Georgia US Population in 2025 | Statistics & Facts

Population of Georgia in 2025

The state of Georgia has emerged as one of America’s fastest-growing demographic powerhouses, experiencing remarkable population expansion that positions it among the nation’s top growth states. As we navigate through 2024 into 2025, Georgia’s population stands at approximately 11.18 million residents, representing a 1.3% growth rate that significantly outpaces the national average and solidifies the Peach State’s position as the 8th most populous state in the nation. This explosive growth trajectory, driven by robust economic opportunity, favorable business climate, affordable cost of living compared to coastal alternatives, and migration from high-tax northern states, has fundamentally transformed Georgia from a regional southern power into a national economic and demographic force commanding attention from policymakers, businesses, and demographers nationwide.

The demographic transformation sweeping across Georgia in 2024-2025 reflects broader Sun Belt migration patterns while showcasing unique characteristics that distinguish the state from other southern growth leaders. Georgia’s population increase of approximately 143,000 residents between 2023 and 2024 resulted from powerful combination of domestic migration bringing families and businesses fleeing expensive northeastern and western states, sustained international immigration drawn to Atlanta’s thriving economy and diverse communities, and natural population increase from births exceeding deaths. The state’s diverse metropolitan areas anchored by Atlanta’s massive metro region containing over 6 million residents, combined with rapidly expanding secondary cities including Augusta, Columbus, Savannah, Athens, and Macon, create dynamic economic ecosystems attracting young professionals, families, retirees, and entrepreneurs seeking opportunity. This population surge in Georgia carries profound implications for infrastructure development, educational system expansion, healthcare delivery, political representation, and environmental management as the state navigates unprecedented growth while maintaining quality of life and sustainable development through 2025 and beyond.

Key Stats & Facts About Georgia Population in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 Population Estimates (July 1, 2024); Georgia Office of Planning and Budget

Understanding Georgia Population Growth Trends

The population dynamics of Georgia in 2024 reveal a state experiencing transformative demographic expansion driven by multiple powerful forces converging to make the Peach State one of America’s most attractive destinations for residents and businesses. The 11.18 million Georgians counted as of July 1, 2024 represent a remarkable achievement in a state that crossed the 10 million population threshold only in 2015, demonstrating how rapidly Georgia has scaled to become a demographic heavyweight. This 1.3% annual growth rate positions Georgia among the top 10 fastest-growing states, substantially exceeding the national growth rate of 1.0% and reflecting the state’s enhanced competitive position in attracting new residents through its combination of economic opportunity, relatively affordable housing, favorable tax environment, quality educational institutions, and diverse cultural amenities.

Breaking down the 143,000 net population increase reveals fascinating insights into Georgia’s growth composition. Net domestic migration contributed approximately 64,486 residents, representing individuals and families relocating from other US states, predominantly from high-cost northeastern states including New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, plus substantial inflows from California, Illinois, and other states where residents seek lower taxes, affordable housing, and pro-business environments. Net international migration added approximately 64,017 residents, showcasing Georgia’s appeal to immigrants from Latin America, Asia, Africa, and other regions who see opportunity in Atlanta’s international business hub, diverse communities, and established immigrant networks. Meanwhile, natural increase from births exceeding deaths contributed approximately 12,632 residents, reflecting Georgia’s relatively young population profile compared to rapidly aging states like Florida and Maine. This balanced growth across multiple demographic channels creates sustainable expansion less vulnerable to economic cycles affecting any single migration stream, positioning Georgia’s population for continued robust growth through 2025 and beyond.

Georgia Population by Age Distribution in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2019-2023 applied to 2024 Georgia population

The age distribution of Georgia’s population in 2024 reveals a demographic profile that positions the state advantageously for sustained economic growth and fiscal health compared to rapidly aging states across the nation. Georgia’s median age of 37.1 years falls below the national median of 38.9 years, indicating a relatively youthful population that promises robust workforce participation, consumer spending, entrepreneurship, and tax revenue generation for decades ahead. This age advantage stems from Georgia’s success attracting young professionals and families in their prime earning years who migrate for career opportunities, affordable homeownership, and quality of life improvements over expensive coastal alternatives.

The prime working-age population between 25-44 years, totaling approximately 3.07 million residents or 27.5% of Georgia’s population, represents the state’s economic engine driving innovation, productivity, and growth across industries from technology and logistics to healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. This massive cohort includes millennials fully established in careers, generating peak earnings, purchasing homes, starting families, and creating consumer demand supporting Georgia’s retail, service, and housing sectors. The late career population aged 45-64, numbering approximately 2.79 million or 25.0%, brings experience, leadership, and accumulated wealth while approaching retirement years that will transition them from workforce contributors to service consumers. Meanwhile, Georgia’s senior population 65 and over, totaling approximately 1.78 million or 15.9%, remains substantially smaller proportionally than rapidly aging states like Florida (20.9% seniors) and Maine (21.8% seniors), providing Georgia decades of demographic dividend before confronting fiscal pressures from massive retired populations straining social services, healthcare systems, and state budgets. The youth population under 18, comprising approximately 2.51 million or 22.5%, ensures future workforce replacement while driving demand for educational services, youth programs, and family-oriented community development supporting Georgia’s population growth trajectory through 2025.

Georgia Population by Gender Distribution in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates applied to 2024 Georgia population

The gender composition of Georgia’s population in 2024 demonstrates relatively balanced distribution between males and females with patterns consistent with national demographic norms. The female population of approximately 5.69 million slightly exceeds the male population of approximately 5.49 million, creating a gender ratio of 96.5 males per 100 females that reflects biological realities of differential longevity favoring women. This modest female majority stems primarily from age-related mortality differences where women consistently outlive men by several years, creating increasingly female-dominated populations in older age brackets.

Within the crucial working-age population between 18-64 years, gender distribution remains remarkably balanced with approximately 3.41 million males and 3.49 million females participating in Georgia’s workforce, educational institutions, and economic activity. This near parity reflects contemporary social realities where both genders engage actively in higher education, career development, and labor force participation at similar rates. Female workforce participation in Georgia has risen dramatically over recent decades, fundamentally transforming household economics, family structures, and workplace dynamics across the state. Among Georgia’s senior population 65 and over, the female advantage becomes pronounced with approximately 951,000 women outnumbering 827,000 men, creating a 53.5% female majority among elderly Georgians. This gender gap widens dramatically in the oldest age brackets where cumulative mortality differences over lifetimes result in substantially more elderly women than men, affecting healthcare delivery, long-term care services, widowhood support, and elder services planning across Georgia’s population through 2024-2025.

Georgia Population by Race and Ethnicity in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 Population Estimates by Race and Hispanic Origin; Georgia Office of Planning and Budget projections

The racial and ethnic composition of Georgia’s population in 2024 reflects dramatic demographic transformation making the state increasingly diverse and positioning it on the cusp of becoming a majority-minority state where non-Hispanic whites no longer constitute an absolute majority. Georgia’s white non-Hispanic population of approximately 5.62 million or 50.3% has declined from over 65% just two decades ago, with state projections indicating Georgia crossed into majority-minority status in October 2024. This historic demographic shift carries profound implications for politics, business, culture, education, and social dynamics across the state.

Georgia’s Black or African American population of approximately 3.64 million or 32.6% represents the state’s largest and most historically significant minority community, with deep roots extending to slavery era and centuries of African American cultural, economic, and political contributions shaping Georgia’s identity. The state’s Black population concentration in Atlanta’s metro region, Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, and Macon creates substantial African American political power, cultural institutions, and economic influence. Atlanta serves as an unofficial capital of Black America, hosting major African American businesses, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) including Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta, and extensive Black middle-class communities. The Hispanic or Latino population of approximately 1.15 million or 10.2% represents Georgia’s fastest-growing demographic, surging from less than 5% in 2000 through immigration and higher birth rates. Hispanic growth concentrates in metropolitan Atlanta, agricultural regions requiring farm labor, and poultry processing areas across north Georgia. The Asian population of approximately 502,000 or 4.5% has exploded through immigration of highly educated professionals in technology, healthcare, engineering, and business sectors, with substantial Korean, Indian, Chinese, and Vietnamese communities particularly in Atlanta suburbs. The growing multiracial population of approximately 223,000 or 2.0% reflects increasing interracial marriage and changing census methodologies capturing mixed-race identities, concentrated among younger Georgians. This remarkable diversity makes Georgia’s population increasingly cosmopolitan, enriching culture while creating challenges requiring inclusive policies addressing diverse community needs through 2024-2025.

Georgia Population by County Distribution in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 County Population Estimates

The geographic distribution of Georgia’s population in 2024 reveals extreme concentration in the Atlanta metropolitan region which dominates the state demographically, economically, and politically. The top five counties – Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, DeKalb, and Chatham – collectively contain approximately 3.97 million residents or 35.5% of Georgia’s total population, with metro Atlanta counties alone housing over 6 million residents or approximately 54% of all Georgians. This massive demographic concentration creates a stark urban-rural divide shaping state politics, resource allocation, infrastructure priorities, and cultural dynamics.

Fulton County, containing downtown Atlanta and serving as Georgia’s economic and cultural capital, leads with approximately 1.07 million residents comprising the state’s most diverse, educated, and affluent population. Gwinnett County has emerged as one of America’s most diverse suburban counties, transforming from predominantly white suburbs in the 1990s to a remarkably multicultural community where minorities now constitute the majority, driven by Asian and Hispanic immigration plus African American suburbanization. Cobb County maintains reputation as affluent northwestern suburbs housing major employers and upscale residential communities, while DeKalb County provides middle-class suburbs east of Atlanta with strong African American communities. Outside metro Atlanta, Chatham County’s approximately 404,000 residents center on historic Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city and major tourism destination combining historic preservation with port operations. Richmond County’s approximately 203,000 residents in Augusta metropolitan area support military installations at Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon) plus healthcare and manufacturing industries. The fastest-growing counties including Forsyth, Cherokee, and Henry demonstrate continued suburban sprawl extending metro Atlanta’s reach deeper into previously rural areas as residents seek affordable housing, good schools, and escape from urban congestion while maintaining access to Atlanta’s job markets. Meanwhile, many rural counties across south Georgia experience population stagnation or decline as young residents migrate to metro areas seeking economic opportunity, leaving aging populations and declining tax bases struggling to maintain services, highlighting challenges of uneven growth across Georgia’s population distribution in 2024-2025.

Georgia Population by Educational Attainment in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates 2019-2023 applied to 2024 Georgia population

Educational attainment patterns across Georgia’s population in 2024 reveal a state with substantial educational progress yet persistent gaps compared to top-performing states. The 32.3% of Georgia adults holding bachelor’s degrees or higher (combining bachelor’s and graduate degrees) positions the state near the national average but below leading education states like Massachusetts (45%) and Colorado (43%). This educational profile reflects Georgia’s economic diversity spanning highly educated professionals in Atlanta’s technology, finance, and healthcare sectors alongside substantial populations in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, and service industries requiring less formal education.

Metro Atlanta drives Georgia’s educational attainment, housing disproportionate concentrations of college graduates attracted by professional opportunities, while rural areas lag significantly with higher proportions lacking high school diplomas. The approximately 1.52 million Georgians holding bachelor’s degrees and 761,000 with graduate degrees provide skilled workforce for knowledge economy sectors including technology companies, major corporations, research institutions, and professional services that anchor Georgia’s prosperity. Major universities including the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Emory University, and extensive state university and technical college systems produce steady streams of graduates while attracting out-of-state students who remain in Georgia post-graduation. However, the approximately 764,000 adults lacking high school diplomas face significant economic barriers limiting earning potential, employment stability, and upward mobility. Many among this group include older adults who entered workforce in eras when diplomas were less essential, recent immigrants with foreign education not captured in US credentials, and individuals who left school early due to economic necessity or personal circumstances. The middle tier of educational attainment – encompassing high school graduates, those with some college, and associate degree holders – collectively represents approximately 4.03 million adults or 56.9% of adults 25+, forming the backbone of Georgia’s workforce in skilled trades, office work, healthcare support, retail management, manufacturing, and countless other occupations essential to state prosperity affecting economic mobility across Georgia’s population through 2024-2025.

Georgia Population Employment and Income in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023; Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 estimates

The economic profile of Georgia’s population in 2024 showcases a state with robust employment fundamentals yet persistent income and poverty challenges affecting substantial segments of residents. The labor force participation rate of 64.2% among working-age Georgians reflects healthy workforce engagement, while the unemployment rate of approximately 3.7% indicates near full employment conditions where virtually all job seekers can find work. This strong employment picture reflects Georgia’s diversified economy spanning logistics and transportation (Atlanta serves as major distribution hub), manufacturing (automotive, aerospace, food processing), film and entertainment production (major incentive programs), technology (growing Atlanta tech scene), agriculture (leading poultry, peanuts, pecans), and professional services.

However, income metrics reveal Georgia lags the national median household income with $71,355 compared to the US median of $75,149, indicating earnings challenges despite strong employment. The per capita income of $35,184 similarly trails national figures, reflecting Georgia’s mix of high-paying professional jobs in metro Atlanta alongside substantial populations in lower-wage service, retail, and agricultural sectors particularly in rural areas. The poverty rate of 13.2% affecting approximately 1.48 million Georgians exceeds the national poverty rate of 11.5%, concentrated in rural counties across south Georgia, inner-city Atlanta neighborhoods, and counties with limited economic diversification. Children experience elevated poverty rates approaching 18%, affecting educational outcomes, health, and long-term opportunity. Despite these challenges, the 28.7% of households earning $100,000 or more annually, totaling approximately 901,000 affluent households, demonstrates substantial and growing prosperity particularly in affluent Atlanta suburbs like Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Milton, and Brookhaven where technology professionals, executives, and business owners concentrate. This income inequality within Georgia’s population creates social tensions, shapes political dynamics, and challenges policymakers seeking inclusive growth benefiting all Georgians through 2024-2025.

Georgia Population by Metropolitan Areas in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau Metropolitan Statistical Area Population Estimates 2024

The metropolitan distribution of Georgia’s population in 2024 demonstrates the overwhelming dominance of the Atlanta metropolitan area which alone contains 55% of all Georgians and drives state economic growth, cultural production, political power, and demographic dynamism. The Atlanta metro’s approximately 6.14 million residents make it the 9th largest metropolitan area in the United States and by far the Southeast’s economic capital, dwarfing competing southern metros and functioning as a truly national-scale metropolitan region rivaling traditional powerhouses. Atlanta’s economy spans Fortune 500 headquarters (Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, UPS), major financial institutions, technology companies (growing tech hub), logistics operations (Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, distribution centers), film production (tax incentives attract productions), and professional services creating diverse employment attracting migrants from across America and internationally.

Beyond Atlanta’s dominance, Georgia’s secondary metropolitan areas provide important economic and demographic diversity across the state. Augusta’s approximately 629,000 residents support Fort Eisenhower’s major military and cybersecurity operations plus healthcare sector anchored by Augusta University Medical Center. Savannah’s approximately 404,000 residents maintain the state’s second-largest city combining historic tourism (historic district attracts millions), Port of Savannah (4th busiest US container port), and Gulfstream Aerospace manufacturing. Columbus’s approximately 328,000 residents center on Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning), one of America’s largest Army installations, plus manufacturing and regional retail. Macon, Athens, Warner Robins, Albany, and Valdosta metros each provide regional economic anchors preventing total Atlanta dominance, though none exceed 250,000 residents. Meanwhile, non-metropolitan rural areas containing approximately 2.87 million Georgians or 25.6% of the state population face economic challenges from declining agriculture employment, limited broadband access, healthcare shortages, youth outmigration, and aging populations. Many rural counties lose population as young adults migrate to metros seeking opportunity, leaving behind older residents and struggling communities. This stark divide between booming metros, especially Atlanta, and struggling rural areas creates political tensions between urban and rural Georgia, shapes state resource allocation debates, and challenges leaders seeking balanced development across all regions of Georgia’s population in 2024-2025.

Georgia Population by Housing and Households in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 estimates; Georgia housing market data 2024

The housing and household composition across Georgia’s population in 2024 reflects rapid growth creating enormous housing demand while maintaining relative affordability compared to expensive coastal markets. The approximately 4.18 million households represent diverse living arrangements from traditional families to single-person households, multigenerational arrangements, and roommate situations responding to housing costs and cultural preferences. The homeownership rate of 64.0% slightly exceeds the national rate of 65.5%, indicating solid middle-class achievement of homeownership despite challenges facing younger Georgians priced out of expensive markets.

The median home value of $245,900 positions Georgia as substantially more affordable than coastal alternatives like California ($606,000), New York ($392,000), or Massachusetts ($510,000), making the state attractive to families seeking homeownership impossible in expensive states. However, this statewide median masks dramatic variation from rural counties with homes under $150,000 to affluent Atlanta suburbs where median homes exceed $400,000-600,000. Atlanta’s housing market has experienced rapid appreciation as demand from migrants, investors, and growing affluence drives prices upward, creating affordability challenges for working-class and lower-income families. The median gross rent of $1,295 has risen substantially as rental demand surges from population growth, young professionals delaying homeownership, and investors converting properties to rentals. Approximately 1.50 million renter households face increasing cost burdens, with many paying over 30% of income on rent, considered the threshold for housing cost burden. The average household size of 2.67 persons exceeds the national average of 2.50, reflecting Georgia’s substantial Hispanic population (larger households), African American families, and multigenerational arrangements common in immigrant communities and among families sharing housing costs. The housing unit inventory of approximately 4.51 million includes 332,000 vacant units (7.4% vacancy rate) encompassing seasonal homes, investment properties awaiting occupancy, homes for sale, and properties transitioning between occupants. Rapid construction across metro Atlanta and growth counties struggles to keep pace with household formation from Georgia’s population increase, maintaining tight housing markets driving appreciation and challenging affordability through 2024-2025.

Georgia Population Health Insurance Coverage in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey health insurance estimates; Georgia Medicaid program data 2024

Health insurance coverage patterns across Georgia’s population in 2024 reveal a state with substantial uninsured population despite Medicaid expansion debates and Affordable Care Act implementation. The approximately 1.40 million uninsured Georgians representing 12.5% of the population significantly exceeds the national uninsured rate of 9.5%, reflecting Georgia’s decision not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, creating a coverage gap for adults earning too much for traditional Medicaid but too little to qualify for marketplace subsidies.

Employer-based insurance covering approximately 5.26 million Georgians or 47.0% remains the dominant coverage source, reflecting Georgia’s strong employment base across diverse industries. However, this employment-linked model leaves gaps for part-time workers, gig economy participants, small business employees whose employers don’t offer benefits, and unemployed individuals between jobs. Medicare covering approximately 1.86 million Georgians or 16.6% serves seniors 65 and older plus certain disabled individuals, with enrollment growing rapidly as Baby Boomers age into eligibility. Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids covering approximately 2.35 million Georgians or 21.0% provides crucial safety net for low-income families, pregnant women, children, and disabled individuals meeting strict eligibility criteria. Georgia maintains relatively restrictive Medicaid eligibility compared to expansion states, leaving approximately 400,000 adults in the coverage gap – earning too much for Medicaid but too little to afford marketplace coverage. This coverage gap disproportionately affects working-age adults in low-wage jobs without employer coverage, creating barriers to preventive care, chronic disease management, and financial security. The uninsured population concentrates among Hispanic residents (20% uninsured), young adults aged 18-34, rural residents with limited access to employer coverage, and self-employed individuals finding insurance unaffordable, affecting health outcomes and economic security across Georgia’s population in 2024-2025.

Georgia Population Voting and Political Participation in 2025

Data Source: Georgia Secretary of State Voter Registration Data; U.S. Census Bureau Current Population Survey Voting Supplement

The voting and political participation dynamics of Georgia’s population in 2024 positioned the state as one of America’s most consequential political battlegrounds, with intense focus from national campaigns, massive spending, and unprecedented mobilization efforts across diverse constituencies. The citizen voting age population of approximately 8.28 million represents a large and growing electorate that has trended increasingly competitive between parties, transforming Georgia from reliably Republican stronghold into genuine swing state determining presidential and Senate outcomes.

Georgia’s registered voter base of approximately 7.94 million representing 95.8% of eligible citizens demonstrates exceptionally high registration rates resulting from intensive voter registration drives, automatic registration through driver’s license transactions, and mobilization efforts by political parties and advocacy organizations across the ideological spectrum. The state’s 2024 presidential election turnout of approximately 5.40 million voters or 65.2% of eligible citizens reflects Georgia’s battleground status driving campaigns to maximize participation among supporters while suppressing opposition turnout through various means. Turnout surged particularly in metro Atlanta’s diverse suburbs where demographic change created newly competitive districts previously safe Republican territory. The approximately 390,000 non-citizen adults residing in Georgia remain ineligible to vote despite having substantial stakes in policy outcomes affecting their lives, concentrated among immigrant communities across metro Atlanta, agricultural regions, and poultry processing areas. The approximately 320,000 first-time eligible voters who reached voting age since 2020 represent crucial emerging electoral power concentrated among Generation Z voters bringing distinctive progressive perspectives on climate change, student debt, racial justice, and social issues. Meanwhile, Georgia’s approximately 740,000 military service members and veterans comprising 8.9% of adults wield significant political influence, particularly around military installations at Fort Moore, Fort Eisenhower, Robins Air Force Base, and Kings Bay Naval Base that anchor regional economies and shape local political dynamics across Georgia’s population through 2024-2025.

Georgia Population Migration Patterns in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 Population Estimates Components of Change; Georgia Office of Planning and Budget

The migration dynamics shaping Georgia’s population in 2024 reveal a state successfully attracting domestic migrants from across America while simultaneously drawing robust international immigration, creating balanced growth less vulnerable to economic cycles affecting any single migration stream. The net domestic migration of +64,486 residents represents the difference between approximately 340,000 people moving to Georgia from other US states and approximately 276,000 Georgians departing for other states, yielding substantial net gain reflecting Georgia’s enhanced competitive position attracting residents and businesses.

Analysis of domestic migration origins shows Georgia draws heavily from high-cost northeastern states including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts where residents flee high taxes, expensive housing, harsh winters, and declining economic opportunity. Florida paradoxically serves as both major source sending retirees and families northward to Georgia seeking lower costs than Florida’s appreciating markets, while simultaneously receiving Georgia retirees seeking warmer climates and no state income tax. California contributes substantial outflow as residents and businesses relocate to Georgia seeking affordable housing, pro-business environment, lower taxes, and escape from California’s regulatory environment and cost structure. The net international migration of +64,017 residents reflects immigration from Latin America (Mexico, Central America, South America), Asia (India, China, Korea, Vietnam), Africa (particularly Ethiopian, Nigerian, and Somali refugees/immigrants), and other regions attracted by economic opportunity, established immigrant communities providing support networks, and Atlanta’s reputation as welcoming diverse populations. International migrants settle predominantly in metro Atlanta’s diverse suburbs including Gwinnett, DeKalb, and Cobb Counties where immigrant communities establish businesses, religious institutions, cultural organizations, and economic footholds. The natural increase of +12,632 residents from approximately 131,600 births exceeding approximately 119,000 deaths reflects Georgia’s relatively young population profile maintaining positive natural growth unlike rapidly aging states like Maine and West Virginia experiencing natural decrease. Birth rates remain stable though declining gradually following national trends, while death rates rise as Georgia’s population ages and Baby Boomers enter high-mortality years. This balanced growth across domestic migration, international immigration, and natural increase creates sustainable expansion positioning Georgia’s population for continued robust growth through 2024-2025 and beyond.

Georgia Population Religious Affiliation in 2025

Data Source: Pew Research Center Religious Landscape Study estimates applied to 2024 Georgia population; Association of Religion Data Archives

The religious composition of Georgia’s population in 2024 reflects the state’s Bible Belt heritage combined with increasing diversity and secularization particularly among younger residents and metro Atlanta’s cosmopolitan population. Christianity remains dominant at 68.2% of Georgians or approximately 7.63 million residents, though this represents substantial decline from over 80% just two decades ago as religious unaffiliation surges and non-Christian religions grow through immigration.

Evangelical Protestant churches representing approximately 3.92 million Georgians or 35.0% constitute the state’s largest religious tradition, including Southern Baptist Convention (Georgia’s dominant denomination), nondenominational megachurches, Pentecostal assemblies, and independent evangelical congregations concentrated in suburban and rural areas. These churches wield enormous political influence supporting conservative candidates and policies on abortion, LGBTQ issues, religious liberty, and traditional family values. Historically Black Protestant churches serving approximately 2.01 million Georgians or 18.0% include iconic African American denominations like African Methodist Episcopal (AME), National Baptist Convention, Church of God in Christ, and others deeply embedded in Black communities providing spiritual guidance, social services, political mobilization, and cultural preservation. These churches played central roles in Civil Rights Movement and continue shaping African American political participation and community leadership across Georgia. Mainline Protestant denominations including United Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Lutheran churches serve approximately 1.23 million Georgians or 11.0%, concentrated in affluent suburbs and traditional communities, though membership has declined dramatically as younger generations drift away. Catholic population of approximately 447,000 or 4.0% has grown substantially through Hispanic immigration bringing Catholic cultural traditions, though Georgia’s Catholic presence remains modest compared to northeastern and southwestern states with historical Catholic populations. The religiously unaffiliated population of approximately 3.18 million Georgians or 28.4% has exploded, particularly among young adults, urban residents, and highly educated professionals who identify as atheist, agnostic, or “nothing in particular” despite sometimes holding spiritual beliefs. This secularization concentrates heavily in metro Atlanta where diversity, education, and cosmopolitan culture correlate with religious non-affiliation. Non-Christian minorities including approximately 134,000 Jews (concentrated in Atlanta’s affluent suburbs), 112,000 Muslims (immigrant communities), 56,000 Hindus (Indian immigrant professionals), and smaller Buddhist and Sikh populations create religious diversity enriching Georgia’s cultural landscape while sometimes facing discrimination and integration challenges affecting community cohesion across Georgia’s population in 2024-2025.

Georgia Population Language Diversity in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey Language Spoken at Home estimates 2019-2023 applied to 2024 Georgia population

The linguistic diversity across Georgia’s population in 2024 reflects accelerating immigration transforming the state from predominantly English-speaking into increasingly multilingual society, particularly in metro Atlanta’s diverse communities. The English-only population of approximately 9.40 million or 84.1% maintains clear dominance, though this proportion has declined from over 90% in 1990 as immigration introduced linguistic diversity requiring accommodations in education, healthcare, government services, and business.

Spanish-speaking population of approximately 1.19 million Georgians or 10.7% makes Spanish by far the most common non-English language, reflecting rapid Hispanic population growth from less than 2% in 1990 to over 10% today. Spanish speakers concentrate in metro Atlanta, agricultural regions requiring farm labor (particularly Vidalia onion country), and poultry processing areas across north Georgia where Hispanic workers dominate food processing workforce. This Spanish-speaking population includes both recent immigrants with limited English proficiency and multi-generational Hispanic Americans maintaining Spanish language use in homes despite English fluency. Schools across Georgia have rapidly expanded English as Second Language (ESL) programs, bilingual education, and Spanish-language services responding to this demographic shift. Asian and Pacific Islander languages spoken by approximately 291,000 Georgians or 2.6% reflect diverse Asian immigration including substantial Korean-speaking (approximately 78,000), Chinese-speaking (approximately 67,000), Vietnamese-speaking (approximately 56,000), and Gujarati-speaking (approximately 45,000) populations concentrated in metro Atlanta suburbs. These highly educated professional immigrants in technology, healthcare, engineering, and business sectors establish ethnic enclaves with restaurants, grocery stores, religious institutions, and cultural organizations maintaining linguistic heritage. Gwinnett County hosts particularly dense concentrations of Asian language speakers creating remarkably multicultural suburban landscape. Other European, African, and Middle Eastern languages spoken by approximately 296,000 Georgians collectively include French, German, Arabic, Amharic (Ethiopian), Somali, and others reflecting global immigration patterns bringing refugees and immigrants from worldwide seeking opportunity. This linguistic diversity enriches Georgia’s cultural landscape while creating challenges for public services requiring translation, interpreter services, multilingual education, and cultural competency training for professionals serving diverse populations across Georgia’s population in 2024-2025.

Georgia Population Poverty and Economic Challenges in 2025

Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey Poverty Estimates 2019-2023; Feeding America Food Insecurity Data

The poverty and economic challenges affecting Georgia’s population in 2024 reveal persistent inequalities despite overall prosperity and economic growth concentrating gains among affluent while substantial populations struggle with basic needs. The approximately 1.48 million Georgians living in poverty representing 13.2% of the population significantly exceeds the national poverty rate of 11.5%, concentrated in rural counties across south Georgia, inner-city Atlanta neighborhoods, and economically distressed communities with limited job opportunities, educational resources, and economic diversification.

Child poverty affecting approximately 451,000 children or 17.9% of Georgia’s youth represents particularly troubling indicator with long-term consequences for educational achievement, health outcomes, and economic mobility. Children growing up in poverty experience food insecurity, housing instability, limited healthcare access, inadequate educational resources, and toxic stress undermining development and future prospects. Poverty concentrates heavily among African American and Hispanic children experiencing rates approaching 25-30% compared to 10% among white children, reflecting structural inequalities in education, employment, housing, and wealth accumulation. The approximately 903,000 working-age adults in poverty or 12.6% often work full-time in low-wage service, retail, agricultural, and hospitality industries yet earn insufficient income for basic family needs, highlighting challenges of wage stagnation, limited bargaining power, and inadequate social safety nets. Deep poverty affecting approximately 664,000 Georgians or 5.9% living on incomes below 50% of federal poverty line ($15,060 for family of four) represents extreme deprivation including homelessness, chronic hunger, inability to afford utilities, and disconnection from economic opportunity. The approximately 1.40 million food insecure Georgians or 12.5% experience uncertain access to adequate food, relying on food banks, SNAP benefits (food stamps), school meal programs, and charity to meet basic nutrition needs. Rural food insecurity stems from limited grocery access in food deserts, low incomes from agricultural and service work, and high transportation costs. Urban food insecurity concentrates in low-income neighborhoods lacking quality grocery stores while facing predatory convenience stores charging inflated prices. These interconnected poverty indicators demonstrate substantial segments of Georgia’s population excluded from prosperity enjoyed by affluent residents, creating moral, economic, and social challenges requiring comprehensive solutions addressing root causes including inadequate education, limited economic opportunity, healthcare access barriers, and insufficient safety nets through 2024-2025.

Georgia’s population stands poised for continued robust growth through 2025 and beyond as demographic momentum, economic dynamism, and competitive advantages sustain the state’s position among America’s fastest-growing regions. Projections for 2025 indicate Georgia’s population reaching approximately 11.32-11.35 million residents, maintaining growth rates around 1.2-1.4% annually that substantially outpace national averages and compound into millions of additional residents over coming decades. The metro Atlanta region will continue capturing majority of growth as the Southeast’s premier economic hub attracts businesses, professionals, families, and immigrants seeking opportunity in technology, logistics, film production, financial services, and countless other sectors. Gwinnett, Forsyth, Cherokee, Henry, and other suburban counties surrounding Atlanta will experience explosive expansion as sprawl extends metro footprint deeper into previously rural areas, requiring massive infrastructure investments in roads, schools, water systems, and public services. Secondary metros including Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, and Macon will post modest growth anchored by military installations, ports, universities, and regional services, while many rural counties continue population stagnation or decline as youth migrate to metro opportunities leaving aging populations behind.

The demographic composition of Georgia’s population will grow increasingly diverse as the state transitions fully into majority-minority status where non-Hispanic whites no longer constitute absolute majority. Hispanic population will surge toward 12-13% by 2030 through continued immigration and higher birth rates, concentrating in metro Atlanta, agricultural regions, and food processing areas while spreading into previously homogeneous communities creating cultural integration challenges and opportunities. Asian population will expand rapidly toward 5-6% through professional immigration in technology, healthcare, and business sectors, enhancing Georgia’s economic competitiveness while creating demand for culturally appropriate services, education, and community infrastructure. African American population maintaining around 32-33% will continue shaping politics, culture, and social dynamics as largest minority with deep historical roots and substantial political influence. The aging of Georgia’s population will accelerate as Baby Boomers fully transition into retirement, pushing seniors 65+ toward 18-20% by 2030, creating mounting pressures on healthcare systems, long-term care facilities, Medicare and Medicaid budgets, and elder services while shrinking ratios of working-age adults supporting retirees through taxes. These demographic transformations require proactive policy responses including education investments preparing diverse workforce for knowledge economy, infrastructure expansion accommodating growth, healthcare capacity building for aging population, affordable housing strategies addressing surging demand, environmental protection balancing growth with sustainability, and inclusive governance ensuring all Georgians benefit from prosperity regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or geography shaping Georgia’s population future through 2025 and decades beyond.

Disclaimer: This research report is compiled from publicly available sources. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the completeness or reliability of the information. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages of any kind arising from the use of this report.

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