regarding crime, with rates considerably higher than national averages. Violent crime in Moultrie is reported at 256.4 incidents per 100,000 residents, which is 141.5% above the national average (as reported by FBI Crime Explorer). Property crime is also a major concern, with an average rate of 616.9 per 100,000 residents, exceeding the national average by 277.0% (as reported by FBI Crime Explorer).

These statistics indicate a substantial risk for residents, with property crime being the most common offense (as reported by FBI Crime Explorer). The FBI Crime Data Explorer highlights that between 2019 and 2023, the city recorded 1,479 violent crimes and 3,009 property crimes. Further analysis from NeighborhoodScout indicates that Moultrie has one of the highest crime rates in America when compared to communities of all sizes, with a combined rate of violent and property crime that is very high compared to similarly sized populations (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Safety Concerns

The overall crime rate in Moultrie is 186.45% higher than the U.S. average, with a concerning statistic that residents have a 1 in 17 chance of becoming a victim of crime (as reported by Moultrie, GA Crime Statistics – CityRating.com). Specifically, the chance of being a victim of violent crime is 1 in 87, and the chance of being a victim of property crime is 1 in 21 (as reported by Moultrie, GA Crime Statistics – CityRating.com).

These figures place Moultrie in the bottom 10% of all U.S. cities that reported crime, suggesting a need for heightened awareness and caution among residents. The FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports also indicate an increase in crime year over year in Moultrie (as reported by Moultrie, GA Crime Statistics – CityRating.com).

Cost of Living in Moultrie

Overall Expenses

Moultrie offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. The overall cost of living in Moultrie is reported to be 10% lower than the U.S. national average (as reported by Salary.com). This is further supported by rankings that place Moultrie among places with a lower cost of living in Georgia (as reported by Niche).

The monthly expenses for a single person are estimated at $2,001, and for a family of four, it is approximately $4,450 (as reported by Salary.com). These figures reflect a competitive cost of living, especially when compared to major metropolitan areas, with housing costs being a significant contributing factor to this affordability.

Housing Costs

Housing expenses in Moultrie are notably lower than the national average, contributing significantly to the city’s overall affordability. Housing costs are 26.5% lower than the national average, with an average monthly cost of $882 for a single person and $1,616 for a family of four (as reported by Salary.com). This affordability extends to homeownership as well, with a median property value of $157,200 (as reported by Data USA).

The median home price in Moultrie was $237,000 in March 2026, a slight decrease of 1.5% compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Rental prices also reflect this affordability, with the average rent in Moultrie being $1,295 per month, which is 35.25% lower than the national average (as reported by Zillow). Apartments.com notes the average rent in Moultrie at $925 per month, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $925 (as reported by Apartments.com).

Other Living Expenses

Beyond housing, other essential expenses in Moultrie also tend to be below the national average. Food expenses are 13.2% below average, and energy, transportation, and healthcare costs are approximately 11.8% lower than the national figures (as reported by Salary.com). This widespread affordability across various spending categories enhances Moultrie’s appeal as a cost-effective place to live.

For example, the average commute time in Moultrie is 17.8 minutes, which is shorter than the U.S. average commute time (as reported by Data USA). This can translate to savings in transportation costs and time.

Housing Market in Moultrie

Home Prices and Sales

The housing market in Moultrie presents a picture of moderate activity, with median home prices currently sitting at $237,000 as of March 2026 (as reported by Redfin). This represents a slight decrease of 1.5% compared to the previous year, indicating a stable or slightly softening market (as reported by Redfin). Homes in Moultrie tend to stay on the market for an extended period, with an average of 167 days, a notable increase from 84 days in the prior year (as reported by Redfin).

In March 2026, nine homes were sold in Moultrie, a slight decrease from the ten homes sold the previous year (as reported by Redfin). The sale-to-list price ratio is 93.0%, showing a decrease of 6.0 percentage points year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). Homes selling above list price also saw a decline, indicating a less competitive market environment (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market Trends

Moultrie’s rental market offers considerable affordability, with the average rent at $1,295 per month, significantly below the national average (as reported by Zillow). This figure has seen month-over-month and year-over-year increases, suggesting rising demand or market adjustments (as reported by Zillow). For instance, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,195, while a two-bedroom apartment averages $1,350 (as reported by Zillow).

More recent data from Apartments.com indicates an average rent of $925 per month, with one-bedroom apartments averaging around $925 and two-bedroom apartments averaging $1,087 (as reported by Apartments.com). This suggests a potential variation in reported averages depending on the data source and time frame. Rent prices have shown a slight increase of 2.2% over the past year (as reported by Apartments.com).

Property Values

The median property value in Moultrie was $157,200 in 2024 (as reported by Data USA). This figure is below the national average, contributing to the city’s overall affordability. The homeownership rate in Moultrie stands at 41%, which is lower than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).

The housing market in Moultrie is described as somewhat competitive, with the median sale price per square foot at $163, showing a 15.6% increase year-over-year (as reported by Redfin). This indicates a growing value per square foot, even as overall home prices have seen a slight decrease.

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers

Moultrie’s economy is significantly influenced by its manufacturing and agricultural sectors. Key employers in the area include those in food processing and manufacturing industries, reflecting the region’s historical strengths. Sanderson Farms is a notable employer in the food processing sector (as reported by Lensa). Other significant companies include Chevron, Dollar General, and AutoZone, contributing to a diverse employment landscape (as reported by Lensa).

The Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority highlights the city’s long-standing role as a manufacturing hub, with companies like Premium Pork and Riverside Manufacturing having been foundational to its growth (as reported by Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority). Recent developments include EnergyTek Corporation’s planned investment in manufacturing solar panels and related renewable energy components, projecting the creation of 1,300 jobs (as reported by Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority).

Employment Statistics

The unemployment rate in Moultrie, GA, was reported at 3.10% as of April 2026, which is lower than the long-term average of 5.43% (as reported by YCharts). This figure also shows a slight increase from the previous month’s rate of 2.70% but is lower than the rate of 3.20% from the previous year (as reported by YCharts).

The employed population in Moultrie was 6,246 in 2024, showing a 1.93% year-over-year growth (as reported by Data USA). The most common job groups in Moultrie are in Production Occupations, followed by Office & Administrative Support Occupations and Sales & Related Occupations (as reported by Data USA).

Average Salaries

The average annual salary in Moultrie is approximately $47,118 as of April 2026 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This equates to about $22.65 per hour. Salaries in Moultrie typically range between $30,111 and $55,250 annually, with the median wage around $40,600 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Another source, ERI SalaryExpert, reports a slightly higher average salary of $58,693 per year or $28 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). These figures suggest a competitive salary range within the local job market, with top-paying jobs including Nurse Practitioner roles (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Climate in Moultrie

Temperature Ranges

Moultrie experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by long, hot, and muggy summers, and short, mild winters. The temperature typically varies between 43°F and 92°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 31°F or exceeding 97°F (as reported by BestPlaces). The hot season spans from May to September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 91°F and a low of 74°F (as reported by BestPlaces).

Conversely, the cool season lasts from December to February, with January being the coldest month. Average daily high temperatures during winter are below 67°F, with January lows averaging 44°F and highs around 62°F (as reported by BestPlaces). Overall, temperatures range from 38°F to 90°F annually (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Precipitation and Rainfall

Moultrie receives an average annual precipitation of 50 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The chance of wet days varies significantly throughout the year, with a wetter season from late May to early September. July experiences the most wet days, averaging 16.8 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation (as reported by BestPlaces).

The drier season extends from September to May. October typically has the fewest wet days, averaging about 6.0 days (as reported by BestPlaces). Monthly precipitation averages range from 2.16 inches in May to 6.44 inches in June (as reported by Time and Date).

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Summers in Moultrie are long, hot, and humid, often feeling uncomfortably so from June to September (as reported by myPerfectWeather). The transition to fall brings milder temperatures, with the best times for outdoor activities generally being from early April to late May and from late September to late October (as reported by BestPlaces).

Winters are short and cool, with occasional cold snaps. The climate is generally wet and partly cloudy year-round (as reported by BestPlaces). The city experiences about 163 days per year with comfortable weather, typically between March and May, and again from October to November (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education in Moultrie

Public School Performance

The public school system serving Moultrie is the Colquitt County School District, which receives an overall Niche grade of B- (as reported by Niche). This district encompasses 13 schools and serves approximately 8,844 students (as reported by Niche).

Within the district, schools like Sunset Elementary School and Wright Elementary School receive B+ grades (as reported by Niche). Colquitt County High School also holds a B- grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 16:1 (as reported by Niche).

School Ratings and Statistics

Niche.com provides ratings for schools based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and student/parent reviews. For example, C.A. Gray Junior High School in Moultrie has an overall Niche grade of B- (as reported by Niche). Academically, 37% of students are proficient in math and 34% in reading at this junior high (as reported by Niche).

Moultrie Middle School, located in Mount Pleasant, SC, is a separate entity but is often associated with the name. It is highly rated with an overall Niche grade of A-, boasting 76% of students proficient in math and 85% in reading (as reported by Niche).

Educational Opportunities

The Colquitt County School District aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience, with rankings that consider state test scores, college readiness, and teacher quality (as reported by Niche). While specific data for all Moultrie schools is extensive, the district as a whole is rated well for its public schools.

The district’s overall ranking is influenced by factors such as graduation rates and teacher-student ratios across its various institutions. Parents and students can explore detailed profiles and reviews for each school to make informed decisions about educational pathways (as reported by Niche).

Demographics of Moultrie

Population and Growth

Moultrie has an estimated population of 14,588 residents as of 2024, showing a slight decrease from the 14,638 recorded in the 2020 Census (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The city is projected to reach a population of 14,803 by 2026, assuming a consistent annual growth rate of 0.7% (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

Moultrie is the 90th most populated city in Georgia out of 666 cities, according to the most current U.S. Census data (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The population has seen a 3.7% change from 2019 to 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

Race and Ethnicity

The racial composition of Moultrie is diverse, with the largest demographic groups being Black at 45.9%, followed by White at 39.1%, and Hispanic at 12.2% (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). Other racial and ethnic groups, including Asian and Multiracial populations, make up smaller percentages of the total population (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

Compared to the state of Georgia overall, Moultrie is less racially diverse (as reported by Census Dots). The diversity index measures the probability that two randomly selected individuals belong to different racial or ethnic groups.

Income and Poverty Levels

The median household income in Moultrie was $43,670 in 2024 (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). This income level is comparable to or slightly higher than some surrounding areas like Griffin and Adel (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). However, a significant portion of Moultrie’s families live below the poverty line, with 27.5% of families in poverty (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

The poverty rate for the population where status is determined is 28%, which is higher than the national average of 12.5% (as reported by Data USA). The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line is Black, followed by White and Hispanic individuals (as reported by Data USA).

Age and Gender Distribution

The median age of residents in Moultrie is 35.5 years (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The median age for males is 33.7 years, and for females, it is 38.4 years (as reported by US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

In terms of gender distribution, for every 100 females, there are approximately 109.2 males in Moultrie (as reported by World Population Review). This slightly higher male-to-female ratio is a demographic characteristic of the city.