Data & Resources

Access to accurate, up-to-date information is critical to making educated decisions. The HCDA understands businesses rely heavily on data as they seek to choose the best site for their location or expansion. The data below offers information for you to see all that Florida’s Front Porch has to offer and how we can help your business succeed.

Key Facts

The 60 minute region for Hamilton County is defined as the following counties: Hamilton County, Baker County, Union County, Columbia County, Lafayette County, Madison County, Suwannee County, Taylor County, Florida as well as the Georgia counties of Brooks County, Clinch County, Cook County, Echols County, Lanier County and Lowndes County. All information unless otherwise noted is sourced from JobsEQ updated April 2025.

Indicator
Hamilton County Population

13,445
60 Minute Radius of Hamilton County Population

488,752
Labor Force Size Ages 25-54 (60 Minute Region)

125,631
Prime Age Labor Force Participation Rate (60 Minute Region)

          70.1%
Industrial Electricity Rate kwh (60 Minute Region)

$0.07
Population with Associate’s Degree or Higher (60 Minute Region)

32.3%
Advanced Industry Employment (defined by Brookings Institute, 60 Minute Region)

10,463
Annual Military Exits (60 Minute Region)

607
Average Annual Wages (60 Minute Region)

$48,237
Private Sector Unionization Rate (60 Minute Region)

3.1%
Manufacturing Sector Unionization Rate (60 Minute Region)

5.0%
Median Age (60 Minute Region)

39.4
Cost of Living Compared to US Average

89.3%

Median House Value (of owner occupied units)

$183,86
Average Commute Time in Minutes (60 Minute Region)

24.7

Higher Education

Hamilton County offers six post-secondary educational institutions within 60 minutes, with nearly 25,000 enrolled students and awarding more than 9,00 degrees and certificates each year. Learn more about our education partners below.

Valdosta State University

  • Valdosta, Georgia – 33.3 miles
  • 11,200+ students

North Florida College

  • Madison, Florida – 27.8 miles
  • 1,300+ students

Wiregrasss Georgia Technical College

  • Valdosta, Georgia  – 39.1 miles
  • 6,100+ students

RIVEROAK Technical College

  • Live Oak, Florida – 15.7 miles
  • 500+ students

Florida Gateway College

  • Lake City, Florida – 29.7 miles
  • 4,900+ students

Big Bend Technical College

  • Perry, Florida – 60 miles
  • 200+ students

In the 60-minute region surrounding Hamilton County, there are six higher education institutions with nearly 25,000 students enrolled awarding more than 9,000 certificates and degrees. 

Florida Facts & Figures

0%

personal income tax

2nd

best state for business according to Chief Executive Magazine

AAA

bond rating