Living in Roswell, GA
Roswell is the 384th-largest city in the US, home to about 92,000 people in 2025. Its population has been roughly flat 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
- 91,505-1.4% since 2020
- Median home value
- $567,1004.4 years of median income
- Median rent
- $1,810/morent plus utilities
- Household income
- $128,654median, per year
- Price level
- 100.1US average = 100
- January / July highs
- 52° / 89°lows 33° / 70°
- Average commute
- 27 min32% work from home
- State income tax
- 5.19%top rate, flat
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County: Fulton County, Cobb County
Time zone: Eastern Time (UTC-5, UTC-4 in summer)
Elevation: about 1,076 ft
Metro area: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA
Cost of living in Roswell
The median home in Roswell is worth $567,100 and the median household earns $128,654 a year, so a typical home costs about 4.4 years of income. Median gross rent (rent plus utilities) is $1,810 a month, about 17% 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 Roswell?
Roswell weather
Average highs run from 52°F in January to 89°F in July, and January nights average 33°F. It gets 51 inches of rain and melted snow a year and 1 inches of snow. Expect about 53 days a year at 90°F or hotter. The most comfortable months are April to May and September to October.
Month-by-month weather and the best time to visit Roswell
People and work
The median resident is 40.5 years old, and 66% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. 72% of households own their home. The average one-way commute is 27 minutes; 32% of workers work from home.
- Median age
- 40.5460th youngest of 546
- Bachelor's or higher
- 66%adults 25+
- Homeowners
- 72%of households
- People per sq mile
- 2,24740.7 sq mi of land
- Take transit to work
- 1%1% walk, 0.3% bike
- Unemployment
- 3.8%2020-2024 average
- Poverty rate
- 7.5%of residents
- Typical home built
- 1989median year
Who moves to Roswell, 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 Roswell
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 11 miles
- Emory University 16 miles
- Kennesaw State University 13 miles
- Georgia State University 19 miles
- Georgia Gwinnett College 21 miles
Places from Wikidata (CC0), linked to each one's official site or Wikipedia article. Check hours and fees before you go.
Airports near Roswell
| Airport | Distance | Passengers boarding in 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport ATL | 27 mi | 52,511,402 |
| Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport CHA | 85 mi | 557,741 |
Federal Aviation Administration, calendar year 2024 passenger boardings (enplanements) at commercial service airports. Straight-line distance.
Colleges in and near Roswell
| College | Distance | Undergrads | Net price a year | Graduate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kennesaw State University | 13 mi | 41,254 | $16,325 | 50% |
| Georgia State University | 19 mi | 26,623 | $12,365 | 51% |
| Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus | 17 mi | 18,785 | $12,028 | 94% |
| Georgia Gwinnett College | 21 mi | 11,344 | $10,080 | 22% |
| Emory University | 16 mi | 7,298 | $16,754 | 91% |
| Clark Atlanta University | 19 mi | 3,603 | $38,626 | 39% |
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 Roswell
Half the years, the last spring night at 32°F comes before March 25, 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 October 29 and the first frost comes around November 9.
NOAA 1991-2020 climate normals for Atlanta Peachtree Airport, GA, median (50%) dates. All frost dates for Roswell.
Wildfire smoke in Roswell
From 2021 through 2025, a smoke plume covered Roswell on about 137 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 Roswell
Census Bureau American Community Survey 2020-2024, table B28002, 35,540 households. Compare every city.
Public schools in Roswell
Downtown Roswell 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulton County School District | Pre-K to 12 | 87,019 | 106 | 14.1 |
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), Forsyth County School District (54,864 students), Atlanta City School District (49,945 students), Cherokee County School District (42,031 students).
National Center for Education Statistics, school district boundaries and characteristics, 2024-25 school year.
Roswell's twin cities
Cities at least 250 miles away with the closest match to Roswell's weather month by month and its costs (price level, home values and rent).
- Cary, NC89% matchCompare
- Apex, NC89% matchCompare
- Raleigh, NC80% matchCompare
- Durham, NC77% matchCompare
Find a twin that is cheaper, warmer or cooler
Stargazing near Roswell
The nearest certified International Dark Sky Places:
Designations by DarkSky International as recorded in Wikidata (CC0). All dark sky places.
Ski resorts near Roswell
- Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area 125 miles
- Cataloochee Ski Area 129 miles
Straight-line distance. All ski resorts.
Pros and cons of living in Roswell
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: 66% of adults hold a bachelor's degree.
Cons
- Nothing stands out in the data. Locals, what should newcomers know?
Roswell report card from locals
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Roswell through locals' eyes
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Cities near Roswell
| City | Distance | Population | Home value | Price level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandy Springs, GA | 6 mi | 105,013 | $619,800 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Johns Creek, GA | 9 mi | 80,401 | $629,400 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Atlanta, GA | 12 mi | 529,110 | $439,600 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Mableton, GA | 19 mi | 78,820 | $313,100 | 100.1 | Compare |
| South Fulton, GA | 30 mi | 112,820 | $309,800 | 100.1 | Compare |
| Athens, GA | 57 mi | 128,612 | $299,200 | 93.3 | Compare |
Straight-line distance between city centers.
Roswell ranks 8th of 66 in our best suburbs of Atlanta ranking.
Cities with a similar profile
Closest match on climate, price level, size, income and median age, outside the immediate area.
Compare Roswell with another city
Frequently asked questions
Is Roswell a good place to live?
It depends on what you need. The numbers show no standout advantages on cost or climate. Compare Roswell side by side with another city to see how it stacks up for you.
What is the population of Roswell?
The Census Bureau estimates Roswell had 91,505 residents on July 1, 2025, compared with 92,834 in April 2020 (-1.4%).
How much do you need to earn to live in Roswell?
Using BEA price levels, a $75,000 salary in an average-priced US city buys about the same as $75,000 in the Roswell area. The median household here earns $128,654.
When is the best time to visit Roswell?
By the 1991-2020 climate normals, April to May and September to October are the most comfortable months. July averages 89°F and January 52°F for daytime highs.
What county is Roswell in?
Most of Roswell (92% of its land) is in Fulton County. Smaller parts lie in Cobb County. Source: Census Bureau 2020 geography.
What time zone is Roswell in?
Roswell is on Eastern Time (UTC-5, or UTC-4 during daylight saving time from March to November).
What is the elevation of Roswell?
About 1,076 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 Roswell. Price levels: BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 for the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA metro area. Weather: NOAA 1991-2020 normals, Atlanta Peachtree Airport, GA station; snowfall from Mableton 1 N, GA. Taxes: Tax Foundation 2026. How we get our numbers.