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Moving to Fitzgerald, Georgia

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Fitzgerald is a city located in South Central Georgia, in the heart of Ben Hill County. It is situated along the Ocmulgee River and near the Oconee National Forest. The climate in Fitzgerald is mild, with temperatures ranging from an average high of 85°F in summer to an average low of 38°F in winter. Precipitation levels are moderate throughout the year, and snowfall is rare.

The city’s history dates back to the early 1800s when it was founded by settlers from Virginia and North Carolina. It has since grown from a small village to a bustling city with over 8,000 inhabitants. Politically, Fitzgerald is part of Georgia’s 8th congressional district, which has been represented by Republican Austin Scott since 2011.

Fitzgerald’s economy is based largely on agriculture and manufacturing, with major employers including Tyson Foods, International Paper Company, and Georgia-Pacific Corporation. The city also boasts a vibrant downtown area with numerous shops and restaurants as well as several museums and other attractions.

The school system in Fitzgerald consists of seven elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school (Ben Hill County High School), and two private schools (First Presbyterian Christian Academy and St Anne-Pacelli Catholic School). Additionally, there are several higher education institutions located within close proximity to the city such as Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and South Georgia State College.

When it comes to landmarks, Fitzgerald offers plenty for visitors to explore including its historic downtown square which features several 19th century buildings; Heritage Park which features monuments dedicated to Confederate soldiers; Grand Theater – one of the oldest movie theaters still operating in Georgia; Ocmulgee National Monument – a site featuring ancient mounds built by Native Americans thousands of years ago; Blue & Gray Museum – dedicated to Civil War history; Magnolia Park – a popular outdoor recreation area; and many other attractions that make Fitzgerald an ideal destination for travelers looking for an adventure off the beaten path.

Former Union soldiers founded the city of Fitzgerald, the county seat of Ben Hill County. The city was incorporated on December 2, 1896. The courthouse in Ben Hill County was constructed in 1909 and is listed under the National Register of Historic Places.

Fitzgerald is named for P.H. Fitzgerald, an Indiana attorney, who envisioned a Southern town that would be home for aged Union soldiers.

The Historic District on South Lee and South Main streets in Fitzgerald is listed on the National Register. The town’s streets are named for Union and Confederate generals. The old railroad depot is home to the Blue and Grey Museum of Civil War memorabilia.

East Central Technical Institute, a member of Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education, is located in the City of Fitzgerald.

Population: 8,758. Estimated population in July 2024: 8,920 (+1.8% change)
Males: 3,986 (45.5%), Females: 4,772 (54.5%)

Ben Hill County

Zip code: 31750

Demographics

Median resident age: 34.9 years
Median household income: $20,805
Median house value: $52,500

Population by Race

Races in Fitzgerald:

  • Black (49.3%)
  • White Non-Hispanic (45.7%)
  • Hispanic (4.4%)
  • Other race (2.3%)
  • Two or more races (0.7%)

Ancestries: United States (14.2%), Irish (5.1%), English (3.6%), Subsaharan African (3.0%), German (1.6%), Scotch-Irish (1.4%).

Elevation: 338 feet

Land area: 7.2 square miles

Map of Fitzgerald, GA

Population by Education

Fitzgerald, Georgia is a small city located in Ben Hill County in the south-central region of the state. It has a population of approximately 9,000 people, according to the most recent census data. The racial makeup of the city is 67% African American, 25% White, 7% Hispanic or Latino and 1% other. The median household income for Fitzgerald is $27,000 per year and the median age is 40 years old. The largest employers in Fitzgerald are healthcare services, retail trade and manufacturing. Education levels among residents vary from those with a high school diploma or GED to those with college degrees or higher education. There are four public schools in Fitzgerald: two elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. There is also a private school in town as well as several churches and other religious organizations. Additionally, there are several parks and recreational areas for residents to enjoy throughout the year.

For population 25 years and over in Fitzgerald

  • High school or higher: 62.0%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 9.4%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 4.4%
  • Unemployed: 7.0%
  • Mean travel time to work: 17.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Fitzgerald city

  • Never married: 28.5%
  • Now married: 42.2%
  • Separated: 4.4%
  • Widowed: 12.9%
  • Divorced: 12.1%

3.1% Foreign born (2.7% Latin America).

Population change in the 1990s: -300 (-3.3%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Fitzgerald:

  • DORMINY MEDICAL CENTER (PERRY HOUSE RD BOX 989)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Fitzgerald:

  • IRWIN COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 9 miles; OCILLA, GA)
  • TIFT REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 24 miles; TIFTON, GA)
  • COFFEE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 32 miles; DOUGLAS, GA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Fitzgerald:

  • MOODY AFB (about 52 miles; VALDOSTA, GA; Abbreviation: VAD)
  • VALDOSTA RGNL (about 66 miles; VALDOSTA, GA; Abbreviation: VLD)
  • SOUTHWEST GEORGIA REGIONAL (about 66 miles; ALBANY, GA; Abbreviation: ABY)

Other public-use airports nearest to Fitzgerald:

  • FITZGERALD MUNI (about 3 miles; FITZGERALD, GA; Abbreviation: FZG)
  • TURNER COUNTY (about 26 miles; ASHBURN, GA; Abbreviation: 75J)
  • HENRY TIFT MYERS (about 26 miles; TIFTON, GA; Abbreviation: TMA)

Colleges and Universities

College/University in Fitzgerald:

  • EAST CENTRAL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE (Full-time enrollment: 919; Location: 667 PERRY HOUSE RD; Public; Website: www.ectcollege.org)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Fitzgerald:

  • ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY (about 60 miles; ALBANY, GA; Full-time enrollment: 2,996)
  • VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 60 miles; VALDOSTA, GA; Full-time enrollment: 7,157)
  • FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (about 73 miles; FT VALLEY, GA; Full-time enrollment: 2,233)
  • MACON STATE COLLEGE (about 80 miles; MACON, GA; Full-time enrollment: 2,557)
  • CENTRAL GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 80 miles; MACON, GA; Full-time enrollment: 2,383)
  • MERCER UNIVERSITY (about 82 miles; MACON, GA; Full-time enrollment: 5,859)
  • GEORGIA COLLEGE AND STATE UNIVERSITY (about 95 miles; MILLEDGEVILLE, GA; Full-time enrollment: 4,028)

Schools

Public high school in Fitzgerald:

  • FITZGERALD HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 933; Location: 601 WEST CYPRESS STREET; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Fitzgerald:

  • BEN HILL COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL (Students: 923; Location: 221 J. C. HUNTER DRIVE; Grades: PK – 02)
  • BEN HILL COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 755; Location: 134 J. C. HUNTER DRIVE; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • BEN HILL COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 698; Location: 327 DEWEY MCGLAMRY ROAD; Grades: 03 – 05)
  • PREK CENTER (Location: 405 NORTH LONGSTREET STREET; Grades: 00 – 00)
  • BEN HILL COUNTY ALTERNATIVE CENTER (Location: 400 W. JESSAMINE ST.; Grades: 00 – 00)

Libraries

Library in Fitzgerald:

  • FITZGERALD-BEN HILL COUNTY LIBRARY (Operating income: $346,415; Location: 123 NORTH MAIN STREET; 55,444 books; 366 audio materials; 2,183 video materials; 112 serial subscriptions)

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