The metropolitan Atlanta area has reached a new milestone this week, with the U.S. Census Bureau naming it the sixth largest — and third fastest growing — region in the country.
The city grew by approximately 68,585 new residents in 2023, roughly 1% of the area’s population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The fastest growth hasn’t been in counties like Fulton, DeKalb or Cobb, but in exurban communities farther from the city.
Two Georgia counties landed in the Census Bureau’s list of top 10 fastest-growing counties with over 20,000 residents.
Dawson County, in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains, was fifth in the nation with a population growth of 5.1%.
Jackson County, located near Athens, was fourth at 5.5%. A primary factor was the growth of its city Jefferson, the second fastest-growing micro area — one with 10,000-50,000 residents — in the U.S. Jefferson added 4,606 residents in 2023, according to the Census Bureau. That made the city the fastest-growing micro area by percentage in the U.S. at 5.5%
The new data follows a report released in December that listed Georgia as being one of eight states nationwide with a population of over 11 million.
Both Georgia and Atlanta have caught the eye of potential residents in recent years, due in part to the bustling film, technology and real estate industries.
Time will tell how these population trends affect the culture, infrastructure and, of course, the politics of Atlanta.
Atlanta hosts its final FIFA World Cup match today as England and Argentina face off in a highly anticipated semifinal at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
While thousands of fans are expected to pack the stadium in downtown Atlanta once again, local leaders say the tournament’s impact is already being felt far beyond the pitch.
Before the World Cup began, the Metro Atlanta Chamber projected the tournament could generate more than $503 million in economic activity across Georgia. An Emory University study also estimated Decatur’s month-long WatchFest could contribute up to $142 million to the local economy.
Officials across metro Atlanta are still compiling final attendance and economic data, but early signs point to a busy tournament.
Visitors from around the world have spent weeks exploring Atlanta attractions, dining at local restaurants and attending the FIFA Fan Festival.
“It’s better than I anticipated,” said one visitor from Lagos, Nigeria. “Everyone is super nice, very friendly. The energy is … I feel like I could bottle it. I don’t want it to end.”
The tournament has also created lasting memories for local families.
Former professional baseball player Paul Byrd attended the World Cup with his son, Colby, whose passion for soccer inspired the outing.
“First of all, I’m a baseball player,” Byrd said. “Put my son in left field, he’s talking to the rabbits. He said baseball’s boring. He loves soccer. That’s why we’re here. The World Cup in Atlanta, we’re showing out. It feels like a World Series for me.”
While today’s semifinal marks Atlanta’s final match of the tournament, local leaders say the World Cup’s full impact will take time to measure as communities continue calculating attendance, tourism, and business activity generated over the past several weeks.
England and Argentina kick off Wednesday afternoon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with the winner advancing to the FIFA World Cup.
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