Atlanta
RANK #748 / 996 NAT · #19 / 41 GA · POP 1,061,944
1YR FORECAST: -0.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +17%
Stretching over 70 miles from end to end, Fulton County, Georgia, is distinguished by its unique, elongated shape, a result of a 1932 consolidation with Milton and Campbell counties. This diverse county, home to the state capital, Atlanta, offers a mix of urban and suburban environments. Commuting is facilitated by major interstate highways and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), which provides heavy rail and bus service. Residents enjoy access to outdoor recreation, including the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, popular for picnics and kayaking, and numerous local parks and trails.
Life in Fulton County offers varied experiences, from the bustling city of Atlanta to the family-oriented communities of North Fulton like Alpharetta and Roswell, known for their schools. The economy is driven by a diverse range of sectors, including technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. Recent economic developments show significant investment in infrastructure, transportation, and commercial and residential projects, contributing to job growth and a dynamic business environment.
Below national median
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 2.1x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
SR 400 Upgrade (Express Lanes & Bus Rapid Transit)
Georgia Department of Transportation
|
$4,600M | Under Construction |
|
T5 @ Atlanta IV Data Center Campus
T5 Data Centers
|
$1,000M | Planned |
|
Fulton County Water Treatment Infrastructure Upgrades
Fulton County
|
$850M | Under Construction |
|
Microsoft Data Centers (Palmetto and East Point)
Microsoft
|
$840M | Under Construction |
|
Southwest Atlanta Energy Storage
NextEra Energy Resources
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Sandtown Village Mixed-Use Development
Hutch Development
|
$260M | Planned |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 24/100, Fulton County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $86,267 combined with job growth of +1.1% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Fulton County leans toward the expensive side. A median home value of $398,300 against an income-to-home-value ratio of 0.22 means housing eats a bigger share of local earnings than the national norm. Renters face $1,529/month on average.
Fulton County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +0.7% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.1% clip. Home values shifted -3.1% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.81% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Fulton County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.