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Atlanta claims 6th largest population increase in U.S., data shows – WSB-TV Channel 2

ATLANTA — Only five major cities in the state of Georgia saw their population increase between July 2022 and July 2023.

A new report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that Atlanta, the state’s most populous city, was one of the few large cities that gained more residents.

Among the largest cities in the United States, Atlanta had the sixth largest population increase in terms of numbers, but was actually only second in Georgia’s population increase in proportion.

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In terms of percentage increases, Warner Robins outpaced Atlanta, with a population increase of 2.9 percent, compared to 2.4 percent for the capital.

Yet Atlanta remains the most populous region, officially surpassing 500,000 residents by more than 10,000 people, according to the census report.

As a state, Georgia experienced an overall population increase of 1.1%.

While Atlanta and nearby Marietta saw an increase, several cities in the metro area actually saw their population numbers decline.

TRENDING STORIES:

According to the census, Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Roswell, Sandy Springs, South Fulton and Stonecrest all saw declines in the number of people living within city limits.

Nor is this a trend limited to larger cities in the metropolitan area. Georgia’s five largest population centers are generally listed as Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, and Savannah, thus avoiding listing cities that belong to larger, more consolidated metropolitan areas.

On a population density map, these are usually large, dark spots in more rural, sprawling areas dotted with small towns.

The Census Bureau’s latest report on population changes in Georgia cities shows that Athens was among the cities that gained population, but Augusta, Columbus and Savannah all saw residential declines.

Along with population estimates, the Census Bureau has reported what the nation’s housing stock looks like. In Georgia, 4.6 million housing units were mentioned, with more than 72,300 added between July 2022 and July 2023. The census says this equates to an 11% increase in housing stock.

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