Atlanta, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
505,268
1.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$85,652/yr
4.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
265,899
2.6% year-over-year change

Atlanta population

How many people live in Atlanta

Atlanta is home to 505,268 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Atlanta locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
505,268
1.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
247,558
Female
51%
257,710
Value Percent YoY change
Male 247,558 49% 1.9%
Female 257,710 51% 0.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Atlanta is 34, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.1% are children under 15, then 15.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 36.6% of the population, while another 21.4% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.1%
15 to 24
15.7%
25 to 44
36.6%
45 to 64
21.4%
Over 65
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 71,076 14.1% -2.5%
15 to 24 79,149 15.7% 2.9%
25 to 44 185,039 36.6% 1.7%
45 to 64 107,945 21.4% 1.7%
Over 65 62,059 12.3% 1.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Atlanta, 89.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 39.1% of locals are Caucasian, 46% are African American and 5.3% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.1%
Non-citizens
4.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 450,390 89.1% 0.7%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 30,716 6.1% 2.4%
Non-citizens 24,162 4.8% 9.0%
Racial breakdown
White
39.1%
Black or African American
46%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.3%
Asian
5.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.2%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 197,605 39.1%
Black or African American 232,193 46%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,495 0.3%
Asian 26,605 5.3%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 202 0%
Two or more races 36,141 7.2%
Other 11,027 2.2%

Households in Atlanta

A peek inside Atlanta households

Atlanta has 236,468 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 39.9% are families, while the remaining 60.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
236,468
2.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
142,046
Family households
94,422
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 142,046 60.1% 2.9%
Family households 94,422 39.9% 1.1%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Atlanta

The housing landscape of Atlanta

Atlanta's housing consists of 265,899 units, with 35.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.8% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
265,899
2.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 94,565 35.6%
1 unit, attached 15,546 5.8%
2 units 5,208 2%
3 or 4 units 10,906 4.1%
5 to 9 units 13,597 5.1%
10 to 19 units 16,995 6.4%
20 to 49 units 16,594 6.2%
50 or more units 91,357 34.4%
Mobile home 1,068 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 63 0%
Homes built since 2020
10,692
80.5% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Atlanta

In Atlanta, the median construction year is 1989. About 11.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 20.3% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 17% between 2010 and 2019, and 4% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 31,609 11.9% 1.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 13,423 5% -1.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 22,299 8.4% -2.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 26,064 9.8% -1.7%
Built between 1970 and 1979 20,064 7.6% -1.2%
Built between 1980 and 1989 20,778 7.8% 2.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 21,651 8.1% -6.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 54,067 20.3% -0.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 45,252 17% 10.8%
Built in 2020 or later 10,692 4% 80.5%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Atlanta occupancy rates

Out of the 236,468 occupied housing units in Atlanta, 46.4% are owner-occupied, while 53.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
236,468
2.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
126,676
Owner occupied
109,792
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 126,676 53.6% 1.9%
Owner occupied 109,792 46.4% 2.5%
Unoccupied housing units
11.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Atlanta housing costs

Housing costs in Atlanta come to a median of $1,788 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,711.

Median housing costs per month
$1,788/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Atlanta
$1,711/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Atlanta

Atlanta education at a glance

About 21.8% of the population in Atlanta went to high school, while 18% pursued college studies. Another 4.8% earned an associate degree and 31.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 22.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 8,240 2% 1.1%
High school diploma 91,879 21.8% -0.3%
College diploma 75,648 18% -0.6%
Associate degree 19,999 4.8% 4.8%
Bachelor's degree 131,944 31.3% 3.2%
Graduate degree 93,449 22.2% 3.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Atlanta

How much people earn in Atlanta

The average annual household income in Atlanta was $137,703 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $85,652, reflecting a +4.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Atlanta
$137,703/year
1.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Atlanta
$85,652/year
4.5% year-over-year change

Atlanta income by age

In Atlanta, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $99,593. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $100,935 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $47,419, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,877 in earnings. Overall, 83.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $47,419 12.5%
25 - 44 $99,593 3.6%
45 - 64 $100,935 10.9%
Over 65 $44,877 0.2%
Above poverty level
390,098
Below poverty level
79,500
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 390,098 83.1% 2.6%
Below poverty level 79,500 16.9% -4.1%

Average renter income in Atlanta

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Atlanta, their median household income was $50,972 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 40.3%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$50,972
Rent-to-income ratio
40.3%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Atlanta

Workforce and job types in Atlanta

The job market in Atlanta is powered by 277,777 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 90.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 9.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.8% run their own businesses, 67.9% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
277,777
3.3% year-over-year change
White collar
250,999
Blue collar
26,778
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 250,999 90.4% 3.4%
Blue collar 26,778 9.6% 1.8%
Employer type
Self employees
10.8%
Private companies
67.9%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
8.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 30,088 10.8% 0.6%
Private companies 188,582 67.9% 4.0%
Governmental workers 34,428 12.4% 1.4%
Not for profit companies 24,679 8.9% 3.9%
Unemployment rate
5.9%
3.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Atlanta stands at 5.9%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Atlanta

How people get around in Atlanta

In Atlanta, the average commute time is 26 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 57.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.9% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
26 min
-1.1% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 156,611 57.6% -0.8%
Taxicab 1,694 0.6% 64.5%
Bus or trolleybus 8,793 3.2% -8.4%
Subway or elevated 6,130 2.2% N/A
Railroad 250 0.1% -34.4%
Motorcycle 366 0.1% 108.0%
Bicycle 1,981 0.7% 3.1%
Walk 10,694 3.9% -4.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Atlanta by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
30303 6,797 1,543 $0 $48,937
30305 28,110 16,084 $106,907 $198,071
30306 24,236 11,606 $123,077 $197,631
30307 21,709 9,861 $140,677 $202,108
30308 23,181 14,639 $85,693 $116,321
30309 32,479 19,535 $114,072 $167,406
30310 27,186 12,659 $53,037 $79,574
30311 34,953 15,248 $50,649 $82,434
30312 26,942 15,003 $82,779 $119,875
30313 10,913 3,551 $84,960 $119,339

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FAQs about Atlanta demographics 

What is the total population of Atlanta?

Atlanta has a total population of 505,268 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +1.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Atlanta?

The gender ratio in Atlanta is as follows:
  • 49% males (247,558 residents)
  • 51% females (257,710 residents)

What is the median age in Atlanta?

The median age in Atlanta is 34.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in Atlanta?

The age distribution in Atlanta is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.1% (71,076 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 15.7% (79,149 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 36.6% (185,039 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.4% (107,945 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.3% (62,059 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Atlanta?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Atlanta is as follows:
  • White: 39.1% (197,605 residents)
  • Black or African American: 46% (232,193 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.3% (1,495 residents)
  • Asian: 5.3% (26,605 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (202 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.2% (36,141 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (11,027 residents)

What percentage of the population in Atlanta are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.1% of the population in Atlanta.

How many housing units are there in Atlanta?

There are 265,899 housing units in Atlanta, reflecting a +2.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Atlanta and what is the average household size?

Atlanta has a total of 236,468 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Atlanta?

Atlanta has a median household income of $85,652, representing a +4.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Atlanta?

The employment rate is 94.1% in Atlanta, with a workforce of 277,777 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 90.4% (250,999 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 9.6% (26,778 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.8% (30,088 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.9% (188,582 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (34,428 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8.9% (24,679 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025