Is Hawkinsville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Hawkinsville
Hawkinsville, Georgia, offers a glimpse into a more traditional Southern lifestyle, characterized by a slower pace and a close-knit community. This Pulaski County seat is known for its historical significance and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to those seeking a quieter existence away from bustling urban centers. The town’s identity is closely tied to its heritage, with a focus on community events and a friendly disposition among its residents.
For individuals considering a move to Hawkinsville, understanding the various facets of life in this small city is essential. From the practical considerations of cost of living and housing to the broader aspects of community and local amenities, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview. Hawkinsville presents a unique blend of affordability and small-town charm, making it a distinctive choice for a variety of lifestyles.
Is it Safe to Live in Hawkinsville?
Crime Statistics
Hawkinsville’s crime rate presents a mixed picture. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Hawkinsville is reported to be 1 in 50 (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Based on FBI crime data, Hawkinsville is not considered one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Georgia, Hawkinsville has a crime rate that is higher than 78% of the state’s cities and towns of all sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
When comparing Hawkinsville to other communities of similar population size, its crime rate for both violent and property crimes combined is notably above average (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Specifically, the chance of being a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 286, with a rate of 4 per one thousand inhabitants. The rate for property crime is 17 per one thousand population, indicating an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime compared to all other communities in America of all population sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Theft and Property Crime
Theft rates in Hawkinsville are higher than the average for U.S. cities, with a rate of 15.63 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). Residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest area. Your chance of being a victim of theft can vary significantly by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 20 in the northeast to 1 in 169 in the southwest (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
The projected cost of theft in Hawkinsville for a typical year is estimated at $522,837, which translates to approximately $81 per resident or $221 per household (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). These figures reflect tangible costs, including criminal justice system expenses, direct costs to victims, and lost economic contributions (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Hawkinsville
Overall Expenses
Hawkinsville offers a cost of living that is generally lower than both the national and state averages. The cost of living in Hawkinsville is 9% lower than the national average and 6% lower than the Georgia average (as reported by AreaVibes). Household bills in Hawkinsville are 32% lower than the U.S. median (as reported by doxo).
The monthly expenses for a single person in Hawkinsville are estimated at $2,183, and for a family of four, they are approximately $4,808 (as reported by Salary.com). These figures reflect lower costs in housing, food, transportation, and healthcare compared to national averages (as reported by Salary.com).
Housing Costs
Housing in Hawkinsville is significantly more affordable than the national average. The median home value in Hawkinsville is approximately $187,920, showing a 4.6% increase over the past year (as reported by Zillow). Another source indicates a median home value of $125,500 (as reported by Kurby AI), which is a stark contrast to the national median of around $350,000 (as reported by Kurby AI).
The median listing price for a home in Hawkinsville is around $252,000, with a year-over-year price growth of 26.63% (as reported by Realtor.com® Research). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Hawkinsville is approximately $1,435, which is 26% lower than the national average (as reported by Zumper).
Job Market and Economy
Employment and Major Employers
Hawkinsville and its surrounding Pulaski County area are actively engaged in regional workforce development, aiming to provide employers with access to a broad labor pool. The local unemployment rate is impressively low at 3.1%, compared to the regional average of 3.15% (as reported by Hawkinsville – Pulaski County Economic Development). Major employers contributing to the area’s economy include Robins Air Force Base, located approximately 20 minutes away, and various businesses within the Warner Robins Metropolitan Statistical Area (as reported by Hawkinsville – Pulaski County Economic Development).
The local economy also benefits from companies such as McDonald’s, Dollar General, and Taylor Regional Hospital (as reported by Lensa). Other businesses in the area include Georgia Power, Orkin, and Flash Foods (as reported by Lensa).
Salaries and Wages
The median wage in Hawkinsville is approximately $39,000 per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter). The average annual salary for employees at the City of Hawkinsville is around $65,474, with typical ranges between $57,454 and $74,505 annually (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This average salary is approximately 45% below the average for the U.S. All Industries benchmark (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
For specific roles, warehouse workers in Hawkinsville earn an average of $23.90 per hour (as reported by Indeed.com). High-paying jobs in the area can include positions in construction, with salary ranges up to $90,200 annually, and nursing, with ranges between $58,200 and $80,800 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Climate and Weather
Temperature and Precipitation
Hawkinsville experiences a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. The average high temperature in the summer can reach the mid-80s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures are generally mild. The average annual rainfall in Hawkinsville is approximately 26 inches (as reported by Movoto).
The National Weather Service provides current conditions and forecasts for Hawkinsville. For example, as of mid-March, the temperature was around 41°F with 97% humidity and calm winds (as reported by National Weather Service). The forecast for the upcoming week typically includes a mix of sunny days, chances of thunderstorms, and varying temperatures.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Seasonal weather patterns in Hawkinsville follow a typical Southern climate. Summers are usually hot and humid, while winters are relatively mild with occasional cooler temperatures. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather, with moderate temperatures and lower humidity levels.
Residents can expect a chance of showers and thunderstorms during the spring and summer months, contributing to the annual rainfall. Winter months are generally drier, though occasional cold fronts can bring rain or even a slight chance of frost.
Education and Schools
School Ratings and Performance
Hawkinsville High School holds a “B” overall Niche grade, with a rating of 3.56 out of 5 stars based on numerous reviews (as reported by Niche). The school is ranked #18 out of 114 for standout high schools in Georgia (as reported by Niche). According to state test scores, 52% of students are proficient in math and 37% are proficient in reading (as reported by Niche).
Pulaski County Elementary School also receives a “B” overall Niche grade. It is considered an above-average public school with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 42% of students are proficient in math and 33% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Educational Opportunities
The Hawkinsville-Pulaski County region emphasizes workforce development through strong career education programs. Hawkinsville High School offers a Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program that shapes class offerings and career pathways to meet workforce needs (as reported by Hawkinsville – Pulaski County Economic Development). Current tracks include aviation, agriculture, entrepreneurship, pharmacy, and sports medicine.
Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) is also a key resource, offering over 180 technical certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees in high-demand fields. CGTC has a Workforce Development Center located in the North Hawkinsville Industrial Park, providing direct access to regional training resources (as reported by Hawkinsville – Pulaski County Economic Development).
Demographics and Community
Population and Diversity
Hawkinsville has a population of approximately 4,731 people, making it the 180th most populated city in Georgia out of 666 cities (as reported by US Census Bureau data via Cubit). Projections estimate the population to be around 4,530 by 2026 (as reported by Cubit).
The racial composition of Hawkinsville is diverse, with Black or African American residents making up 46.6%, followed by White residents at 45.3% (as reported by Cubit). Other racial groups include Hispanic (3.5%), Multiracial (2.9%), and Asian (1.8%) (as reported by Census Dots).
Median Age and Household Income
The median age for Hawkinsville residents is 40.3 years (as reported by Cubit). The median household income in Hawkinsville was $39,603 in 2024 (as reported by Cubit). However, a significant portion of families, 27.8%, live in poverty (as reported by Cubit).
The cost of living is influenced by income levels, with renters having a median income of $46,699, indicating a maximum of $1,090 for monthly rent-related costs (as reported by AreaVibes). Homeowners have a median income of $110,544, suggesting a maximum of $2,579 for monthly housing costs (as reported by AreaVibes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Hawkinsville
Advantages of Hawkinsville
Hawkinsville offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to national averages, particularly in housing, making it an attractive option for affordability (as reported by Salary.com and AreaVibes). The town fosters a strong sense of community, with a slower pace of life that appeals to those seeking a more relaxed environment (as reported by Kurby AI).
The community also benefits from a low unemployment rate of 3.1% (as reported by Hawkinsville – Pulaski County Economic Development) and access to workforce development programs through Georgia’s Quick Start initiative (as reported by Hawkinsville – Pulaski County Economic Development).
Challenges in Hawkinsville
Despite its advantages, Hawkinsville faces challenges related to crime rates, which are higher than the state and national averages (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). A notable percentage of families, 27.8%, live below the poverty line (as reported by Cubit).
The job market, while having a low unemployment rate, may offer lower average salaries compared to larger metropolitan areas (as reported by ZipRecruiter). Additionally, the housing market, while affordable, shows a trend of increasing prices (as reported by Zillow and Realtor.com® Research).