ATLANTA — Atlanta isn't full yet.
The population across the 21 counties is expected to surge to 7.9 million by 2050, according to a report from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). The report also marks a staggering increase of 1.8 million residents over the 2020 U.S. Census figures.
The driving force behind this exponential growth is the region's robust economy, with ARC estimating the addition of 856,000 jobs by 2050, bringing the total employment figure to 4.6 million.
These projections, released every four years by the ARC, play a crucial role in shaping the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), guiding transportation investments in the metro Atlanta area. The latest MTP, endorsed Wednesday by the ARC Board, allocated $168 billion for transportation projects through 2050.
“ARC’s latest population and employment forecasts show that our region’s great quality of life and vibrant economy will drive strong growth in the decades ahead,” said Anna Roach, ARC’s Executive Director & CEO. “But metro Atlanta’s continued prosperity is not a given. We must keep investing in our infrastructure and in our people to build a successful future.”
Key highlights from the population forecast include:
- Diverse growth: Minority groups are set to spearhead the region's expansion, with Hispanic and Latino residents projected to comprise 21% of the population by 2050, compared to 12% today.
- Aging population: The proportion of older adults is expected to surge, with nearly 12% of the population aged 75 or older by 2050, up from less than 5%.
- Slower growth: Despite continued growth, the forecasted population falls short by about 700,000 compared to previous estimates due to declining fertility rates and reduced in-migration, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Suburban surge: Outer counties such as Forsyth, Barrow, and Paulding are poised for rapid expansion, with growth rates nearing 80% in some areas.
- Core counties contribution: The five core counties— Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, DeKalb, and Clayton— are expected to contribute significantly to the region's growth, adding 812,000 residents collectively by 2050.
- Employment dynamics: The professional and business services sector is anticipated to witness the largest job growth, followed by arts, entertainment, and recreation, along with the accommodation and food service industries.
As Atlanta's skyline continues to evolve, these projections serve as a roadmap for policymakers and urban planners to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly expanding metropolis.
Take a look at the population estimates by county below