Brunswick, Georgia: Population Trends

Brunswick, Georgia, has a population of around 15,000 people, according to the 2020 US census. It is the county seat of Glynn County and the principal city of the Brunswick metropolitan area, which has a population of over 113,000. Brunswick is the second-largest urban area on the Georgia coastline and has a progressive economy largely based on tourism and logistics.

Population decline

Brunswick, Georgia, is currently experiencing a population decline. The city's population stood at 15,105 in 2024, a decrease of 0.18% from the 2020 census figure of 15,213. This decline is reflected in the wider metropolitan area, which saw its population fall from 113,495 in 2020 to 15,243 in 2022.

Several factors may have contributed to Brunswick's population decline. One factor could be economic conditions. While Brunswick's economy is largely based on tourism and logistics, with a GDP of $3.9 billion as of 2013, the city has a relatively low median household income of $29,781 in 2022, which increased by only 1.43% from 2021. Additionally, the city has a high poverty rate of 30.84%, and the median monthly housing costs of $718 in 2020 may also be a factor.

Another factor could be the city's demographic composition. Brunswick has a significant proportion of residents who are not US citizens, with 2.82% of residents being non-US citizens, and 4.86% of residents born outside the country as of 2022. This may contribute to a more mobile population, with people more likely to move in and out of the city.

Furthermore, Brunswick has a diverse racial and ethnic composition, with a significant proportion of Black or African American residents, who made up 56.2% of the population as of the 2020 census. This diversity may contribute to a more dynamic and mobile population, with people moving to and from the city for various reasons, such as work or family.

Finally, the city's educational institutions may also play a role in the population decline. While the city is home to the College of Coastal Georgia, which has over 3,000 enrolled students, the student population is skewed towards women, with 960 male students and 2,187 female students in 2022. This imbalance may contribute to a gender disparity in the wider population and could be a factor in the decline if it results in more people moving away from the city.

Racial composition

Brunswick, Georgia has a population of 15,105 as of 2024. The racial composition of Brunswick is as follows:

Black or African American: 61.5%

Brunswick's Black or African American population constitutes the majority of its racial composition, with over six out of ten residents identifying as such. This demographic group has a notable presence in the city, influencing various aspects of its culture and history.

White (Non-Hispanic): 28.9% to 33.1%

The White (Non-Hispanic) population in Brunswick makes up a significant portion of the city's residents, with approximately three out of ten people belonging to this racial group. Their presence contributes to the cultural diversity of the area.

Hispanic or Latino Americans: 5.8% to 9.49%

The Hispanic or Latino American community in Brunswick is a growing minority, with a notable presence in the city. They add to the cultural fabric of the region and contribute to its overall diversity.

Two or More Races: 2.55%

A small but significant portion of Brunswick's population identifies with two or more races, reflecting the increasing racial diversity and interracial relationships within the community.

Native American: 0.29%

A small percentage of the population in Brunswick identifies as Native American. While this group is not as large as others, they are still a part of the city's diverse racial makeup.

Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.14%

A very small proportion of the population in Brunswick identifies as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Despite their small numbers, they are a part of the city's diverse ethnic landscape.

Brunswick, Georgia, has a diverse racial composition, with the Black or African American population being the largest group, followed by Whites (Non-Hispanic) and Hispanics or Latino Americans. The presence of other racial groups, although smaller in number, contributes to the overall cultural tapestry of the city.

Household income

Brunswick, Georgia, has a population of 15,105 as of 2024. The average household income in Brunswick is $57,081, with a median household income of $29,781 as of 2022. The city has a poverty rate of 30.84%.

The income levels in Brunswick are influenced by various factors, including industry and employment. The largest industries in the city are health care and social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food services. The median income for males in Georgia is 1.35 times higher than that of females. The highest-paying industries in Brunswick are public administration, professional and technical services, and finance and insurance.

The cost of living in Brunswick is relatively low compared to the national average. The cost of living index for the city is 85, which translates to 15% lower than the national average. Housing expenses and income levels play a significant role in affordability. The median home price in Brunswick is 44.5% lower than the national average, and monthly rent is 22.6% lower. The median household income in Brunswick is $27,471, which is 50.3% lower than the national average.

In terms of taxes, Brunswick has a general sales tax rate of 4% and income tax rates starting at 1%. Healthcare costs in the city are 14.5% lower than the national average, and grocery expenses are 1.5% lower.

The income levels in Brunswick also vary across different demographic groups. The poverty rate among those who worked full-time was 9.47%, while it was higher for those working part-time (33.92%) and those who did not work (37.86%). The racial group most likely to be in poverty in Brunswick is Native, with 95.45% below the poverty line. In contrast, the group least likely to be in poverty is White, with a poverty rate of 17.48%.

Poverty rate

Brunswick, Georgia has a poverty rate of 30.8% as of 2022, which is a 59% increase from the 12.7% poverty rate across the state of Georgia. The poverty rate among those who work full-time in Brunswick is 9.47%, while the rate is 33.92% for those working part-time, and 37.86% for those who are not working.

The racial group most likely to be in poverty in Brunswick is Native Americans, with 95.5% below the poverty line. The racial group least likely to be in poverty is White, with 17.48% below the poverty line.

The median household income in Brunswick is $29,781, with a mean of $57,395. The median income for families is $29,953, with a mean of $53,434.

The poverty rate in Brunswick is higher than the national average, with 30.8% of the population living below the poverty line, compared to the national average of 12.5%.

The city has a declining population, with an annual decrease of 0.18%, and a total population decrease of 0.71% since the 2020 census.

Education

Brunswick, Georgia, has a wide range of educational institutions, from kindergarten to college. The Glynn County School System is the governing authority for public schools in the city, with over 12,000 students enrolled. The system includes ten elementary schools, four middle schools, and two high schools: Brunswick High School and Glynn Academy.

Brunswick High School is a public high school that is part of the Glynn County School District. It serves sections of Brunswick, Everett, and Sterling, as well as parts of Country Club Estates and Dock Junction. The school has a range of extracurricular activities, including a boys' basketball team and a football team. The school opened a new facility on Altama Avenue in 2014, becoming one of the largest new schools in the state.

Glynn Academy, located on Mansfield Street, is the second-oldest public high school in the American South and the sixth-oldest in the United States. It was founded in 1788 by an act of the Georgia General Assembly. Students at Glynn Academy have the opportunity to take Advanced Placement® coursework and exams, with an AP® participation rate of 38%.

In addition to the public schools, there are several private schools in the area, including a Catholic school, a Seventh-day Adventist school, and various Christian schools offering primary and secondary education.

For higher education, Brunswick is home to the College of Coastal Georgia, which has more than 3,000 enrolled students and offers bachelor's degree programs in education, business, and nursing sciences. The city also has a technical college, Coastal Pines Technical College.

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