Living in Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is the 36th-largest city in the US, home to about 529,000 people in 2025 and the capital of Georgia. It has grown 6.1% since 2020. Prices across the metro area run close to the national average (100.1 on an index where the US is 100).
- Population, 2025
- 529,110+6.1% since 2020
- Median home value
- $439,6005.1 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,711/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $85,652median, per year
- Price level
- 100.1US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 54° / 90°lows 36° / 72°
- Average commute
- 27 min30% work from home
- State income tax
- 5.19%top rate, flat
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County: Fulton County, DeKalb County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 1,050 ft
Metro area: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Cost of living in Atlanta
The median home in Atlanta is worth $439,600 and the median household earns $85,652 a year, so a typical home costs about 5.1 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,711 a month, about 24% of the median household's income. BEA puts overall prices in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metro area at 100.1, with housing at 111.0 and goods at 100.4 (US = 100). In practice, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced place stretches about as far as $75,000 here. Georgia taxes wages at a top rate of 5.19% (a flat rate). The average combined state and local sales tax in Georgia is 7.56%.
What would my salary be worth in Atlanta?
Atlanta weather
Average highs run from 54°F in January to 90°F in July, and January nights average 36°F. It gets 50 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 2 inches of snow. Expect about 47 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are April to May and September to November.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Atlanta
People and work
The median resident is 34.2 years old, and 59% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 46% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 26 minutes; 30% of workers work from home and 6% take public transit.
- Median age
- 34.2138th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 59%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 46%of households
- People per sq mile
- 3,911135.3 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 6%4% walk, 0.7% bike
- Unemployment
- 5.9%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 16.9%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1989median year
Who moves to Atlanta, and where people go
From farther away, newcomers most often come from Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), Chicago (Cook County) and Fort Lauderdale (Broward County). People who leave for somewhere more than 100 miles away most often head to New York County, NY, Los Angeles (Los Angeles County) and Chicago (Cook County). See the map and full lists
IRS county-to-county migration, 2022 to 2023 tax years. Where Americans are moving.
Natural hazards, home prices and air quality
Natural hazard risk
Relatively High
FEMA rating for Fulton County, scored against every US county. Biggest risks: lightning, tornado, inland flooding, hail.
Home prices
+1% in a year
Up 43% over five years. FHFA house price index for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA (MSAD) area, 2026 Q2.
Air quality, 2025
41% good days
6 days unhealthy at least for sensitive groups. EPA daily air quality index for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA area (365 days measured).
FEMA National Risk Index (December 2025) combines expected losses from 18 natural hazards with how vulnerable and resilient the community is. It describes the county, not your street; check flood maps for a specific address at FEMA's Flood Map Service Center.
Parks and sights near Atlanta
The best-known parks, museums, zoos and landmarks within about 35 miles. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Truist Park 5 miles
- Emory University 5 miles
- Kennesaw State University 17 miles
- Georgia State University 6 miles
- Georgia Gwinnett College 24 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Atlanta
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ATL | 14 mi | 52,511,402 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Atlanta
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | 17 mi | 41,254 | $16,325 | 50% |
| Georgia State University | 6 mi | 26,623 | $12,365 | 51% |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | 5 mi | 18,785 | $12,028 | 94% |
| Georgia Gwinnett College | 24 mi | 11,344 | $10,080 | 22% |
| Emory University | 5 mi | 7,298 | $16,754 | 91% |
| Clayton State University | 18 mi | 4,348 | $8,868 | 38% |
US Department of Education College Scorecard, October 2026 release. Net price is the average yearly cost after grants for students who get federal aid. Graduate: share finishing within 150% of normal time.
Frost dates and fall color in Atlanta
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 15, so plant tender crops after that date or wait a week or two to be safer. Fall color depends on the trees, but the US Department of Agriculture says the brightest leaves come with warm, sunny days and cool nights, and that frost ruins vivid color. Here, cool 36°F nights usually start around November 7 and the first frost comes around November 20.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Atlanta Hartsfield Intl. Airport, GA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Atlanta.
Wildfire smoke in Atlanta
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Atlanta on about 138 days a year, including about 18 days of medium or heavy smoke. Smoke high overhead can turn sunsets red without reaching the ground, so check the air quality reading before you change plans.
NOAA Hazard Mapping System smoke analysis, daily satellite plumes over the city center, 2021 to 2025. Smoke days for every city.
Home internet in Atlanta
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 236,468 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Atlanta
Downtown Atlanta is in this district. Neighborhoods farther out may belong to a different one, so check the address with the district before you buy or rent.
| District | Grades | Students | Schools | Students per teacher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta City School District | Pre-K to 12 | 49,945 | 87 | 12.2 |
Other districts within 10 miles: Gwinnett County School District (182,518 students), Cobb County School District (105,738 students), DeKalb County School District (91,752 students), Fulton County School District (87,019 students), Marietta City School District (8,664 students), Decatur City School District (5,367 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Atlanta's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Atlanta's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Charleston, SC80% matchCompare
- Raleigh, NC80% matchCompare
- Chesapeake, VA80% matchCompare
- Durham, NC77% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Atlanta
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Atlanta
- Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area 137 miles
- Cataloochee Ski Area 140 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Atlanta
Data points come from the official sources on this page. Points marked Local come from people who live here, are read by a person before they appear, and are ranked by readers.
Pros
- Data A highly educated city: 59% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Atlanta report card from locals
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Atlanta through locals' eyes
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Cities near Atlanta
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy Springs, GA | 6 mi | 105,013 | $619,800 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Mableton, GA | 12 mi | 78,820 | $313,100 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Roswell, GA | 12 mi | 91,505 | $567,100 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Johns Creek, GA | 17 mi | 80,401 | $629,400 | 100.1 | Compare |
| South Fulton, GA | 18 mi | 112,820 | $309,800 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Athens, GA | 59 mi | 128,612 | $299,200 | 93.3 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Looking at the suburbs? Johns Creek, Holly Springs and Milton lead our ranking of the best suburbs of Atlanta.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Atlanta with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Atlanta a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show a growing population. Compare Atlanta side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Atlanta?
The Census Bureau estimates Atlanta had 529,110 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 498,805 in April 2020 (+6.1%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Atlanta?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $75,000 in the Atlanta area. The median household here earns $85,652.
When is the best time to visit Atlanta?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to May and September to November are the most comfortable months. July averages 90°F and January 54°F for daytime highs.
What county is Atlanta in?
Most of Atlanta (90% of its land) is in Fulton County. Smaller parts lie in DeKalb County. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Atlanta in?
Atlanta is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Atlanta?
About 1,050 feet above sea level at the city center. Elevation varies across the city.
Does Georgia have a state income tax?
Yes. Georgia has a flat income tax with a top rate of 5.19% for 2026. Some cities add a local income tax, which is not included here.
Sources
Population: Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates (July 1, 2025). Income, housing, education and commuting: American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates for the city of Atlanta. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Atlanta Hartsfield Intl. Airport, GA station. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.