DeKalb County, GA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
765,351
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$80,644/yr
3.8% year-over-year change
Housing units
330,830
0.7% year-over-year change

Dekalb County population

How many people live in Dekalb County

Dekalb County is home to 765,351 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 47.4% of Dekalb County locals are male, and 52.6% are female.

Total population
765,351
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
47.4%
363,095
Female
52.6%
402,256
Value Percent YoY change
Male 363,095 47.4% 0.3%
Female 402,256 52.6% 0.5%
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 Dekalb County is 36, with the population distributed as follows: about 19% are children under 15, then 12.2% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 30.8% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 13.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
36.4
Age breakdown
Under 15
19%
15 to 24
12.2%
25 to 44
30.8%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
13.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 145,617 19% -1.1%
15 to 24 93,356 12.2% 1.2%
25 to 44 235,867 30.8% 0.3%
45 to 64 185,235 24.2% -0.5%
Over 65 105,276 13.8% 3.8%
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 Dekalb County, 81% of the population are US-born citizens, while 10.1% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 8.8% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 28.9% of locals are Caucasian, 50.8% are African American and 6.2% have Asian roots. Another 0.5% are Indigenous American, 0.1% are Pacific Islanders, while 4.3% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 9.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
81%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
10.1%
Non-citizens
8.8%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 620,272 81% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 77,511 10.1% 4.8%
Non-citizens 67,568 8.8% 1.1%
Racial breakdown
White
28.9%
Black or African American
50.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
6.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.1%
Two or more races
9.4%
Other
4.3%
Value Percent
White 221,151 28.9%
Black or African American 388,444 50.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3,647 0.5%
Asian 47,355 6.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 541 0.1%
Two or more races 71,644 9.4%
Other 32,569 4.3%

Households in Dekalb County

A peek inside Dekalb County households

Dekalb County has 287,239 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 57.1% are families, while the remaining 42.9% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
287,239
0.9% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
123,168
Family households
164,071
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 123,168 42.9% 1.3%
Family households 164,071 57.1% 0.6%
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 Dekalb County

The housing landscape of Dekalb County

Dekalb County's housing consists of 330,830 units, with 55.6% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 8.3% 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 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
330,830
0.7% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 183,932 55.6%
1 unit, attached 27,506 8.3%
2 units 3,089 0.9%
3 or 4 units 13,307 4%
5 to 9 units 24,781 7.5%
10 to 19 units 26,771 8.1%
20 to 49 units 18,092 5.5%
50 or more units 31,239 9.4%
Mobile home 2,056 0.6%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 57 0%
Homes built since 2020
6,899
83.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Dekalb County

In Dekalb County, the median construction year is 1984. About 3.3% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 2.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 16.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 8.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 2.1% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 10,947 3.3% 4.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 8,735 2.6% -3.4%
Built between 1950 and 1959 30,380 9.2% 1.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 43,654 13.2% -1.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 52,235 15.8% -6.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 53,919 16.3% 2.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 42,122 12.7% -4.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 53,534 16.2% 1.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 28,405 8.6% 8.2%
Built in 2020 or later 6,899 2.1% 83.7%
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.

Dekalb County occupancy rates

Out of the 287,239 occupied housing units in Dekalb County, 58.8% are owner-occupied, while 41.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 13.2% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
287,239
0.9% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
118,371
Owner occupied
168,868
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 118,371 41.2% 0.2%
Owner occupied 168,868 58.8% 1.4%
Unoccupied housing units
13.2%
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.

Dekalb County housing costs

Housing costs in Dekalb County come to a median of $1,632 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,692.

Median housing costs per month
$1,632/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 Dekalb County
$1,692/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 Dekalb County

Dekalb County education at a glance

About 26.3% of the population in Dekalb County went to high school, while 17.5% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 25.2% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 18.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 26,342 4.4% 8.1%
High school diploma 155,658 26.3% -1.6%
College diploma 103,705 17.5% -0.8%
Associate degree 44,615 7.6% -0.4%
Bachelor's degree 149,164 25.2% 3.0%
Graduate degree 111,825 18.9% 1.5%
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 Dekalb County

How much people earn in Dekalb County

The average annual household income in Dekalb County was $119,788 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.5% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $80,644, reflecting a +3.8% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Dekalb County
$119,788/year
3.5% year-over-year change
Median household income in Dekalb County
$80,644/year
3.8% year-over-year change

Dekalb County income by age

In Dekalb County, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $86,713. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $94,251 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $44,360, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $58,604 in earnings. Overall, 86.4% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $44,360 10.8%
25 - 44 $86,713 5.9%
45 - 64 $94,251 3.5%
Over 65 $58,604 0.2%
Above poverty level
643,020
Below poverty level
101,608
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 643,020 86.4% 0.3%
Below poverty level 101,608 13.6% 1.9%

Employment in Dekalb County

Workforce and job types in Dekalb County

The job market in Dekalb County is powered by 389,664 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 82.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 17.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.5% run their own businesses, 67.4% are employed by private companies, and 13.6% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
389,664
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
321,060
Blue collar
68,604
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 321,060 82.4% 1.1%
Blue collar 68,604 17.6% -0.3%
Employer type
Self employees
9.5%
Private companies
67.4%
Governmental workers
13.6%
Not for profit companies
9.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 37,054 9.5% 6.0%
Private companies 262,768 67.4% 0.0%
Governmental workers 53,018 13.6% -0.0%
Not for profit companies 36,824 9.4% 3.0%
Unemployment rate
6.4%
0.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Dekalb County stands at 6.4%, 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 Dekalb County

How people get around in Dekalb County

In Dekalb County, the average commute time is 30 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 70.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
30 min
-1.3% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 265,352 70.3% -2.7%
Taxicab 3,510 0.9% 6.8%
Bus or trolleybus 8,669 2.3% -14.5%
Subway or elevated 4,167 1.1% N/A
Railroad 815 0.2% 4.1%
Ferryboat 20 0% -20.0%
Motorcycle 130 0% -42.0%
Bicycle 660 0.2% -22.6%
Walk 4,964 1.3% 1.9%
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 Dekalb County by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
30002 5,225 2,674 $89,750 $130,924
30021 27,781 7,195 $52,278 $73,447
30030 31,756 12,979 $126,830 $170,978
30032 42,948 16,285 $62,765 $78,302
30033 31,310 13,545 $111,616 $142,921
30034 41,847 16,406 $63,517 $81,549
30035 21,569 7,002 $66,799 $79,793
30038 43,776 14,635 $73,694 $95,867
30058 62,614 22,018 $61,684 $75,558
30072 800 388 $78,750 $95,153

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FAQs about Dekalb County demographics 

What is the total population of Dekalb County?

Dekalb County has a total population of 765,351 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 +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Dekalb County?

The gender ratio in Dekalb County is as follows:
  • 47.4% males (363,095 residents)
  • 52.6% females (402,256 residents)

What is the median age in Dekalb County?

The median age in Dekalb County is 36.4.

What is the age distribution of the population in Dekalb County?

The age distribution in Dekalb County is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19% (145,617 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.2% (93,356 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 30.8% (235,867 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (185,235 residents)
  • Over 65: 13.8% (105,276 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Dekalb County?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Dekalb County is as follows:
  • White: 28.9% (221,151 residents)
  • Black or African American: 50.8% (388,444 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (3,647 residents)
  • Asian: 6.2% (47,355 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.1% (541 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 9.4% (71,644 residents)
  • Other: 4.3% (32,569 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 81% of the population in Dekalb County.

How many housing units are there in Dekalb County?

There are 330,830 housing units in Dekalb County, reflecting a +0.7% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Dekalb County has a total of 287,239 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Dekalb County?

Dekalb County has a median household income of $80,644, representing a +3.8% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Dekalb County?

The employment rate is 93.6% in Dekalb County, with a workforce of 389,664 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 82.4% (321,060 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 17.6% (68,604 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.5% (37,054 residents)
  • Private companies: 67.4% (262,768 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.6% (53,018 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 9.4% (36,824 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