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Strong Momentum

At the heartbeat of the nation's top growth region

"Atlanta has a rich culture and history of innovation, making it a unique place for tech growth."

Terrell Cox, General Manager, Microsoft

Metro Atlanta is one the largest regions in the nation and the economic engine of the Southeast.

  • #9 Largest Metro Area by Labor Market
  • #4 Population Gaining Metro Area
  • #5 Metro Area for In-Migration
  • Leader in population diversity
  • "Cool Factor"

Atlanta boasts an annual growth rate of 1.5%, nearly double that of the nation. This places Atlanta among the top markets nationally for annual growth.

6.0M

2020 Population

ESRI, 2020

6.5M

2025 Population

ESRI, 2020

Strong In-Migration

A significant portion of metro Atlanta’s population growth is attributed to in-migration. The Atlanta region welcomes approximately 150 new residents everyday. Approximately a quarter of new residents relocate from another country. The region ranks 5th nationally for in-migration behind Dallas, Phoenix, Tampa and Orlando. As the region grows, it also continues to remain younger than the nation.

50,500

Avg. Annual Net Migration

U.S. Census Bureau, 2014-2019

36.5

Median Age (U.S.=38.5)

ESRI, 2020

Areas contributing the highest inflow of new residents to the Atlanta region:

  • Asia
  • New York
  • Miami
  • Chicago
  • Europe
  • Washington, D.C.

U.S. Census Bureau, 2014-2018 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Diverse Communities that Flourish

International and minority residents find Atlanta to be open and welcoming. Metro Atlanta is one of only two metro areas in the Southeast with a foreign-born population exceeding half a million. The region ranks 12th among all metro areas nationally for largest foreign-born population.

811K

Foreign-Born Residents

U.S. Census Bureau, 2019

13.8%

Foreign-Born as a % of Total Population

U.S. Census Bureau, 2019

  • #1 state for black entrepreneurship (FitSmallBusiness.com, 2020)
  • #2 metro area for largest black tech workforce (CompTIA, “Cyberstates 2021”)
  • #3 metro area for growth of firms, employment, and revenue of women-owned businesses (American Express, "2019 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report")
  • #9 metro area where minority entrepreneurs are succeeding (LendingTree.com, 2019)

The "Cool Factor"

It’s no surprise Atlanta is a top moving destination in the nation. There are professional opportunities galore coupled with vibrant entertainment and music scenes, foodie neighborhoods, young and hip demographics and a fresh, creative culture. The low cost of living is an undeniable plus, too.

#1

Moving Destination in U.S. (for 9 years)

Penske, (2011-2019)

#2

Most Livable City in America

WalletHub, 2019

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