You’ve probably heard people say Savannah is "exploding," but if you look at the raw data, the reality is a bit more nuanced than a simple boom. Honestly, Savannah is a city of two stories. There’s the historic city center, where the mossy oaks and cobblestones keep things feeling somewhat static, and then there’s the sprawling metropolitan area where the real action is happening.
The population of Savannah Georgia currently sits at approximately 149,465 within the city limits as we move through 2026. This isn't a massive jump from the 147,780 people recorded during the 2020 Census, but don't let those city-limit numbers fool you.
The growth isn't necessarily happening in the downtown squares. It's happening in the "Greater Savannah" area.
The Metropolitan Surge vs. The City Core
If you widen the lens to the Savannah Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)—which includes Chatham, Bryan, and Effingham counties—the numbers get a lot bigger. We’re talking about a metro population that has climbed to roughly 351,000 in 2026.
That’s a steady climb of about 1.15% over the last year. Basically, people are moving to the region, even if they aren't all cramming into the historic district.
Why the gap? Well, Savannah’s city limits are physically constrained by geography and historical preservation rules. You can't just throw up a 20-story apartment complex in the middle of Jones Street. Because of this, the "population of Savannah Georgia" often feels like a misnomer. The growth is bleeding into places like Pooler and Richmond Hill, where new housing developments are popping up faster than weeds in a humid Georgia summer.
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Who is actually living here?
The demographic breakdown is pretty fascinating. Savannah remains a majority-Black city, with African American residents making up about 52.2% of the population. White residents account for roughly 37.2%, while the Hispanic or Latino community has grown to about 7.1%.
Here’s a quick look at the age distribution you’ll find on the ground:
- Under 15: 17.6%
- 25 to 44 (The young professionals): 30.1%
- 45 to 64: 21.8%
- Over 65: 14%
The median age is around 33, which makes Savannah surprisingly young for a city that feels so "old world." It's a college town at heart, thanks to SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), which keeps a constant influx of young, creative energy cycling through the streets.
Why the population of Savannah Georgia is still climbing
It isn't just the ghosts and the pralines drawing people in. The economic engine is actually quite modern.
The Port of Savannah is one of the busiest in the country. It’s a massive logistics hub that provides thousands of jobs. When the port grows, the population grows. It’s that simple.
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Then you have the manufacturing side. With big players like Hyundai setting up their "Metaplant" nearby, the demand for housing has skyrocketed. We've seen a massive influx of workers from other states and even other countries. About 6.7% of Savannah's residents are foreign-born, and that number is trending upward.
The Real Estate Reality Check
If you're looking to move here, be prepared for a bit of a shock. Even though the population of Savannah Georgia isn't growing at a breakneck 10% annual clip, the housing prices act like it is.
Median household income hovers around $56,782, but that varies wildly by race and neighborhood. White households often report medians near $72,945, while Black households are closer to $45,092. This income gap is a major point of tension in a city where "luxury" apartments are the new standard for construction.
The rental market is particularly tight. Average rents have stayed high, often hitting over $1,700 for a decent one-bedroom. With a vacancy rate floating around 6.7%, there’s enough room to find a place, but you’re going to pay for it.
What most people get wrong about the growth
A common misconception is that everyone moving to Savannah is a retiree looking for a slow pace of life.
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Wrong.
The biggest growth segment is actually the 25–44 age group. These are people working in logistics, healthcare (St. Joseph's/Candler and Memorial are huge employers), and the tech-adjacent creative fields. They want the aesthetic of the South but the career opportunities of a modern hub.
Practical Steps for Navigating Savannah's Growth
If you are tracking the population of Savannah Georgia for business or relocation, here is the ground-level advice:
- Look West for Value: If the city-limit prices are too high, Pooler and Port Wentworth are where the infrastructure is expanding.
- Track the Port: The Georgia Ports Authority's expansion plans are the best "crystal ball" for where the population will be in five years.
- Respect the Density: Savannah's population density is roughly 1,365 people per square mile. It’s compact. Traffic in the historic district is a nightmare during peak tourist season, so plan your commute accordingly.
- Mind the Poverty Rate: It’s still around 19.5%. While the city is getting wealthier on average, there are deep pockets of economic struggle that the "top-line" growth numbers often mask.
Savannah isn't the sleepy coastal town it was thirty years ago. It’s a logistics powerhouse with a serious identity as a cultural destination. The numbers prove it’s a city that has found a way to grow without losing its soul—even if that growth means things are getting a little more crowded than they used to be.
To truly understand the future of this area, keep an eye on the Bryan County industrial developments. That is where the next major shift in the metro population is already being built.