Georgia
Category Breakdown
Scores by Category
Georgia vs National Average
12-Month Composite Trend
Top Cities in Georgia
| # | City | Grade | Score | Population | Income | Crime | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Athens | A+ | 52.0 | 127,064 | $67,745 | 394 | 93 |
| 2 | Alpharetta | A | 51.4 | 67,213 | $65,296 | 318 | 105 |
| 3 | Savannah | B+ | 47.3 | 147,780 | $57,717 | 267 | 85 |
| 4 | Decatur | B | 46.3 | 24,928 | $69,545 | 382 | 105 |
| 5 | Roswell | B | 45.8 | 94,786 | $81,960 | 447 | 102 |
| 6 | Johns Creek | C+ | 45.5 | 84,551 | $69,095 | 299 | 97 |
| 7 | Augusta | C | 45.1 | 202,081 | $85,390 | 362 | 85 |
| 8 | Marietta | C | 44.7 | 60,972 | $67,559 | 328 | 101 |
| 9 | Sandy Springs | D | 44.3 | 108,080 | $67,026 | 280 | 96 |
| 10 | Atlanta | F | 42.9 | 498,715 | $81,617 | 398 | 95 |
More South States
Georgia Rankings Overview
Georgia earns an overall grade of C+ with a composite score of 48.5 out of 100, ranking #30 among all 50 US states. The state's strongest category is Affordability (65/100) while its biggest challenge is Health (33/100).
Economy & Employment in Georgia
With an unemployment rate of 3.5% (compared to the national average of 3.8%), Georgia performs above average on economic indicators. The median household income is $71,355, which ranks below the national median of $74,753.
Safety & Crime in Georgia
Georgia's violent crime rate of 368 per 100,000 residents places it in the bottom half of states for public safety.
Health & Education in Georgia
Georgia ranks #34 for health outcomes according to the 2025 America's Health Rankings report, and #29 for K-12 education quality based on NAEP scores and graduation rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Georgia's overall ranking?
Georgia ranks #30 out of 50 states with a composite score of 48.5/100 and a grade of C+.
Is Georgia a good place to live?
Georgia scores 48.5/100 overall, placing it in the middle tier of US states. It has notable strengths in certain categories while facing challenges in others, making it a reasonable choice depending on individual priorities and preferences.
What is the crime rate in Georgia?
The violent crime rate in Georgia is 368 per 100,000 residents (2024 FBI data), compared to the national average of 350 per 100,000.
How does Georgia's economy compare?
Georgia's median household income is $71,355 with an unemployment rate of 3.5%. The unemployment rate is below the national average of 3.8%, and the median income is below the national median of $74,753.
What are the best cities in Georgia?
Based on our composite scoring, the top-ranked cities in Georgia are Athens, Alpharetta, and Savannah.