Atlanta, GA
Population 499,287 · Georgia
About Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is a major city located in Georgia with a population of 499,287 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $81,938 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Atlanta features a median home value of $420,600, which is 72% above the national median of $244,900. This places Atlanta in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,617, 39% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 259,122 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (107,126 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (124,378 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Atlanta shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Atlanta have an average one-way commute time of 26.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
58.4% of Atlanta residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 2.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, and 3.0% Asian residents, with 8.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Atlanta Ranks in Georgia
Cost of Living in Atlanta, GA
Compared to national averages, Atlanta has a median household income of $81,938 (9% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $420,600, which is 72% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,617 is 39% above the US average of $1,163. Within Georgia, Atlanta's income is 35% above the state average of $60,815, and home values are 116% above the state median of $194,684.
Why Live in Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $81,938, well above the national average, and a well-educated community where 58.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $420,600. However, as a major city, Atlanta provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Atlanta has a population of 499,287 with a median age of 34 years. Compare Atlanta with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Georgia.
Similar Cities Near Atlanta
Cities in Georgia with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus | 204,383 | $56,622 | $182,300 | Compare |
| Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance), Georgia | 201,504 | $53,134 | $162,900 | Compare |
| Macon-Bibb County, Georgia | 156,543 | $50,747 | $165,800 | Compare |
| Savannah | 147,546 | $56,782 | $225,200 | Compare |
| Athens-Clarke County unified government (balance), Georgia | 126,987 | $51,655 | $271,800 | Compare |
| South Fulton | 109,157 | $81,798 | $270,600 | Compare |
| Sandy Springs | 107,198 | $101,593 | $583,900 | Compare |
| Roswell | 92,577 | $124,422 | $520,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Georgia
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Atlanta With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Atlanta
What is the population of Atlanta, GA?
The population of Atlanta, GA is 499,287 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Georgia.
What is the median household income in Atlanta?
The median household income in Atlanta, GA is $81,938 per year, which is 9% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Atlanta?
The median home value in Atlanta, GA is $420,600, which is 72% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Atlanta?
The median monthly rent in Atlanta, GA is $1,617, which is 39% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Atlanta?
The unemployment rate in Atlanta, GA is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Atlanta, GA a good place to live?
Atlanta offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 499,287 and a median age of 34, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Atlanta, GA?
58.4% of residents in Atlanta aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Atlanta, GA: median home value is $420,600 (72% above national), median rent is $1,617/month, and median household income is $81,938. The home-value-to-income ratio is 5.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Atlanta?
The poverty rate in Atlanta, GA is 17.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Atlanta, GA?
Atlanta's population is 2.0% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.9% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, and 46.3% two or more races. 8.6% of residents are foreign-born.