Fort Gaines ZIP Codes — Clay County, GA

There is one unique ZIP code in Fort Gaines, Georgia and it is 39851. Area code: 229.

ZIP codes

137.10

sq mi land

20.85

sq mi water

229

area code

Fort Gaines, GA ZIP code map

About Fort Gaines, GA

Fort Gaines, Georgia, is a small city nestled in the heart of Clay County. Known for its rich history and Southern charm, it provides a vibrant yet tranquil atmosphere for its residents and visitors alike. As a quintessential small town, Fort Gaines embodies the warm hospitality and community spirit characteristic of the American South.

Location & geography

Fort Gaines is located in southwest Georgia and covers a total area of 137.10 square miles, with 20.85 square miles designated as water. The city sits conveniently near major highways, making it accessible from surrounding areas. Neighboring cities include Blakely, which is approximately 19 miles away, and Cuthbert, located about 23 miles northeast.

Community & economy

The character of Fort Gaines is deeply rooted in its agricultural background, with industries such as farming and timber playing a significant role in the local economy. Daily life in the community is marked by traditional Southern values, friendly interactions, and participation in local events. Residents enjoy a close-knit atmosphere where local traditions are celebrated and the community works together to support one another.

Transportation

Fort Gaines is accessible via major highways, including Georgia State Route 39, which connects the city to other areas in the region. The nearest named airport is Southwest Georgia Regional Airport, located approximately 35 miles away in Albany, GA, providing additional connectivity for travelers.

History

Fort Gaines was founded in the early 19th century and originally served as a military post during the Second Seminole War. The town's economy flourished with the development of agriculture and timber, which remain integral to its identity today. Notable events in the city’s history include the construction of historic buildings that reflect its past and attract visitors interested in Southern heritage.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Fort Gaines is that it is home to the historic Fort Gains, which played a crucial role during military conflicts in the 19th century. Additionally, the city hosts an annual catfish festival that celebrates the local fishing industry and draws visitors from across the region.

ZIP codes for Fort Gaines, GA (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
39851	Fort Gaines	Clay	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,872

Population

42.5

Median age

$32,331

Median household income

$21,899

Per capita income

$76,700

Median home value

$378

Median monthly rent

59.1%

Home ownership

28.2%

Poverty rate

5.8%

Unemployment

1,017

Housing units

16.1%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

101

20–24

25–34

113

35–44

123

45–54

115

55–59

60–64

112

65–74

149

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	447	23.9%
18 and over	1,425	76.1%
65 and over	460	24.6%
Median age	42.5 years

Race & ethnicity

Black or African American 73.4%

White 23.3%

Asian 2.3%

Two or more races 0.7%

Hispanic or Latino 0.3%

Group	Count	%
Black or African American	1,378	73.4%
White	437	23.3%
Asian	44	2.3%
Two or more races	13	0.7%
Hispanic or Latino	6	0.3%

Household income

Under $10k 9.2%

$10k–$15k 11.2%

$15k–$25k 16.6%

$25k–$35k 13.3%

$35k–$50k 14.8%

$50k–$75k 11.2%

$75k–$100k 18.4%

$100k–$150k 5.1%

$150k–$200k 0.2%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	9.2%
$10k–$15k	11.2%
$15k–$25k	16.6%
$25k–$35k	13.3%
$35k–$50k	14.8%
$50k–$75k	11.2%
$75k–$100k	18.4%
$100k–$150k	5.1%
$150k–$200k	0.2%
Median income	$32,331

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 29.4%

$50k–$100k 35.1%

$100k–$150k 15.5%

$150k–$200k 5.7%

$200k–$300k 8.8%

$300k–$500k 5.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$76,700
Median rent / month	$378
Owner occupied	59.1%
Renter occupied	40.9%
Vacant	40.2%
Single-family detached	55.6%
Large apartment buildings	0.4%
Mobile homes	35.0%
Median rooms	5.2
Avg household size (owned)	1.99

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	5.4%
2000–2009	9.7%
1990–1999	18.1%
1980–1989	15.5%
1970–1979	22.4%
1960–1969	6.2%
1950–1959	6.3%
1940–1949	3.3%
1939 or earlier	13.1%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	2.2%
1 bedroom	7.7%
2 bedrooms	30.7%
3 bedrooms	43.6%
4 bedrooms	13.3%
5+ bedrooms	2.5%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	11.4%
1 vehicle	36.9%
2 vehicles	31.3%
3 or more	20.4%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	5.5%
Electricity	81.9%
Propane / LP gas	12.7%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	162	20.1%
Cohabiting couple	41	5.1%
Male householder, no spouse	203	25.2%
Female householder, no spouse	399	49.6%
Households with children under 18	152	18.9%
Households with seniors (65+)	343	42.6%
Average household size	2.25

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	44.0%	41.2%
Married	33.6%	18.1%
Separated	8.3%	5.9%
Widowed	6.5%	13.9%
Divorced	7.5%	20.8%

Education

Less than 9th grade 2.3%

Some HS, no diploma 7.5%

HS graduate 35.7%

Some college, no degree 22.5%

Associate's degree 15.9%

Bachelor's degree 6.4%

Graduate / professional 9.7%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	90.2%
Bachelor's or higher	16.1%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	18	3.9%
Kindergarten	16	3.4%
Elementary school	141	30.4%
High school	165	35.6%
College / grad school	124	26.7%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 19.3%

Transportation & utilities 13.5%

Manufacturing 12.4%

Public administration 11.2%

Arts, food & hospitality 10.2%

Retail trade 9.4%

Agriculture & mining 7.9%

Construction 7.8%

Other services 4.6%

Finance & real estate 1.9%

Professional & management 1.0%

Wholesale trade 0.6%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	18.9%
Service	22.3%
Sales & office	21.4%
Natural resources & construction	10.0%
Production & transportation	27.4%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	76.3%
Government	17.1%
Self-employed	6.6%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	80.4%
Carpool	4.7%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	4.0%
Other means	5.9%
Avg commute (minutes)	19.7

Poverty

All people 28.2%

Under 18 years 47.9%

18 and over 21.7%

Married-couple families 0.0%

Female-led households 27.3%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	45.2%
Retirement income	28.3%
Supplemental Security	5.5%
Cash public assistance	0.4%
Food stamps / SNAP	38.6%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	53.3%
High cholesterol	39.1%
Heart disease	11.6%
Stroke	7.3%
Asthma	12.4%
Arthritis	37.4%
Kidney disease	5.8%
Pulmonary disease	13.5%
Cancer	7.5%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	10.0%
No physical activity	40.7%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	41.3%
Fair or poor health	31.7%
Poor mental health	17.7%
Poor physical health	18.6%
No health insurance	26.4%
Visited doctor (checkup)	82.3%
Visited dentist	41.5%
Cholesterol screening	90.8%
Teeth loss	31.5%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	108	7.6%

Disability	%
Any disability	16.2%
Under 18	5.4%
18–64 years	8.4%
65 and over	45.7%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	55.3%
Public insurance	50.4%
Uninsured under 19	3.7%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,714	91.6%
Spanish	23	1.3%
Other Indo-European	23	1.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	0	0.0%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,812	96.8%
Born in same state	1,805	96.4%
Born in different state	1,448	77.4%
Foreign born	7	0.4%
Naturalized citizen	60	3.2%
Not a US citizen	16	26.7%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	173	9.2%
French	112	6%

Ancestry	Count	%
Italian	44	2.4%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	43.0%
Internet access	91.1%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Fort Gaines, GA have?

Fort Gaines, GA has one ZIP code: 39851. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.