ZIP Code 31501 in Waycross, GA

Data Last Updated: October 1, 2025
City:Waycross, Georgia
City Alias:Okefenokee
County:Ware County
Timezone:Eastern (GMT -05:00)
Local Time:9:17:16 PM
Population:14,036 [See All]
Area Code:912
Classification:Standard [Normal Street Delivery]
Coordinates:31.2280, -82.3480
Land Area:11.998 sq mi
Quick Link:
https://www.zip-codes.com/zip-code/31501/zip-code-31501.asp

Download this data |

Download ZIP Boundaries |

Interactive charts load automatically as you scroll. Hover for data, click to explore trends, and use the menu to export.

Population & Demographics


ZIP Code 31501 has 14,036 residents and 5,678 households (average 2.44 persons per household). The median age is 39.7 years, slightly older than the state (37.5) and about the same as the nation (38.8). The gender split is 47.0% male and 53.0% female, which is slightly lower than the national male share (49.1%), making this a female-majority area. Largest groups are White (46.5%, much lower than the national average of 61.6%) and Black or African American (45.4%, much higher than the state average of 31.0% and well above the national average of 12.4%); Hispanic or Latino residents make up 3.7%, which is much lower than the national average (18.7%), and Black or African American share is much higher than both the state (31.0%) and national averages (12.4%).

Explore More:Population Over TimeBy Age & GenderBy RaceBy GenderNativity & Citizenship

Source: U.S. Census 2020 Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC) and U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates.
2020 Population:14,036Source: Census DHC
2023 ACS Population Estimate:13,034Source: Census ACS
2025 ZC Population Estimate:14,613Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Population Density:1,169.9 people per sq mile
Average Income:$37,203Source: Census ACS
Households:5,678Source: Census DHC
Average House Value:$100,000Source: Census ACS
Persons Per Household:2.44Source: Census DHC
Average Family Size:3.53Source: Census ACS

Population Over Time (with 2010 & 2020 Census Benchmarks)


Group20102011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Census ACS Population Estimate--15,89515,34614,86815,20715,08415,39414,93114,96315,44116,26514,25813,70313,034
Decennial Census15,576------------------14,036------
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP05. DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES

Population by Age & Gender (Total, Male, Female)


Median Age: 39.7

Male Median Age: 37.5

Female Median Age: 41.5

Group< 55-910-1415-1920-2425-2930-3435-3940-4445-4950-5455-5960-6465-6970-7475-7980-8485+
Male495501534445396338421354397390375440414374303189119109
Female476449499465391433408459429437400491505484391266216243
Total9719501,033910787771829813826827775931919858694455335352
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Population by Race


White:6,52847.00%
Black:6,36945.86%
Hispanic:*5143.70%
Asian:1801.30%
American Indian:370.27%
Hawaiian:10.01%
Other:2591.86%
Total:13,888100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)
* NOTE: Hispanic or Latino is an ethnicity, not a race. This means individuals who identify as Hispanic will also be included in one of the race categories (such as White or Black). As a result, the totals shown here may exceed 100% when Hispanic is displayed alongside racial groups.

Gender Breakdown


GenderCount%Median Age
Males:6,59446.98%37.5 years
Females:7,44253.02%41.5 years
Total:14,036100%39.7 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) Demographics & Housing Characteristics (DHC)

Nativity & Citizenship


Native, born in the United States:12,79298.14%
Native, born in PR, Island Areas, or abroad:410.31%
Foreign born, naturalized U.S. citizen:170.13%
Foreign born, not a U.S. citizen:1841.54%
Total Population:13,034100%
Total Native Population:12,83398.46%
Total Foreign-born Population:2011.54%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Note: Nativity and Citizenship derived from American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. Total Population listed here will not match official ZIP Code population totals, which are based on the Decennial Census.

Income & Employment


In 2023, the Median household income is $37,203, which is far less than the national median ($78,538), is up $5,895 (18.8%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $4,641. Family households earn a median of $45,000 versus $23,679 for nonfamily households (a difference of $21,321). By gender, male median income is $35,224 and female is $39,337, which is considerably lower than the national female median ($53,445), with a current gap of $4,113 that has narrowed from 2011 to 2023. The labor-force participation rate is 48.8%, which is considerably lower than the state rate (63.7%). The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is below the national rate (5.2%). The largest occupation group is Management (27.1%).

Explore More:Income Over TimeHousehold IncomeEmployment StatusBy Occupation

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02, DP03, DP04 and DP05.

Median Income Over Time (Household, Family, Nonfamily, Male, Female)


Income Type2011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Household Income$31,308$30,594$30,829$32,240$31,759$30,703$31,805$35,287$32,562$32,023$36,098$38,633$37,203
Median Family Income$44,656$47,390$50,205$46,034$43,114$41,090$43,625$47,578$43,969$42,564$42,931$43,209$45,000
Median NonFamily Income$18,057$17,134$16,273$15,714$15,804$16,671$17,255$18,223$19,096$20,712$26,275$28,098$23,679
Median Male Income$37,542$37,942$34,752$37,227$35,816$33,871$35,114$37,433$38,550$32,875$35,750$37,763$35,224
Median Female Income$25,804$29,237$31,600$30,333$26,662$26,172$26,335$26,314$27,441$28,861$33,950$38,911$39,337
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Average Household Income


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment Status


Employed:4,64246.74%
Unemployed:2042.05%
Not In Labor Force:5,08651.21%
Total:9,932100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Employment by Occupation (Civilian Employed Population, 16 and Over)


Management, business, science, and arts:1,25927.12%
Service:1,02322.04%
Sales and Office:92419.91%
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance:4489.65%
Production, transportation, and material moving:98821.28%
Total Civilian Employed Population:4,642100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Housing & Affordability


In 2023, the median home value is $100,000, which is much lower than the national median ($303,400), is up $14,900 (17.51%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $15,600. The median gross rent is $752, which is considerably lower than the national median ($1,348), is up $200 (36.23%) since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by $115. Of occupied housing, owners make up 49.92% (51.32% with a mortgage, 48.68% free-and-clear) and renters 50.08% - making this ZIP Code less home ownership than the state and higher than national rental averages. The vacancy rate is 22.46%, which is far higher than the national rate (10.43%).

Explore More:Compare Home ValueHome Value Over TimeRent & Over TimeHousing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Table DP03, SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.

Median Home Value (Comparison)


Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Home Value Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Home Value$85,100$85,400$82,800$84,200$81,300$77,800$77,000$80,600$84,400$83,500$85,000$87,500$100,000
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Gross Rent Paid


Less than $500:52719.76%
$500 to $999:1,42753.51%
$1,000 to $1,499:45216.95%
$1,500 to $1,999:110.41%
$2,000 to $2,499:00.00%
$2,500 to $2,999:00.00%
$3,000 or more:00.00%
No Rent:2509.37%
Total:2,667100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Median Gross Rent Over Time


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
Median Rent$552$583$612$622$628$642$629$628$637$661$647$750$752
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Occupancy


Owner Occupied (with mortgage):1,36425.62%
Owner Occupied (free and clear, no mortgage):1,29424.30%
Renter Occupied:2,66750.08%
Total Occupied Housing Units:5,325100%

Occupied Housing Units:5,32577.54%
Vacant Housing Units (not graphed):1,54222.46%
Total Housing Units:6,867100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Housing Type (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Other)


Single-Family Units:4,64267.60%
Multi-Family Units:1,83726.75%
Other Units:3885.65%
Total Housing Units:6,867100%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP04. SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

Education, Health & Community


In 2023, 17.80% of adults (25+) have a bachelor's degree or higher, which is far lower than the national rate (35.00%). High school or higher is 83.60%, which is far lower than the national rate (89.40%). The uninsured rate is 14.10%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.60%). Private coverage is 44.10%, which is falls below the national rate (67.30%). Public coverage is 50.40%, which is markedly above the state rate (32.40%). The share of people in poverty is 26.40%, which is far higher than the national rate (8.70%), up 7.10 percentage points since 2011 and above its 2019 pre-pandemic level by 7.30 percentage points. This signals a sharp increase in hardship - a shrinking consumer base, heavy pressure on public services, and job-market contraction risks. Among residents ages 3+, the largest enrollment group is elementary (50.70%). College enrollment is 19.47%, which is far lower than the national rate (26.70%), indicating the community may be more oriented toward vocational/trade or direct-to-workforce opportunities.

Explore More:Educational AttainmentHealth InsurancePoverty Over TimeSchool Enrollment

Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Using data from Tables DP02 and DP03.

Educational Attainment of Adults (25 and Older)


Less than 9th grade:4364.98%
9th to 12th grade, no diploma:1,00311.45%
High school graduate (includes equivalency):3,24937.10%
Some college, no degree:2,03223.20%
Associate's degree:4775.45%
Bachelor's degree:1,20613.77%
Graduate or professional degree:3554.05%
Total:8,758100%
High school or higher:7,31983.57%
Bachelor's degree or higher:1,56117.82%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Health Insurance Coverage by Type (Private, Public, Uninsured)


Private Insurance:5,68640.62%
Public Insurance:6,49846.42%
No Insurance:1,81512.97%
Total:13,999100%
Has Health Insurance:12,18487.03%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Percentage of People in Poverty Over Time (2011-2023)


Group2011210220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023
% of People in Poverty19.3%22.0%21.8%24.0%26.8%25.0%19.4%15.6%19.1%21.1%19.0%23.4%26.4%
Source: U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. DP03. SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS

Note: Counts of Families & People in poverty are not published at the ZIP Code level due to small sample sizes. Percentages shown are survey estimates from the American Community Survey (ACS). They may differ from official poverty statistics. The U.S. Census Bureau defines poverty status by comparing a family's or individual's total income with federal poverty thresholds that vary by family size and composition.

School Enrollment by Education Level (Ages 3 and Older)


Nursery School, Preschool:32510.55%
Kindergarten:1434.64%
Elementary school (grades 1-8):1,56250.70%
High school (grades 9-12):45114.64%
College or graduate school:60019.47%
Total:3,081100%
Early Childhood:46815.19%
K-12 (Primary & Secondary School):2,15669.98%
Source: U.S. Census 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Table DP02. SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS

Business & Employment Statistics


ZIP Code 31501 supports both business and residential activity. According to the Business Census (2023), there are 588 business establishments, employing about 7,628 people with an annual payroll of $326,865,000. USPS data shows 5,989 residential mailboxes and 897 business mailboxes, reflecting local delivery coverage.

# Residential Mailboxes:5,989Source: USPS
# Business Mailboxes:897Source: USPS
Total Delivery Receptacles:6,834Source: USPS
Single Family Delivery Units:5,020Source: USPS
Multi Family Delivery Units:327Source: USPS
# of Businesses:588Source: CBP
1st Quarter Payroll:$81,129,000Source: CBP
Annual Payroll:$326,865,000Source: CBP
# of Employees:7,628Source: CBP

Geography, Land Area, & Statistical Classifications


ZIP Code 31501 is located in Ware County, Georgia, within the Waycross, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area (CBSA 48180) and Georgia's 1st Congressional District. This Micro area has a population of 55,954 people, about 25.08% of whom live in ZIP Code 31501. It covers 11.998 sq mi of land and a water area of 0.084 sq mi.

CBSA Name:Waycross, GASource: Census
CBSA Number:48180Source: Census
CBSA Type:MicroSource: Census
CBSA Division:--Source: Census
CBSA Population:55,954Source: Census
MSA:Source: Census
Land Area:11.998 sq miSource: Census
Water Area:0.084 sq miSource: Census
Congressional District:01Source: USPS
Congressional Land Area:7982.81 sq miSource: Census
PMSA:Source: Census
Intro Date:< 2004-10Source: ZIP-Codes.com
Place FIPS Code:1380956Source: Census
Place Name:Waycross city; GeorgiaSource: Census

Adjacent & Nearby ZIP Codes


31502 | | 31421

Schools in ZIP Code 31501


ZIP Code 31501 is in the Ware County School District, which serves grades Pre-Kindergarten thru 12th. There are 3 public school(s) in this ZIP Code, and we have located 3 private school(s). It also has 6 colleges, universities or post secondary education institutions nearby which would be a short commute to.

Williams Heights Elementary School 705 Dewey St
Waycross, GA 31501
District: Ware County School District
Center Elementary School 2114 Dorothy St
Waycross, GA 31501
District: Ware County School District
Waycross Middle School 700 Central Ave
Waycross, GA 31501
District: Ware County School District
Southside Baptist Church & Christian School 3439 Knight Ave
Waycross, GA 31503
District: Private SchoolNearby
Lake Grace Christian School 5393 Odum Screven Rd
Jesup, GA 31545
District: Private SchoolNearby
First Academy 124 Gaskin Ave N
Douglas, GA 31533
District: Private SchoolNearby

Colleges & Post Secondary Schools near ZIP Code 31501


Coastal Pines Technical College 1701 Carswell Ave
Waycross, GA 31503
Type: Post Secondary
South Georgia State College 100 West College Park Drive
Douglas, GA 31533
Type: Post Secondary
College Of Coastal Georgia One College Drive
Brunswick, GA 31520-3644
Type: Post Secondary
Columbia College - Nsb Kings Bay 918 Uss James Madison Road Building 1030
Kings Bay, GA 31547-2532
Type: Post Secondary
National American University-Kings Bay 918 Uss James Madison Road Bldg 1030
Kings Bay, GA 31547-2532
Type: Post Secondary
Georgia Military College - Valdosta 4201 N. Forrest Street
Valdosta, GA 31605-7084
Type: Post Secondary

Sources & References


Our sources include trusted federal and licensed data from the United States Postal Service, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Geological Survey, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the National Center for Education Statistics, along with proprietary datasets created by ZIP-Codes.com. Data last updated on October 1, 2025.

  1. U.S. Postal Service [Last Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.usps.com
  2. ZIP-Codes.com Proprietary Data Enhancements [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://www.zip-codes.com
  3. U.S. Census [Updated: Varies], https://www.census.gov
    • U.S. Census Office of Management and Budget [Updated: As Released]
    • U.S. Census 2020 Demographic & Housing Characteristics (DHC) [Decennial] [Updated: 5/25/2023]
    • U.S. Census 2011-2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates (ACS) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census Business Patterns (CBD) [Annually] [Updated: Annually, As Released]
    • U.S. Census American National Standards Institute (ANSI) [Updated: As Released]
  4. U.S. Geological Survey [Updated: Varies], https://www.usgs.gov
  5. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services [Updated: Annually, As Released], https://www.cms.gov
  6. National Center for Education Statistics [Updated: 10/1/2025], https://nces.ed.gov