Real Estate Market

Last updated: September 2026

📈 12-Month Price Trend — Camden

Median home price over the last 12 months. Source: Zillow Research.

📋 Market Summary

🏘️ Housing Profile

Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.

🗺️ Nearby County Comparison

🏠 Buying a Home in Camden

Camden County, Georgia offers homebuyers a compelling entry point into the coastal Southeast real estate market, with a median home price of $304,428. This price point sits comfortably within reach for many households, particularly given the area's median household income of $68,104, which translates to a price-to-income ratio that remains more favorable than many comparable coastal communities in Georgia and Florida. Whether you're drawn to newer subdivisions near Kingsland, established neighborhoods in St. Marys, or more rural properties with acreage, Camden's diversity of housing stock means buyers at various budget levels can find something that fits their needs without stretching finances to the breaking point. Market conditions in Camden reflect a relatively stable environment for buyers. The median home price has shifted by just -0.1% compared to the previous month, signaling a market that is neither aggressively appreciating nor experiencing meaningful decline. This kind of price stability can be reassuring for buyers who worry about purchasing at a peak, as it suggests the local market is finding a natural equilibrium. Buyers in Camden should still move with intention, however, as desirable properties — particularly those near the waterfront or within proximity to major employment centers — tend to attract attention from both local and relocating buyers. When navigating the buying process in Camden, working with a local real estate agent who understands the nuances of Camden County's distinct communities is essential. St. Marys, Kingsland, and Woodbine each have their own character, price ranges, and proximity considerations to major employers and recreational amenities. Buyers should also factor in flood zone designations when shopping near the Satilla River or the coastal marshlands, as flood insurance can meaningfully affect monthly ownership costs. Getting a thorough home inspection and researching HOA fees in newer developments will help ensure there are no financial surprises after closing. What makes Camden particularly attractive to buyers goes far beyond price. The county sits at the southern tip of Georgia's coast, offering access to the pristine shores of Cumberland Island National Seashore, the charming historic downtown of St. Marys, and countless opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and outdoor recreation. Camden is also home to significant economic drivers including Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, which provides employment stability that helps anchor the local housing market. Proximity to Jacksonville, Florida — just 30 to 40 minutes south — gives Camden residents access to a major metropolitan area's amenities, healthcare, and airport while enjoying the quieter pace and lower costs of small-town Georgia living. For buyers seeking value, natural beauty, and community, Camden delivers on all fronts.

🏢 Renting in Camden

The rental market in Camden, Georgia offers a genuinely accessible option for those not yet ready to commit to homeownership or who are new to the area and want to explore its communities before buying. The median monthly rent in Camden sits at $1,136, a figure that reflects the county's relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Georgia metros like Atlanta or Savannah. Renters will find options ranging from single-family homes in quiet residential neighborhoods to apartment complexes near commercial corridors in Kingsland, which serves as the county's largest city by population. The presence of Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base also means the rental market has a steady, consistent demand from military families, which keeps inventory moving and landlords attentive to maintaining properties to attract quality tenants. At $1,136 per month, Camden renters can typically expect a comfortable amount of living space compared to what that rent would secure in more expensive coastal markets. In many cases, that budget can stretch to a two- or even three-bedroom home or apartment, particularly in Kingsland or the outskirts of St. Marys. Renters who prioritize outdoor access will appreciate that many properties are within a short drive of the St. Marys waterfront, boat launches, and trails leading toward Cumberland Island. While luxury apartment communities with resort-style amenities are less common here than in larger cities, Camden compensates with space, a relaxed pace, and a genuine sense of community that is increasingly rare at this price point anywhere in the Southeast. When weighing whether to rent or buy in Camden, the math deserves careful consideration. A median-priced home at $304,428 financed with a conventional 30-year mortgage and a 20% down payment would result in a principal and interest payment significantly above the $1,136 median rent, especially when factoring in current interest rates, property taxes, and homeowner's insurance. That said, buying builds equity over time and offers stability against rising rents, and Camden's homeownership rate of 65% suggests the community broadly favors ownership as a long-term goal. Renters who are relatively new to the area, saving toward a down payment, or uncertain about long-term plans would be wise to spend time renting first — getting to know the county's neighborhoods before making a permanent commitment is a sound strategy in a market as geographically and culturally varied as Camden.

📖 Camden Real Estate Market History

Camden County's real estate history is deeply intertwined with its strategic geographic position and military significance. The establishment and expansion of Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, which became home to the Navy's Atlantic Fleet Trident submarines beginning in the 1980s, was arguably the single most transformative event in the county's modern economic development. The base brought thousands of military personnel and civilian contractors to the area, spurring demand for housing that catalyzed the growth of Kingsland from a small railroad town into a genuine suburban community. This military-driven growth laid the foundation for a housing market that, unlike many rural Georgia counties, developed a diversified inventory of single-family homes, apartment complexes, and manufactured housing to serve a wide range of household types and income levels. Prior to the military expansion, Camden County's economy was rooted in agriculture, timber, and fishing — industries that shaped the landscape and the character of its communities but did not generate significant residential real estate development. St. Marys, incorporated in 1792 and one of the oldest cities in Georgia, preserves much of this pre-industrial heritage in its historic district, where antebellum-era homes and Victorian architecture line oak-canopied streets. The arrival of the paper and pulp industry in the mid-20th century brought additional employment and modest population growth, though Camden remained sparsely populated by Georgia standards until the Kings Bay buildup accelerated suburban development. Today, major employers beyond the naval base include the Camden County school system, healthcare providers, and retail and hospitality businesses serving both residents and tourists drawn to the area's natural assets. Over the past two decades, Camden's real estate market has matured considerably, benefiting from increased interest from retirees, remote workers, and Jacksonville-area residents seeking lower costs without sacrificing coastal access. The development of master-planned communities, expanded commercial infrastructure along the US-17 and I-95 corridors, and growing awareness of Camden's natural treasures — including Cumberland Island and the Okefenokee Swamp to the northwest — have steadily elevated the county's profile. Home prices have risen meaningfully from the modest levels of the early 2000s, reflecting both genuine demand and the broader appreciation seen across coastal Georgia. Yet Camden has managed to retain relative affordability compared to neighboring Nassau County, Florida and Glynn County to the north, making it a market that continues to attract buyers seeking value in a region where prices in more prominent coastal destinations have soared beyond reach for many.

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Data sourced from Zillow Research and Redfin Data Center. Updated monthly.