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Is Alpharetta a Good Place to Live? Alpharetta, Georgia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Alpharetta ranks #54 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #27 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.9%, #23 of 476) and high household income ($147,612, #27 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($649,000, #428 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
Alpharetta by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Alpharetta's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Alpharetta?
Alpharetta's cost of living index is 100.1, in line with the US level of 100 and #649 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,948/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $716,629, 2.2 times the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
| Measure | Alpharetta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 100.1#649 of 1,308 | 96.3 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $716,629#1019 of 1,187 | $330,817 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $2,137/mo#776 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $649,000#1118 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $1,948/mo#1068 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 4.4x#690 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 15.8%#88 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Alpharetta housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Alpharetta is in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA metro.
Georgia housing market →Is Alpharetta safe?
Alpharetta recorded 220 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 26% below Georgia's 297. That ranks #394 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #182 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Alpharetta Police Department. Property crime runs 1,040 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Alpharetta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 220#394 of 1,085 | 297 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,040#236 of 1,085 | 1,409 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Alpharetta?
The median household in Alpharetta earns $147,612, 77% above the US figure of $83,163 and 85% above Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Alpharetta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $147,612#47 of 1,312 | $79,991 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 5.6%#140 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.3%#853 of 1,132 | +0.9% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Alpharetta?
The median resident of Alpharetta is 41.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 70.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #42 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Alpharetta | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 41.3 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 70.7%#42 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 65.1% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Alpharetta's schools and health?
Alpharetta's 14 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $15,183 spent per pupil. 22.4% of adults are obese and 8.8% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Alpharetta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 85%#705 of 1,063 | 84.1% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 14.8#428 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,183#568 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 22.4%#51 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 8.8%#185 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 12.9%#56 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 7.4%#305 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 12,758 students are enrolled in Alpharetta's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Alpharetta?
The average commute in Alpharetta is 26.3 minutes (Georgia 29.4); 0.5% of workers take transit and 36.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Alpharetta scores 10 of 20 (below average walkable), #694 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.1°F and winters 44.4°F, with 51.4 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Alpharetta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 26.3 min#886 of 1,312 | 29.4 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 8.4%#949 of 1,312 | 11.3% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 54.5% | 71.4% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.5% | 1.2% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 1.8% | 1.3% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 36.7% | 14.9% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 10#694 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 51.9 | 32.7 | 4.6 |
| Feb | 56.4 | 35.9 | 4.5 |
| Mar | 64.4 | 42.2 | 4.7 |
| Apr | 72.7 | 49.2 | 3.9 |
| May | 80.3 | 58.5 | 3.8 |
| Jun | 86.2 | 66.3 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 89.4 | 69.9 | 4.7 |
| Aug | 88.2 | 69.1 | 4.5 |
| Sep | 82.9 | 62.8 | 4.1 |
| Oct | 72.8 | 50.9 | 3.4 |
| Nov | 62.5 | 40.6 | 4.2 |
| Dec | 54.4 | 35.5 | 4.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Atlanta Dekalb Peachtree Airport.
| Measure | Alpharetta | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 61.5°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 78.1°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 44.4°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 51.4 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Atlanta Dekalb Peachtree Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Alpharetta?
Fulton County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fulton County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
| Measure | Alpharetta | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 44 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 44 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 3 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 3 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.09%#97 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Fulton County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Fulton County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Earthquake | 0.006% | 70% of counties |
| Hail | 0.0015% | 43% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0049% | 37% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.063% | 26% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Alpharetta compare with similar-size cities?
Alpharetta is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #27 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 66,855.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #54 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 | 26.3 min |
| Maricopa, AZPop. 67,163 | #842 | 52.6 | $96,391 | $1,998/mo | 242 | 36.6 min |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #1014 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 | 15.9 min |
| Davis, CAPop. 66,978 | #529 | 57.6 | $90,045 | $2,187/mo | 191 | 22.3 min |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #377 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 | 18.1 min |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #96 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 | 26.2 min |
| Ocala, FLPop. 66,584 | #962 | 50.7 | $56,376 | $1,359/mo | 393 | 19.2 min |
| Caldwell, IDPop. 66,516 | #551 | 57.3 | $73,058 | $1,264/mo | 482 | 24.6 min |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #210 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year | 29.3 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Alpharetta compare with the rest of Georgia?
Alpharetta ranks #2 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 70.6 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 85% above the Georgia median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.2 times the typical Georgia home.
| City | Rank in GA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Creek, GAPop. 81,988 | #1 | 73.4 | $160,093 | $2,257/mo | 40 |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #2 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 |
| Roswell, GAPop. 92,621 | #3 | 69.2 | $128,654 | $1,810/mo | 111 |
| Sandy Springs, GAPop. 107,087 | #4 | 68.0 | $104,340 | $1,870/mo | 114 |
| Dunwoody, GAPop. 51,758 | #5 | 67.1 | $121,903 | $1,859/mo | 162 |
| Brookhaven, GAPop. 57,855 | #6 | 65.4 | $117,663 | $1,882/mo | 265 |
| Smyrna, GAPop. 56,633 | #7 | 64.8 | $100,061 | $1,739/mo | 240 |
| Marietta, GAPop. 62,263 | #8 | 60.9 | $72,725 | $1,586/mo | 291 |
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #9 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 |
| Gainesville, GAPop. 45,032 | #10 | 55.2 | $66,974 | $1,299/mo | 404 |
| Athens, GAPop. 127,345 | #11 | 54.2 | $52,974 | $1,219/mo | 352 |
| South Fulton, GAPop. 110,471 | #12 | 53.9 | $82,324 | $1,702/mo | 477 |
| Warner Robins, GAPop. 82,990 | #13 | 53.9 | $66,970 | $1,212/mo | 513 |
| Savannah, GAPop. 147,898 | #14 | 51.9 | $57,137 | $1,382/mo | county/metro |
| Columbus, GAPop. 203,711 | #15 | 51.4 | $58,073 | $1,106/mo | 366 |
| Valdosta, GAPop. 55,252 | #16 | 46.6 | $45,925 | $1,054/mo | 477 |
| Stonecrest, GAPop. 60,501 | #17 | 46.5 | $64,591 | $1,601/mo | no data |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #18 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 |
| Macon, GAPop. 156,578 | #19 | 40.3 | $51,234 | $1,066/mo | 1,293 |
| Albany, GAPop. 67,224 | #20 | 39.5 | $47,240 | $931/mo | 1,485 |
All 20 Georgia cities we track, by overall score. Georgia statewide: median income $79,991, violent crime 296.9 per 100,000.
How is Alpharetta's score calculated?
Alpharetta scores 70.6 out of 100, #54 of 1,312 (grade A+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Georgia's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Alpharetta. Similar-size median 55.5.
90.7 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Alpharetta's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
85.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Alpharetta. Similar-size median 58.9.
83.4 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Alpharetta's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
58.7 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Alpharetta's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
46.6 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Alpharetta. Similar-size median 56.1.
94.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Alpharetta. Similar-size median 42.4.
42.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Alpharetta. Similar-size median 50.0.
61.8 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Alpharetta's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
47.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 50.8.
68.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Alpharetta's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Alpharetta has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Alpharetta
Is Alpharetta, GA a good place to live?
Alpharetta ranks #54 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #27 of 524 smaller cities and #2 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low unemployment (2.9%, #23 of 476) and high household income ($147,612, #27 of 524), and trails on expensive homes ($649,000, #428 of 524) and a shrinking population (-0.3%, #353 of 468).
What is the cost of living in Alpharetta?
Alpharetta's cost of living index is 100.1, in line with the US level of 100 and #649 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,948/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $716,629, 2.2 times the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
What is the crime rate in Alpharetta?
Alpharetta recorded 220 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 33% below the US rate of 328 and 26% below Georgia's 297. That ranks #394 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #182 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Alpharetta Police Department. Property crime runs 1,040 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Alpharetta?
The median household in Alpharetta earns $147,612, 77% above the US figure of $83,163 and 85% above Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 5.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.3% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Alpharetta?
Median rent in Alpharetta is $1,948/mo (Census), #1068 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $2,137/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 15.8% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Alpharetta?
The typical home value in Alpharetta is $716,629, down 0.2% in a year, against $330,817 for Georgia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $649,000.
How are the public schools in Alpharetta?
Alpharetta's 14 public schools graduate 85% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 14.8 students per teacher and $15,183 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Alpharetta?
The average commute is 26.3 minutes, #886 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.4 minutes across Georgia. 8.4% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Alpharetta?
Alpharetta averages 61.5°F over the year, 78.1°F in summer and 44.4°F in winter, with 51.4 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Alpharetta walkable?
Alpharetta scores 10 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #694 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Alpharetta at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Fulton County's biggest natural hazard losses in earthquake, hail, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 94% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Alpharetta?
Fulton County's air had a median air quality index of 49, and 54% of measured days were rated good; 4 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Alpharetta?
Alpharetta has 66,855 residents. The median resident of Alpharetta is 41.3 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 70.7% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #42 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 65.1% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Alpharetta compare with the rest of Georgia?
Alpharetta ranks #2 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 70.6 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 85% above the Georgia median. Violent crime is 26% below the statewide rate. Homes are 2.2 times the typical Georgia home.
What cities are similar in size to Alpharetta?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Alpharetta's population of 66,855 are Maricopa, AZ (#842 overall), Waterloo, IA (#1014 overall), Davis, CA (#529 overall), Oshkosh, WI (#377 overall), and Novi, MI (#96 overall). Alpharetta is #54.