Chickamauga, GA, is a Walker County city best known for its rich history and the Battle of Chickamauga, which was one of the largest and most vicious battles ever fought on Georgia soil.
The Chickamauga Cherokees were the area’s first settlers; they utilized the land’s rich soil and nearby freshwater source (Chickamauga Creek) to farm, hunt, and prosper for many years. From the early 1800s to 1838, the Cherokee tribes thrived but eventually fell victim to the Trail of Tears, the displacement of over 60,000 Native Americans from 1830 to 1850. The city was officially incorporated in 1891 and was named after Chickamauga Creek.
Although Chickamauga is part of the Chattanooga, TN–GA Metropolitan Statistical Area, the city is located in northern Georgia, only 14.7 miles from Chattanooga; it isn’t a Tennessee city. Chickamauga is a great place to live for many reasons. It’s positioned near famous cities like Chattanooga, surrounded by other safe cities, and boasts a low cost of living. Chickamauga’s attractive attributes don’t end there; here is everything you need to know before moving to Chickamauga!
Where Is Chickamauga?
Chickamauga is located in Walker County, Georgia, perfectly positioned between Cumberland Plateau’s Lookout Mountain and Armuchee Ridges, providing ideal mountain scenery throughout the city. Rock Spring, Boynton, High Point, Rossville, and Chattanooga Valley border the city; it’s 14.7 miles from Chickamauga, GA, to Chattanooga, TN.
Walker Transit provides public transportation for Chickamauga and other cities within the county. They’re in service Monday through Friday between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Unlike other public transportation systems, you must schedule your ride a day in advance; call (706) 375-0803 to schedule your ride. The dispatcher will need the exact address of your destination, and the driver will require you to pay the $4 fare before leaving—note that the fare price is per trip, and you must provide the exact amount (drivers will not have change.)
Chickamauga GA Population & Demographics
The population of Chickamauga, GA, is 3,250, and its ethnic and racial makeup is 95.6% White (non-Hispanic), 3.57% two or more races (non-Hispanic), and 0.863% Black or African American (non-Hispanic.) There are a couple of celebrities that grew up here!
Notable people from Chickamauga:
- Ashley Harkleroad
- Steve Tarvin
The median age here is 38.2, with 54% of its population being under the age of 40, 35% being over the age of 40, and 11% being between 40 and 49 years old. This city has diverse age demographics!
The sex ratio here is 57 females to 43 males; out of the 1,221 households, 61% are married couples. 16% are non-families, and 23% are female householders. Chickamauga is a highly educated city, with 99% of its residents boasting high school diplomas and 38% having a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Additional Chickamauga demographics:
- Veteran population: 3.8%
- Median household income: $60,074 (The state of GA is $65,030)
- Foreign-born population: 0%
- Housing units: 1,329 (67% owner-occupied and 33% renter-occupied)
While we’re touching on Chickamauga’s demographics, we will cover crime rates to help you better decide if moving to Chickamauga is right for you! The FBI doesn’t provide crime rate statistics for Chickamauga, so we’ll be using Rossville as a reference city. Rossville has a higher crime rate than the state and nation, which is likely due to its proximity to Chattanooga, which is a larger city, centered around its lively nightlife. You may expect a slightly lower crime rate when living in Chickamauga.
- Rossville crime rate per 100k people: 5,351
- Georgia crime rate per 100k people: 2,407
- US crime rate per 100k people: 2,346
- Rossville violent crime rate per 100k people: 525
- Georgia violent crime rate per 100k people: 400
- US violent crime rate per 100k people: 388
- Rossville property crime rate per 100k people: 4,826
- Georgia property crime rate per 100k people: 2,007
- US property crime rate per 100k people: 1,958
You can take comfort in knowing the Chickamauga Police Department has countless dedicated police officers keeping its citizens safe!
Cost of Living in Chickamauga
One of Chickamauga’s most prized attributes is its low cost of living; the city boasts a Cost of Living Index (COLI) of 87.8, which is 12.% below the national average. Healthcare (107.2 index), groceries (95.3 index), and utilities (103 index) are the highest expenses here.
The cost of housing index here is only 63.8, and Chickamauga’s median home price is $300,000, well below the US average of $416,100. The price per square foot here is $168, and it’s seen a 5% increase since 2022. The Chickamauga real estate is only somewhat competitive, as only nine homes sold in August 2023 after sitting on the market for a median of 64 days. Many houses for sale in Chickamauga, GA, boast unique and vintage architecture; however, new construction homes are also available.
Renting here is also an affordable option; the average rent in Chickamauga for a two-bedroom is $950 per month, which is quite reasonable compared to Atlanta’s $1,852 and Augusta’s $1,162 for similar-sized units.
Here are some typical Chickamauga monthly expenses to consider:
- Inexpensive restaurant meal: $16.50
- Gallon of milk $3.87
- Loaf of white bread: $3.06
- Pound of local cheese $7.05
- Pound of apples: $2.82
- Pound of chicken filets: $4.50
- Average city of Chickamauga utilities per month: $425 (per Doxo)
Source: Numbeo – these figures are for Chattanooga, which has a cost of living index 1.3% lower than Chickamauga, so prices may differ when living here.
Overall, middle-income families who sit on the higher end of the income spectrum ($48,500 to $145,500) can certainly afford to live in Chickamauga, as the Economic Policy Institute suggests an annual household income of $74,472 for a family of four to live comfortably in Walker County, GA.
Chickamauga Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Chickamauga
Here are a few of the beautiful and safe Chickamauga neighborhoods.
Chickamauga Historic District
It boasts a rich history, beautifully built homes, plenty of parks (Dan McNally Park), and unique shops and eateries. The downtown district is positioned near the head of Crawfish Creek and historic sites like Gordon Lee Mansion. If you’re searching for a centrally located neighborhood in Chickamauga, its historic district is for you.
Cloudland Station
One of the few gated communities in Chickamauga is the notable Cloudland Station. This community provides a tight-knit community and beautiful structured homes with a unique northern spin. The community has four neighborhoods (Maple Hill, Mill Creek Village, Cherokee Knoll, and Lantern Cove.) The homes boast a cozy interior with natural wood elements and granite countertops. The properties are well-manicured with mature landscaping, offering a homey aspect many communities lack. If you’re looking for a unique and safe gated community in the Georgia mountains, consider Cloudland Station.
Chickamauga Weather & Climate
Here’s what to expect from the climate and weather in Chickamauga! Chickamauga has a Koppen classification of Cfa, which is best explained as humid subtropical. The average temperatures here range from 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 88 degrees Fahrenheit, with a humidity level below 60% for 57 days (or 15.6% of the year), which is typical for the southeast US. The rainiest month of the year is March, with an average of 4.7 inches, and the snowiest month is January, with an average of 1.5 inches. The annual rainfall is 56.1 inches, and the annual snowfall is 18.5 inches.
The best time of the year to visit Chickamauga is mid-May to late June and from mid-August to early October; early summer provides optimal temperatures for warm weather activities, and late summer/early fall is ideal if you’re craving cooler temps and an autumn ambiance.
Things to Do in Chickamauga GA
Alongside Chickamauga’s great shopping centers, The Shops of 1910, and One Eleven Gordon Home & Gifts, there are plenty of attractions and things to do.
The Wilder Brigade Monument
This historic landmark is located in Chickamauga And Chattanooga National Military Park and is a must-see. You can see where the battle of Chickamauga took place from the famous stone watchtower!
Glenn-Vineyard Rd, Chickamauga, GA 30707, (706) 375-3177
Helicopter Park
Helicopter Park is a veteran’s memorial park in Chickamauga; there is a playground, picnic tables, and many other things to explore. Helicopter Park is one of the best things to do in Chickamauga, Georgia!
705 Crittenden Ave, Chickamauga, GA 30707, (423) 309-4364
Pocket Loop Trailhead
Pocket Loop Trailhead is the perfect place to partake in mountain hiking. This attraction is most popular in the spring and summer months!
Pocket Rd, Chickamauga, GA 30707, (706) 638-1437
Additional Attractions in and Near Chickamauga
- Chickamauga And Chattanooga National Military Park
- Shirley Miller Wildflower Trail
- AMC CLASSIC Battlefield 10
The Chickamauga Parks and Recreation Department maintains the many beautiful parks in Chickamauga. When living in Chickamauga, you can expect involved elected officials and countless community events, which you can browse on the city’s special events calendar.
Restaurants in Chickamauga GA
There are countless delicious Chickamauga restaurants; here are our top three!
Choo Choo BBQ & Grill
Choo Choo BBQ has some of the best barbeque in Chickamauga. Their most notable dishes are their sliced pork with fries and brisket sandwich!
12960 US Hwy 27, Chickamauga, GA 30707, (706) 375-7675
Los Potros Mexican Restaurant
Give one of the best Mexican restaurants in Chickamauga a try! They boast authentic dishes like chicken enchiladas and steak fajitas.
201 Lee Ave, Chickamauga, GA 30707, (706) 375-4111
Greg’s Restaurant
Greg’s is one of the best restaurants in Chickamauga, GA! They offer popular American dishes like corn fritters, grits, steak, and eggs!
12560 US Hwy 27, Chickamauga, GA 30707, (706) 375-4788
Jobs in Chickamauga
Chickamauga’s economy is fueled by a handful of small businesses alongside a few larger companies. Its most notable locally-owned businesses are Chickamauga Pharmacy, Garcia’s Mexican Grocery & Taco, and Chickamauga Lumber, and its most prominent companies are Mcdonald’s, Food Lion, and Advanced Auto Parts. The main Walker County Employers are Roper Corporation, Shaw Industries Group, and Hitachi Astemo, and the leading industries in Chickamauga are retail trade, healthcare and social services, and educational services.
The city’s workforce is 1,700 people, with a shallow unemployment rate of 2.9% (the US average is 6%.) While the job market has only seen a 3.4% increase since 2022, by 2033, the projected growth is 43.6%, 1.1% above the US average. If you’re considering moving to Chickamauga, know the economy is thriving and headed in the right direction!
Here’s what you can expect to earn when living in Chickamauga:
- Average Chickamauga hourly wage: $14.02
- Average base salary: $72,000
The most popular occupations earn between $35,000 and $114,00 per year; 29% of the residents earn between $75,000 and $100,000 yearly, whereas only 2% earn over $200,000.
Here is a breakdown of common occupations and what they’re earning:
| Job Title | Average Salary |
| Area Operations Manager | $74,537 |
| Chief Executive Officer (CEO) | $107,597 |
| Police Captain | $35,000 |
Overall, there are plenty of well-paying jobs in Chickamauga, GA. Whether you’re in the public sector and are searching for Walker County jobs or are a passionate educator interested in Chickamauga City Schools jobs, this city’s economy can accommodate you!
Chickamauga Schools
Chickamauga is part of the Chickamauga City School District, which comprises three schools—-Chickamauga Elementary School, Gordon Lee Middle School, and Gordon Lee High School. The district was established in 1905 and has fostered Chickamauga’s younger generation for two centuries. There are over 1,300 students, 54% of whom live in neighboring counties and choose to commute in order to attend the high-quality Chickamauga schools!
While there are no colleges in Chickamauga, there are plenty close by! Thanks to the city’s proximity to Chattanooga, various renowned universities are just a short drive away. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is 20 miles away, and Tennessee Temple University is 13.
The city of Chickamauga has all the resources a student would need to thrive; the Chickamauga Library is located in the city’s heart and is an ideal place to study, enjoy some recreational reading, or bring your children to enjoy community storytime!
Chickamauga Statistics & Information
- County: Walker County
- Chickamauga area: 2.861 mi²
- Chickamauga, GA zip code: 30707
- Chickamauga area code(s): 706, 762
- Chickamauga elevation: 732′
- Chickamauga time zone: Eastern Daylight Time (GMT-4)
- Closest airport to Chickamauga: Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) is 15.9 miles from Chickamauga
Chickamauga GA Map
Explore more things to do in the City of Chickamauga with this handy map!
If you’re moving to Chickamauga, All Out Moving & Storage will gladly provide any moving service you need. We want you to enjoy the excitement of relocating to this great city while our Chickamauga movers handle the heavy lifting. Contact us at 423-716-3025 for a free moving estimate.
