GeorgiaPop. 505,268Large cities
Is Atlanta a Good Place to Live? Atlanta, Georgia: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Atlanta ranks #481 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #6 of 37 large cities and #9 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #3 of 37) and low unemployment (3.7%, #4 of 37), and trails on low graduation rates (77.3%, #23 of 30).
Atlanta by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Atlanta'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 Atlanta?
Atlanta'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 $1,711/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $381,948, 15% above the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
| Measure | Atlanta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 100.3 · US 100 | 100.1#649 of 1,308 | 96.3 | 100.3 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $345,503 · US $368,697 | $381,948#584 of 1,187 | $330,817 | $345,503 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,615/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,944/mo#674 of 1,115 | — | $1,615/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $334,100 | $439,600#871 of 1,309 | — | $334,100 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,472/mo | $1,711/mo#883 of 1,309 | — | $1,472/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.7x | 5.1x#864 of 1,309 | — | 4.7x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.6% | 24%#900 of 1,309 | — | 23.6% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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.
Atlanta 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. Atlanta is in the Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA metro.
Georgia housing market →Is Atlanta safe?
Atlanta recorded 736 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times Georgia's 297. That ranks #983 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #25 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Atlanta Police Department. Property crime runs 3,117 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Atlanta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 677 · US 328 | 736#983 of 1,085 | 297 | 677 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 2,958 · US 1,548 | 3,117#972 of 1,085 | 1,409 | 2,958 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Atlanta?
The median household in Atlanta earns $85,652, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 7% above Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Atlanta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $73,877 · US $83,163 | $85,652#528 of 1,312 | $79,991 | $73,877 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.4% · US 4.3% | 3.7%#342 of 1,058 | 3.4% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 15.8% | 16.9%#974 of 1,312 | — | 15.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +1.6%#138 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 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Atlanta?
The median resident of Atlanta is 34.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 59.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #139 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Atlanta | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 35.2 | 34.2 | 35.2 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 37.1% | 59.2%#139 of 1,312 | 37.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 51% | 46.4% | 51% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Atlanta's schools and health?
Atlanta's 95 public schools graduate 77.3% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 12.4 students per teacher and $22,486 spent per pupil. 29.3% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 32.9% and 11.9%.
| Measure | Atlanta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 82% | 77.3%#939 of 1,063 | 84.1% | 82% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.7 | 12.4#120 of 1,188 | — | 16.7 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $17,204 | $22,486#105 of 1,188 | — | $17,204 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 32.9% | 29.3%#355 of 1,311 | — | 32.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.9% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | — | 11.9% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.8% | 17.2%#675 of 1,311 | — | 17.8% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 11.3%#811 of 1,311 | — | 13% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). Georgia is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 53,695 students are enrolled in Atlanta's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Atlanta?
The average commute in Atlanta is 26.5 minutes (Georgia 29.4); 5.7% of workers take transit and 29.7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Atlanta scores 13.3 of 20 (above average walkable), #280 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 78.8°F and winters 45.7°F, with 48.1 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Atlanta | GeorgiaGA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.7 min | 26.5 min#892 of 1,312 | 29.4 min | 24.7 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.9% | 7.8%#903 of 1,312 | 11.3% | 4.9% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 65.8% | 52.9% | 71.4% | 65.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 5.7% | 1.2% | 2.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 2.1% | 3.9% | 1.3% | 2.1% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 0.7% | 0.1% | 0.5% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 17.8% | 29.7% | 14.9% | 17.8% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 12.6 | 13.3#280 of 1,312 | — | 12.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 | 53.7 | 33.5 | 4.3 |
| Feb | 58.4 | 36.6 | 4.3 |
| Mar | 65.8 | 42.9 | 4.5 |
| Apr | 73.9 | 49.5 | 3.6 |
| May | 81.2 | 58.4 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 87.1 | 66.6 | 3.8 |
| Jul | 90 | 70.2 | 5 |
| Aug | 89.1 | 69.4 | 4 |
| Sep | 83.9 | 63 | 3.4 |
| Oct | 74.5 | 51.3 | 3.6 |
| Nov | 64 | 40.7 | 3.8 |
| Dec | 55.9 | 36 | 4.2 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Atlanta Fulton Co Airport.
| Measure | Atlanta | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 61.4°F | 62.3°F | 61.4°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 78.4°F | 78.8°F | 78.4°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 44.3°F | 45.7°F | 44.3°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 35.6 in | 48.1 in | 35.6 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Atlanta Fulton Co Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Atlanta?
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 | Atlanta | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 51 | 49#814 of 1,138 | 51 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 7 | 4#645 of 1,138 | 7 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.09%#97 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 37 cities of 500,000 or more 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 Atlanta compare with similar-size cities?
Atlanta is one of 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track and ranks #6 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 505,268.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta, GAPop. 505,268 | #481 | 58.3 | $85,652 | $1,711/mo | 736 | 26.5 min |
| Sacramento, CAPop. 528,706 | #839 | 52.6 | $87,321 | $1,779/mo | 720 | 25.3 min |
| Mesa, AZPop. 511,764 | #717 | 54.7 | $82,752 | $1,620/mo | 424 | 24.7 min |
| Kansas City, MOPop. 510,612 | #985 | 50.3 | $69,166 | $1,238/mo | 1,376 | 21.7 min |
| Omaha, NEPop. 488,837 | #588 | 56.8 | $73,201 | $1,187/mo | 350 | 19.6 min |
| Colorado Springs, COPop. 487,887 | #929 | 51.2 | $84,818 | $1,648/mo | 690 | 22.7 min |
| Raleigh, NCPop. 481,031 | #335 | 61.2 | $85,395 | $1,572/mo | 395 | 23 min |
| Miami, FLPop. 459,745 | #681 | 55.3 | $62,462 | $1,758/mo | 358 | 27.3 min |
| Virginia Beach, VAPop. 456,349 | #254 | 63.1 | $92,968 | $1,714/mo | 100 | 23.4 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 Atlanta compare with the rest of Georgia?
Atlanta ranks #9 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 58.3 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 7% above the Georgia median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% above 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 Atlanta's score calculated?
Atlanta scores 58.3 out of 100, #481 of 1,312 (grade B, 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 Atlanta. Similar-size median 50.4.
59.1 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Atlanta's police agency. Similar-size median 44.7.
37.7 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Atlanta. Similar-size median 52.4.
62.0 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Atlanta's public schools. Similar-size median 52.5.
68.5 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Atlanta's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 64.1.
58.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Atlanta. Similar-size median 43.4.
46.3 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Atlanta. Similar-size median 40.4.
58.2 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Atlanta. Similar-size median 56.6.
69.2 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Atlanta's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 61.1.
64.7 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 46.4.
68.0 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Atlanta's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 37 cities of 500,000 or more we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Atlanta 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 Atlanta
Is Atlanta, GA a good place to live?
Atlanta ranks #481 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #6 of 37 large cities and #9 of 20 in Georgia. Against similar-size cities it stands out for fast population growth (+1.6%, #3 of 37) and low unemployment (3.7%, #4 of 37), and trails on low graduation rates (77.3%, #23 of 30).
What is the cost of living in Atlanta?
Atlanta'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 $1,711/mo against $1,472/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $381,948, 15% above the typical Georgia home ($330,817).
What is the crime rate in Atlanta?
Atlanta recorded 736 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.2 times the US rate of 328 and 2.5 times Georgia's 297. That ranks #983 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #25 of 36 large cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Atlanta Police Department. Property crime runs 3,117 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Atlanta?
The median household in Atlanta earns $85,652, 3% above the US figure of $83,163 and 7% above Georgia ($79,991). Unemployment is 3.7% (US 4.3%). 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 1.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Atlanta?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,711/mo (Census), #883 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,944/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 24% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Atlanta?
The typical home value in Atlanta is $381,948, down 2% in a year, against $330,817 for Georgia and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $439,600.
How are the public schools in Atlanta?
Atlanta's 95 public schools graduate 77.3% of students in four years (Georgia 84.1%), with 12.4 students per teacher and $22,486 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Atlanta?
The average commute is 26.5 minutes, #892 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 29.4 minutes across Georgia. 7.8% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Atlanta?
Atlanta averages 62.3°F over the year, 78.8°F in summer and 45.7°F in winter, with 48.1 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Atlanta walkable?
Atlanta scores 13.3 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #280 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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta?
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 Atlanta?
Atlanta has 505,268 residents. The median resident of Atlanta is 34.2 years old, against 35.2 in similar-size cities. 59.2% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #139 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 46.4% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Atlanta compare with the rest of Georgia?
Atlanta ranks #9 of the 20 Georgia cities we track, with a score of 58.3 against Georgia's statewide 55.4. Its households earn 7% above the Georgia median. Violent crime is 2.5 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% above the typical Georgia home.
What cities are similar in size to Atlanta?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Atlanta's population of 505,268 are Sacramento, CA (#839 overall), Mesa, AZ (#717 overall), Kansas City, MO (#985 overall), Omaha, NE (#588 overall), and Colorado Springs, CO (#929 overall). Atlanta is #481.