35 Facts About Metro Atlanta

Population and Size

Metro Atlanta is a bustling hub with a rich history and a vibrant present. Let's dive into some key facts about this dynamic region.

1. Metro Atlanta is the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the United States, boasting a population of 6,307,261 as of 2023. It spans 8,376 square miles, making it comparable in size to Israel.

2. The core five counties—Fulton, DeKalb, Cobb, Gwinnett, and Clayton—house over 60% of the metro area’s population.

Historical Development

Atlanta's history is deeply intertwined with the railroads, which played a crucial role in its growth and development.

3. Founded in 1837 as a railroad terminus, Atlanta was initially known as Terminus and then Marthasville before being renamed Atlanta in 1845.

4. The city's existence is deeply tied to the railroads, which connected it to distant markets and shaped its physical layout.

5. Atlanta became the capital of Georgia in 1868, replacing Milledgeville.

Economic Growth

Atlanta's economy is diverse and robust, making it a significant economic hub in the southeastern United States.

6. The metropolitan area experienced a significant post-war population boom, with residents more than doubling between 1980 and 2000, from two million to over four million people.

7. As of the 2020 U.S. census, the population of Atlanta is 498,715, although the metropolitan area has a population of over six million.

8. Atlanta is the principal trade and transportation center of the southeastern United States, with a diverse economy that includes printing and publishing, high-technology industries, telecommunications, airline services, military and government services, and banking and insurance.

Major Companies and Institutions

Atlanta is home to several major companies and educational institutions that contribute to its economic vitality.

9. Major companies with headquarters in Atlanta include UPS, the Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, and Home Depot.

10. Atlanta is a major educational center, with dozens of degree-granting institutions in the metropolitan area, including Georgia Institute of Technology and Georgia State University.

11. The city has a prestigious consortium of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), notably Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University.

12. Atlanta is the chief medical center of the Southeast and is home to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

13. The city is the focus of federal government activity in the Southeast and is the headquarters of the Sixth Federal Reserve District.

Transportation and Infrastructure

Atlanta's transportation system is extensive, with a focus on public transit and air travel.

14. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) oversees the area’s public transportation, including the first mass-transit rail line that opened in 1979 and expanded to include several more lines by the early 21st century.

15. Streetcars were reintroduced to the city in 2014 as part of MARTA’s expansion.

16. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, one of the world’s busiest, serves as a major hub for international and domestic travel, with 110,531,300 passengers in 2019.

Neighborhoods and Landmarks

Atlanta is known for its diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks that add to its unique charm.

17. Some of the trendiest neighborhoods in Atlanta include Little Five Points, Cabbagetown, East Atlanta Village, Edgewood, and Piedmont.

18. Iconic buildings in Atlanta include the Bank of America Plaza, the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel, Fox Theatre, Truist Plaza, and High Museum of Art.

19. SkyView Atlanta, the city’s iconic Ferris wheel, features 42 climate-controlled gondolas and towers 20 stories above Centennial Park in the city center.

20. The Georgia Aquarium, located in Atlanta, was the largest aquarium in the world when it opened in 2005 and remains the country’s largest and the world’s third largest today.

21. The Varsity, the largest and busiest drive-in restaurant in the world, is an Atlanta landmark. It serves the most Coca-Cola in the world, 300 gallons of chili, 2500 pounds of potatoes, and over 2 miles worth of hot dogs every day.

Business and Commerce

Atlanta is a powerhouse of business and commerce, home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and famous brands.

22. Atlanta is home to 14 Fortune 500 companies, including Home Depot, UPS, Coca-Cola, Southern Company, and WestRock.

23. Other famous companies and restaurants that started in Atlanta include Courtyard by Marriott, CNN, Mailchimp, Chick-fil-A, and Popeyes.

Social and Economic Challenges

Despite its economic prosperity, Atlanta faces social and economic challenges that need addressing.

24. Atlanta’s crime rate is about half that of Mesa, Arizona, but double that of Kansas City, Missouri.

25. Atlanta’s biggest and most famous shopping malls include the Mall of Georgia, Lenox Square, Perimeter Mall, Fayette Pavilion, and North Point Mall.

26. Atlanta has 14 billionaires, with a combined net worth of $63.9 billion, placing Georgia in 10th place in terms of the number of billionaires.

27. Despite its economic prosperity, one in five people in Atlanta live below the poverty line, one of the country’s highest figures.

Native American History

Before becoming the bustling city it is today, the Atlanta area was home to Native American tribes.

28. Before 1836, the Creek and Cherokee Native American people were the original inhabitants of the Atlanta area. In 1821, areas of modern-day Atlanta were ceded by their original owners as part of the state’s policy of removing all Native people from the area.

Early Growth and Development

Atlanta's early growth was fueled by the railroads and other key developments.

29. The city was founded in 1837, and its early growth was spurred by the railroads. By the turn of the century, fifteen rail lines passed through the city, with more than 150 trains arriving in Atlanta every day.

30. In 1886, Atlanta introduced the prohibition of alcohol. In 1889, the first electric streetcars enabled further expansion of the city.

31. The population of Atlanta reached 100,000 shortly after the year 1900. By 1959, the metropolitan population had reached one million.

Modern Developments

Atlanta continues to evolve with new developments and events that shape its future.

32. The Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) was formed in 1971 to provide public transportation services to the region.

33. The Atlanta Gay Pride Festival was established in 1971, making it one of the oldest and most prominent LGBTQ+ events in the United States.

34. The 1996 Summer Olympic Games took place in Atlanta at the Centennial Olympic Stadium. The stadium was reconstructed in 1997 and became Turner Field.

35. In recent years, Atlanta has continued to evolve with new developments such as the demolition of all public housing projects in 2011 and the ongoing expansion of its public transportation system.

Metro Atlanta: A Dynamic Region

Metro Atlanta stands out as a vibrant and diverse region with a rich history and a booming economy. From its origins as a railroad terminus to its current status as a major metropolitan area, Atlanta has grown and evolved in remarkable ways. With a population of over six million, it's a hub for major companies like UPS, Coca-Cola, and Delta Air Lines. The city boasts top educational institutions, including Georgia Tech and a consortium of HBCUs. Public transportation, anchored by MARTA, and the bustling Hartsfield-Jackson Airport keep the city connected. Iconic landmarks like the Georgia Aquarium and The Varsity add to its unique charm. Despite challenges like a high poverty rate, Atlanta continues to thrive, offering a blend of history, culture, and economic vitality. Metro Atlanta is truly a dynamic region worth exploring.