Cost of living (Clay Affordability Index)
CAI 85 —
15% below the national average.
how it's computed
Housing48% below
Goods & services3% below
Utilities5% above
Taxes13% below
Insurance5% above
Commute cost28% above
No natural gas service in this area — most homes heat with electricity or propane.
For business: Georgia is
CBII band 2/5
· time to build band 1/5.
See state page for the breakdown.
Living here
Nearest 4-year college5 mi
Nearest community college18 mi
Nearest technical college28 mi
High school graduates82.1%
College graduates5.8%
Doing business here
Economic development contacts, most local first:
city
Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department
The Athens-Clarke County Economic Development Department helps businesses locate, expand, or relocate in Athens-Clarke County, offering site selection assistance, financial incentives, workforce development, public infrastructure improvements, supplier sourcing, international trade consulting, research, entrepreneur resource referrals, permit assistance and much more. It targets key employment opportunities like advanced and precision manufacturing, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, craft beverages, brewing and distilling, the creative economy, and healthcare and life sciences.
region
Northwest Regional Commission
The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission is a multi-county regional planning and development organization serving 15 counties and 48 cities. Major responsibilities include implementing the Georgia Planning Act of 1989, administering the Area Agency on Aging and the Workforce Investment Act, and providing planning and development assistance to member governments.
state
Georgia Economic Developers' Assoc
The Georgia Economic Developers Association (GEDA) is a non-profit association of professionals and volunteers who are involved with the economic development of the cities and counties of Georgia. GEDA serves Georgia's economic development community with networking, professional development and public policy resources.
state
Georgia Electric Membership
Georgia EMC is the statewide trade association for Georgia’s 41 electric membership cooperatives (EMCs) and their generation and transmission partners. Its Community & Economic Development Teams offer data-driven insights and confidential site selection tools and services to help communities and businesses locate and succeed in Georgia. Services are provided at no cost to communities and site selectors through the support of Georgia’s Electric Cooperatives.
state
MEAG Power
The Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia (MEAG Power) is a nonprofit, statewide generation and transmission organization that provides reliable, competitively-priced wholesale electricity to 49 member communities (Participants), who own and operate their local electric distribution systems.
state
Southeast Industrial Development Association
The Southeast Industrial Development Association is a regional economic development association that facilitates site location, financing opportunities, infrastructure development, and marketing and demographic research to assist businesses with locations and expansions.
State sales taxYes
State income taxYes
Right-to-work stateYes