Is Whitfield Safe, Pros and cons of living in Whitfield

Is it Safe to Live in Whitfield?

Whitfield County, Georgia, presents a mixed safety profile. The violent crime rate in Whitfield County is approximately 2.772 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. However, when considering crime rates reported by the FBI, Whitfield County has an average violent crime rate that is 44.7% below the national average. Property crime in the county averages 86.4 per 100k residents, which is also 47.2% below the national average. Residents often consider the northern part of the county to be the safest area.

The overall crime rate in Whitfield County is reported as 25.55 per 1,000 residents annually. While this may sound high, Whitfield County ranks in the 66th percentile for safety, indicating it is safer than 66% of counties in the U.S.. When looking at specific crime types, robbery is noted as a higher concern in some areas of Whitfield, PA, with an index of 128. However, murder is considered a very low risk.

Pros and Cons of Living in Whitfield

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Whitfield County is generally below the national average. The median household income in Whitfield County was $67,070 in 2024 (Data USA). In contrast, the median individual income was reported as $33,220 in 2024 (Data Commons). The poverty rate in Whitfield County is 14.8% as of 2024 (Data USA).

Housing Market

In Whitfield County, GA, the median home price was $260,000 as of the last 30 days, showing a year-over-year decrease of 10.3%. The average home value in Whitfield County, GA, is $250,403, which is an increase of 2.6% over the past year (Zillow). For renters, the average rent in Whitfield County was $1,452 in March 2026 (Zillow). This is below the national average rent of $1,910 for the same period.

Job Market and Economy

Employment in Whitfield County, GA, grew by 1.65% from 2023 to 2024, reaching approximately 48,347 employees. The most common employment sectors are manufacturing, which employs around 16,467 people, followed by retail trade and healthcare and social assistance. Major employers in the area include Shaw Industries, Inc., with 6,639 employees, and Mohawk Industries, Inc., with 3,970 employees, both in the floor coverings industry. The unemployment rate in Whitfield County was 4.1% in 2026.

Demographics

Whitfield County, GA, has a population of approximately 103,598 as of 2024 (Data USA). The largest racial/ethnic groups are White (55.5%) and Hispanic (37.2%). The median age in Whitfield County is 36.6 years (World Population Review). Citizenship in Whitfield County stands at 88.5% as of 2024, which is lower than the national average of 93.2% (Data USA).

Climate

The climate in Whitfield County, GA, can be characterized by warm summers and mild winters. The average summer high temperature can reach into the upper 80s Fahrenheit, while winter lows can drop into the 30s Fahrenheit (BestPlaces). Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, with slightly higher amounts typically occurring in the summer months.

Education

Educational opportunities in Whitfield County include institutions like Dalton State College. In 2023, universities in Whitfield County awarded 757 degrees, with the majority of graduates being White. For K-12 education, public schools in areas like Whitfield, PA, are highly rated (Niche). Whitfield School in St. Louis, MO, is a private institution with an A+ Niche grade, a 100% graduation rate, and an average SAT score of 1280 (Homes.com).

Major Employers

Whitfield County, Georgia, has a robust industrial base, with the floor covering industry being a significant economic driver. Key employers in this sector include Shaw Industries, Inc., which employs approximately 6,639 individuals, and Mohawk Industries, Inc., with around 3,970 employees. Engineered Floors is another major player in the carpet industry, employing about 3,597 people. Beyond manufacturing, Hamilton Medical Center is a substantial employer in the healthcare sector, providing jobs for approximately 2,545 individuals.

Climate

Whitfield County, Georgia, experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures typically range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures usually hover between the low 30s and low 50s Fahrenheit. The area receives a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year, with higher precipitation levels often occurring in the summer months.

Demographics

As of 2024, Whitfield County, GA, is home to an estimated population of 103,598 people (Data USA). The demographic makeup shows a significant Hispanic population, comprising 37.2% of residents, alongside a White population making up 55.5%. The median age in the county is 36.6 years (World Population Review). In 2024, the median household income was reported at $67,070 (Data USA).

Schools

Whitfield County offers a range of educational institutions. Dalton State College serves as a key higher education provider in the area. For primary and secondary education, the Whitfield School in St. Louis, Missouri, is a highly-regarded private institution with an A+ rating from Niche, boasting a 100% graduation rate and strong standardized test scores. In Pennsylvania, areas like Whitfield have public elementary schools with high ratings for teachers and diversity.