Savannah at a Glance
Geography
Savannah is situated at the mouth of the Savannah River, which forms the border between Georgia and South Carolina. The city is at 32 degrees, 5 minutes north latitude and 81 degrees, 5 minutes west longitude. The area has a large network of rivers and creeks, many of them under tidal influence. The Intracoastal Waterway runs along the coast, much of which is comprised of ecologically vital marshes.
Climate
Savannah enjoys a temperate climate that makes outdoor activities possible year-round. The summers are hot and the winters are mild. According to the Southeast Regional Climate Center, the average minimum temperature is 56 degrees, and the average maximum temperature is 70. Average seasonal temperatures are 66 degrees in spring; 81 degrees in summer; 68 degrees in fall; and 51 degrees in winter.
General Facts
- Relative Humidity 86% a.m., 54 % p.m.
- Precipitation Days 110
- Freezing Days 27
- 90 degree Day 69.6
- Average Wind Speed 7.9 knots
- Annual Rainfall 49.7”
- Annual Snowfall 0.3”
Taxes
Savannah Area and Georgia Tax Summary
Compared to other states, Georgia enjoys modest tax rates. The state maintains low tax rates through a fiscally conservative government. A balanced budget is constitutionally mandated, and a pro-business climate nurtures strong economic growth. The state has not changed the maximum corporate income tax rate, which is 6 percent, since 1969.
Sales Tax
Seven percent (4 percent state, 3 percent local option) on purchases of most goods and some services. The tax on food items is 4 percent.
Personal Income Tax
On net (after deductions) federal taxable income: $340 on the first $10,000, straight 6 percent of the balance (married filing jointly or single head of household.)
Property Tax
Property taxes are assessed on 40 percent of the fair market value of the property. Applied to this amount are millage rates, which are levied by various governing authorities: Chatham County, the Board of Public Education county-wide, and some — but not all — municipalities. The Chatham Area Transit Authority levies a small tax in some service areas. Owner-occupied homes are eligible for homestead exemptions, and additional exemptions apply to certain categories of senior citizens.
Population
Chatham County is the sixth most-populous county in the state of Georgia, with a population of 238,410 in 2005. From 1990 to 2000 the population grew an estimated 7 percent.
Visitor Information
Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce
101 E. Bay St., 31401 644-6400
www.savannahchamber.com
Savannah Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
101 E. Bay St., 31401 644-6401, (877) SAVANNAH
www.savannah-visit.com
Savannah Visitor Information Center
301 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.,31401 944-0455
River Street Hospitality Center
1 River St., 31401 651-6662
Population Growth
| 1990 | 2000 | 2005 | |
| Savannah MSA* | 257,899 | 293,623 | 313,883 |
| Chatham County | 216,774 | 232,294 | 238,410 |
| Effingham | 25,687 | 37,802 | 46,924 |
| Bryan | 14,438 | 23,527 | 28,549 |
*Includes Chatham, Effingham and Bryan counties.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Savannah MSA*
Household Population……….313,883
Total Households…………….119,279
Median Household EBI**…….$46,240
*MSA: Chatham, Bryan and Effingham counties
**Effective Buying Income or after-tax median household income.
Source: U.S. Census, 2005 American Community Survey
