At the 2000 United States census, there were 119,560 people, 42,666 households, and 29,474 families residing in the Valdosta metropolitan area.[2] By the 2022 census estimates, the Valdosta metropolitan area's population increased to 149,849, up from 148,126 according to the 2020 U.S. census.[3]
According to the 2000 U.S. census, the racial makeup of the metropolitan area was 62.42% White, 33.37% African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.98% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.54% from other races, and 1.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino Americans of any race were 3.19% of the population. In 2022, the American Community Survey estimated its racial and ethnic composition was 53% White, 34% African American, 1% Asian, 5% multiracial, and 7% Hispanic or Latino of any race.[4] The increased demographic diversity follows the greater nationwide diversification as of 2020.[5][6]
In 2000, the median income for a household in the MSA was $28,516, and the median income for a family was $34,044. Males had a median income of $26,347 versus $19,250 for females. The per capita income for the MSA was $15,019.[2] In 2022, the median household income for the Valdosta metropolitan area was $51,926 with a per capita income of $27,935. Approximately 17% of the metropolitan area lived at or below the poverty line, and the median value of an owner-occupied housing unit was $178,500.[4]
Economy
Valdosta State University
The Valdosta metropolitan area forms the economic center of Southeast Georgia. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, metropolitan Valdosta and Southeast Georgia's largest industries were the military through the Georgia Air National Guard, and healthcare and education, stimulated by the Mayo Health Clinic System and Valdosta State University.[7] Valdosta State University operates a center of economic development for the region,[8] aiming to increase development within industrial businesses, healthcare, education, arts and athletics. The city of Valdosta hosts Valdosta Mall, the area's regional mall.
Media
The media market of the metropolitan statistical area is centered in the city of Valdosta. Portions of the area also receive television and radio networks from the Tallahassee, Florida media market.
WSWG channel 44 is the local CBS affiliate licensed to Valdosta and based in Moultrie. The station serves the Valdosta and Albany areas, and includes subchannels offering programming from MyNetworkTV and Me-TV.
