U.S. Army
Fort Stewart — Hinesville, GA, United States
📍 Hinesville, GA, United States
⭐ 4.1/5 community rating · Rated by Soldiers and families
About Fort Stewart
Fort Stewart is the largest Army installation east of the Mississippi River, home to the 3rd Infantry Division — the Rock of the Marne — and one of the Army's premier armored combat divisions. Located in Hinesville, Georgia, approximately 45 miles southwest of Savannah, Fort Stewart hosts 21,200 active-duty soldiers in coastal Georgia's military heartland. The Savannah-Hinesville area offers an outstanding quality of life for military families. Savannah — one of America's most beautiful and historic cities — is just 45 minutes from the main gate and provides exceptional dining, cultural events, and Southern charm. The Georgia coast's barrier islands, including Tybee Island (45 minutes), St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island, provide world-class beaches within easy reach. The cost of living index at Fort Stewart is 93.7, comfortably below average, and housing availability is rated as abundant. Military families find quality off-post housing in Hinesville, Ludowici, Midway, Richmond Hill, and even Savannah for those willing to commute. Richmond Hill, just 25 miles from post and 15 miles from Savannah, has become particularly popular for its good schools and quality housing within BAH. Georgia's climate is humid subtropical with hot, humid summers and mild winters. The coastal environment means mild temperatures year-round and beautiful spring azalea blooms. Hurricane preparedness is important during the Atlantic hurricane season. Employment near Fort Stewart benefits from proximity to Savannah's growing port economy, healthcare sector, and tourism industry. Savannah's status as a growing logistics hub (driven by the Port of Savannah) has expanded professional opportunities. BaseNeed connects Fort Stewart families with coastal Georgia housing, current BAH rates, and the Savannah-area military community.
Fort Stewart at a Glance
Location: Hinesville, GA 31314, United States.
Branch & command: U.S. Army, FORSCOM.
Active-duty military: 21,200 (source undated, retrieved August 2026).
On-base housing: Abundant, typical wait 3-5 months.
Cost-of-living index: 86.40 (100 = U.S. average).
Climate: Humid subtropical.
Nearby cities: Hinesville, Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill.
Base operator: (912) 767-1110.
2026 BAH Rates for Fort Stewart
The figures below are the 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) rates for the military housing area covering Fort Stewart, published by the DoD (DTMO) and effective 1 January 2026. Amounts are monthly and tax-free, shown with and without dependents.
| Pay grade | With dependents | Without dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 to E-4 | $2,175 | $1,791 |
| E-5 | $2,310 | $1,947 |
| E-6 | $2,439 | $2,049 |
| E-7 | $2,493 | $2,178 |
| E-8 | $2,556 | $2,340 |
| E-9 | $2,682 | $2,367 |
| W-1 | $2,454 | $2,142 |
| W-2 | $2,520 | $2,337 |
| W-3 | $2,601 | $2,376 |
| W-4 | $2,715 | $2,442 |
| W-5 | $2,859 | $2,508 |
| O-1 | $2,334 | $2,037 |
| O-2 | $2,436 | $2,268 |
| O-3 | $2,598 | $2,385 |
| O-4 | $2,904 | $2,490 |
| O-5 | $3,129 | $2,520 |
| O-6 | $3,153 | $2,577 |
| O-7 | $3,174 | $2,619 |
Confirm your exact entitlement with the official DTMO BAH calculator before signing a lease.
Quick Facts about Fort Stewart
- Branch & location
- U.S. Army · Hinesville, GA, United States
- 2026 BAH (E-5)
- $2,310/mo with deps · $1,947 without
- Cost of living
- Index 86.4 — very affordable
- Climate
- Humid subtropical
- Off-base housing
- abundant
- Nearest VA facility
- Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Site at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield (~0 mi)
PCS to Fort Stewart — Complete 2026 Guide
Permanent Change of Station (PCS) to Fort Stewart requires planning that most Soldiers start 90–120 days before their report date. The key areas to tackle first are housing (on-base vs. off-base), BAH calculation, school enrollment for children, and spouse employment. This guide walks you through each step.
Step 1: Understand Your Orders and Timeline
Your PCS orders to Fort Stewart will specify your Report No Later Than (RNLTD) date — your primary planning anchor. From this date work backwards: HHG shipment scheduling (DPS at move.mil) should happen at least 30–45 days out; housing research should begin immediately. Contact your losing unit S1 or PSD to initiate your out-processing checklist as soon as orders are in hand. Request a sponsor from your gaining unit — most U.S. Army units assign one who can answer installation-specific questions and help your family settle in before you arrive.
Step 2: Calculate Your 2026 BAH and Set a Housing Budget
Your 2026 BAH for Hinesville, GA is your housing budget ceiling. E-5 with dependents: $2,310/month. E-5 without dependents: $1,947/month. E-7 with dependents: $2,493/month. O-3 with dependents: $2,598/month. BAH is fully tax-free and determined by your pay grade and dependency status. In this very affordable area, Hinesville, many service members find their BAH exceeds actual rent — meaning you can save the difference tax-free each month. Use the BaseNeed BAH Calculator to compare rates across all pay grades.
Step 3: On-Base vs. Off-Base Housing Decision
With abundant housing options, you have flexibility to negotiate rent and find a home that matches your BAH. Focus on neighborhoods closest to the main gate to minimize commute. Current on-base wait: approximately 3-5 months. Apply for on-base housing immediately after receiving orders — even if you lean toward off-base, maintaining a waitlist position keeps all options open. Browse verified housing listings near Fort Stewart on BaseNeed, filtered to your BAH rate and preferred communities.
Step 4: Schools, Childcare, and Family Resources
Contact the School Liaison Officer (SLO) at Fort Stewart early — they specialize in school enrollment, record transfers, and finding the right educational fit for military-connected students at every grade level. DoDEA schools (if available on-base) offer curriculum continuity across PCS moves. For childcare, the Child Development Center (CDC) on base provides subsidized, high-quality care — waitlists can be 6–12 months, so register immediately after receiving orders. The Family Support Center offers free spouse employment assistance, financial counseling, and PCS transition workshops for the whole family.
Step 5: Schedule Your HHG Shipment and Travel
Book your Household Goods (HHG) shipment through DPS (move.mil) as early as possible — peak PCS season (May–August) fills carrier capacity quickly. Options include a full government move, a Personally Procured Move (PPM/DITY), or a combination. Pack a "first-night box" with essentials — documents, medications, toiletries, and a change of clothes per family member — separately from your main shipment. Photograph all valuables before the move and file claims promptly for any damage discovered at delivery. Carriers are required to honor claims within the timeframe specified in your Bill of Lading.
Step 6: In-Process at Fort Stewart
Upon arrival, complete garrison in-processing at the welcome center. Required stops typically include finance (to activate BAH and other allowances), medical and dental records transfer, vehicle registration, ID card office, and your unit S1 or PSD. Bring multiple copies of your orders, all ID cards, medical records, vehicle title, and signed housing paperwork. Most installations complete full in-processing in 2–5 business days. Your unit sponsor can walk you through installation-specific requirements and help your family get oriented faster.
Housing & Cost of Living — Fort Stewart
The 2026 Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for Hinesville, GA ranges from $1,947/month for junior enlisted without dependents to $2,598/month for mid-grade officers with dependents. All BAH is 100% tax-free income. Plenty of off-base housing available. On-base wait: ~3-5 months.
Open BAH Calculator → Browse Housing Near Fort Stewart →
More useful BaseNeed resources
Use these quick links to continue your PCS planning, compare BAH, and explore local military community support.
2026 BAH Rate Table — Fort Stewart (Hinesville, GA)
E-5 with dependents: $2,310/mo | Without dependents: $1,947/mo
| Pay Grade | With Dependents | Without Dependents |
|---|---|---|
| E-1 | $2,175/mo | $1,791/mo |
| E-2 | $2,175/mo | $1,791/mo |
| E-3 | $2,175/mo | $1,791/mo |
| E-4 | $2,175/mo | $1,791/mo |
| E-5 | $2,310/mo | $1,947/mo |
| E-6 | $2,439/mo | $2,049/mo |
| E-7 | $2,493/mo | $2,178/mo |
| E-8 | $2,556/mo | $2,340/mo |
| E-9 | $2,682/mo | $2,367/mo |
| W-1 | $2,454/mo | $2,142/mo |
| W-2 | $2,520/mo | $2,337/mo |
| W-3 | $2,601/mo | $2,376/mo |
| W-4 | $2,715/mo | $2,442/mo |
| W-5 | $2,859/mo | $2,508/mo |
| O-1 | $2,334/mo | $2,037/mo |
| O-1E | $2,502/mo | $2,307/mo |
| O-2 | $2,436/mo | $2,268/mo |
| O-2E | $2,586/mo | $2,361/mo |
| O-3 | $2,598/mo | $2,385/mo |
| O-3E | $2,736/mo | $2,427/mo |
| O-4 | $2,904/mo | $2,490/mo |
| O-5 | $3,129/mo | $2,520/mo |
| O-6 | $3,153/mo | $2,577/mo |
| O-7 | $3,174/mo | $2,619/mo |
Source: DFAS 2026 BAH rates for Hinesville, GA. Rates are 100% tax-free and updated each January 1st. BAH is designed to cover the 80th percentile of local housing costs.
Cost of Living at Fort Stewart
The cost of living index near Fort Stewart is 86.4 — 14% below the U.S. national average (100 = national average). This places Hinesville, GA in the very affordable category. Cost of living is 14% below the U.S. national average — one of the most affordable duty stations.
At 86.4, service members here often find meaningful savings on housing, groceries, and everyday expenses compared to higher-cost installations. This is one of the better duty stations for building savings or paying down debt during a tour.
Climate & Lifestyle near Fort Stewart
The climate near Fort Stewart is Humid subtropical. Factor seasonal weather patterns into your PCS timing and housing search. High humidity in summer months is common — prioritize housing with efficient HVAC and ensure your HHG shipment is protected from moisture.
Outdoor recreation and quality-of-life activities vary significantly by season at this installation. Connect with Soldiers already stationed at Fort Stewart on BaseNeed's community to get first-hand lifestyle insights.
On-Base Amenities at Fort Stewart
As a U.S. Army installation, Fort Stewart provides comprehensive on-base facilities for Soldiers, retirees, and eligible family members. These subsidized services significantly reduce cost of living compared to civilian alternatives — one of the major financial benefits of military service.
🍽️ Dining & Clubs
- • Food Court
- • Officers Club
- • NCO Club
- • Coffee Shop
💪 Fitness & Recreation
- • Physical Fitness Center
- • Indoor Pool
- • Outdoor Track
- • CrossFit Box
🏨 On-Base Lodging
- • IHG Army Hotels
- • Guest House
- • Distinguished Visitor Quarters
🤝 Support Services
- • Army Community Service (ACS)
- • Chapel
- • Legal Assistance
- • Military OneSource
🛒 Shopping & Commissary
- • Commissary
- • Post Exchange (PX)
- • Shoppette
- • Class Six
🏥 Healthcare
- • Army Health Clinic
- • Dental Clinic
- • Pharmacy
- • Optometry
🎳 Recreation & Library
- • Post Library
- • Outdoor Recreation
- • Auto Skills Shop
- • Bowling Center
- • Arts & Crafts Center
👨👩👧 Family Services
- • Child Development Center
- • Youth Center
- • School Liaison Office
- • Teen Center
Military Community & Spouse Employment at Fort Stewart
The military community around Fort Stewart is one of the installation's greatest assets. Connecting with other Soldiers and families before your PCS move smooths the transition — especially for spouses and children adjusting to a new duty station. Use BaseNeed's community features to connect with families currently at Fort Stewart, ask questions about local schools and neighborhoods, and find PCS buddies going through the same process.
Military spouse employment near Fort Stewart is supported by the Spouse Employment Assistance Program (SEAP) at the installation Family Support Center. Resources include resume workshops, job search tools, licensing and certification support, and connections to military-friendly employers in Hinesville. Federal employment via USAJOBS offers Military Spouse Hiring Preference (Executive Order 13473), and many contractors on and near the installation actively recruit military spouses. Remote and hybrid work has also become a popular solution for location-flexible employment across PCS moves.
→ Browse jobs near Fort Stewart · → Join the Fort Stewart community on BaseNeed
Nearby Communities & Off-Base Living
Service members at Fort Stewart live in a range of communities surrounding the installation. Each neighborhood offers different commute times, school districts, and housing prices. Explore housing options in these areas:
Why Fort Stewart Stands Out
- 3rd Infantry Division
- Coastal Georgia
- Training Areas
- Family Programs
Other Military Bases in GA
Comparing duty stations in GA? Browse other installations:
- → Fort Benning (Columbus)
- → Robins AFB (Warner Robins)
- → Moody AFB (Valdosta)
- → Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay (Kings Bay)
- → Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany (Albany)
- → Fort Gordon (Augusta)
Other U.S. Army Installations
Exploring other U.S. Army duty stations? Compare BAH rates and housing conditions:
- → Joint Base Lewis-McChord (Tacoma, WA)
- → Fort Carson (Fort Carson, CO)
- → Felker Army Airfield (Fort Eustis, VA)
- → Allen Army Airfield (Fort Greely, AK)
- → Cairns Army Airfield (Fort Rucker, AL)
- → Wheeler Army Airfield (Schofield Barracks, HI)
VA Facilities Near Fort Stewart
Veterans, retirees, and eligible family members stationed at or transitioning near Fort Stewart have 5 Department of Veterans Affairs facilities within reach — for VA healthcare enrollment (Form 10-10EZ), disability claims, education benefits, and counseling. Distances are from the installation.
| VA Facility | Type | Location | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Site at Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield 912-465-7166 | IDES Site | Ft. Stewart, GA | 0 mi |
| Pre-Discharge Site at Fort Stewart 800-827-1190 | Pre-Discharge Site | Ft. Stewart, GA | 1 mi |
| John Gibson, Dan James, William Sapp, and Frankie Smiley VA Clinic 843-577-5011 | Multi-Specialty CBOC | Hinesville, GA | 2 mi |
| Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery - Glennville 912-654-5398 | State Cemetery | Glennville, GA | 20 mi |
| Savannah Vet Center 912-961-5800 | vet_center | Savannah, GA | 26 mi |
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA.gov) facilities directory, synced monthly. Verify hours and services with the facility before visiting.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Stewart
What is the 2026 BAH rate at Fort Stewart?
For 2026, monthly BAH at Fort Stewart ranges from $2,175 with dependents ($1,791 without) for junior enlisted (E-1 to E-4) up to $2,682 for an E-9 with dependents. For example, an E-5 with dependents receives $2,310, an E-7 with dependents $2,493, and an O-3 with dependents $2,598. Rates are tax-free and effective 1 January 2026 — confirm your exact figure with the DTMO BAH calculator.
Does Fort Stewart get BAH or OHA?
Fort Stewart is a stateside (CONUS) installation, so you receive Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) based on your pay grade and dependency status — not the Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) used at bases abroad.
How long is the wait for on-base housing at Fort Stewart?
On-base family housing at Fort Stewart is currently abundant, with typical wait times around 3-5 months. Apply through homes.mil as soon as your orders are cut, and keep an off-base backup plan ready since demand is often high.
Is it expensive to live near Fort Stewart?
The local cost-of-living index near Fort Stewart is about 86.40 (100 = national average). Build your housing budget around your BAH and compare on-base versus off-base options before committing.
What is the climate like at Fort Stewart?
Expect a humid subtropical climate at Fort Stewart. Factor seasonal weather into your PCS timing and your housing search.
What cities are near Fort Stewart?
Fort Stewart is close to Hinesville, Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, where many families look for off-base housing, schools, and amenities.
PCSing to Fort Stewart?
BaseNeed is the military community platform built for U.S. Army families. Find verified housing listings, current 2026 BAH rates, local jobs, and connect with Soldiers already stationed at Fort Stewart.
Explore Fort Stewart on BaseNeed → Browse Housing →Join the Fort Stewart community to ask PCS questions, share local tips, and connect with families stationed here.