Georgia, despite its rich history, lively culture, and natural beauty, has significant problems. Poverty, crime, unemployment, and educational inequality are some examples.
This article ranks many Georgia cities based on four major indicators: poverty, crime, unemployment, and educational achievement. The data utilized for this evaluation is based on the most recent accessible information as of April 2023.
1. Union City
Union City, located in Fulton County, just south of Atlanta, is home to around 21,000 people. The city has a 29% poverty rate, more than double the national average. Union City has Georgia’s highest crime rate, with 82 occurrences per 1,000 inhabitants, more than four times the national average.
Union City’s unemployment rate is 4%, somewhat higher than the statewide average. Educational attainment is poor, with just 17% of persons having a bachelor’s degree or above.
2. Macon
Macon, the state’s biggest city, is located in central Georgia and serves as the seat of Bibb County. It has a population of about 153,000 people and a poverty rate of 25.8%, which is over double the national average. Macon also has a shocking crime rate of 64.9 occurrences per 1,000 people, which exceeds the national average by more than tenfold.
The city’s unemployment rate is 5.1%, greater than the statewide average of 3.3%. Macon has unusually low educational attainment levels, with just 23.4% of individuals holding a bachelor’s degree or more.
3. East Point
East Point, located in Fulton County about south of Atlanta, is home to around 35,000 people. The city has a poverty rate of 25%, over double the national average. Also, there are 69 crimes for every 1,000 people living in East Point, which is more than three times the national figure.
The unemployment rate is 4%, somewhat higher than the state average. Educational attainment is poor, with just 19% of persons having a bachelor’s degree or above.
4. Valdosta
Valdosta is a city in southern Georgia and the county seat of Lowndes County, with around 56,000 citizens. The city has a poverty rate of 28.6%, more than twice the national average. Valdosta’s crime rate is 44.9 incidences per 1,000 people, over double the national average.
Valdosta has a higher jobless rate than the rest of the state, at 4.1%. Educational attainment is also an issue, with only 22.9% of people possessing a bachelor’s degree or above.
5. Warner Robins
Warner Robins, located in central Georgia and acting as the county seat of Houston County, with around 77,000 people. The city has a poverty rate of 15.4%, which is above the national average. Its crime rate is 45.5 incidences per 1,000 people, over twice the national average.
Warner Robins’ unemployment rate is 3.9%, somewhat higher than the state average. On the educational front, just 23.4% of people have a bachelor’s or higher degree.
6. Columbus
Columbus is Georgia’s second-largest city and the county seat of Muscogee County, with a population of around 195,000 people. The city has an 18% poverty rate, which is greater than the national average. Its crime rate is 47 occurrences per 1,000 people, approximately twice the national average.
Columbus’ unemployment rate is 4%, somewhat higher than the statewide average. On the educational front, just 24.6% of people possess a bachelor’s degree or above.
7. Atlanta
Atlanta is Georgia’s capital and largest city, with a population of around 506,000 people. However, it has a 21% poverty rate, higher than the national average of 12.8%. The city’s crime rate is 49.9 incidences per 1,000 population, over double the national average.
Atlanta has an unemployment rate of 4%, which is somewhat higher than the state average. On the educational front, 51.8% of Atlanta adults have a bachelor’s degree or above, while there are differences between racial and ethnic groupings.
8. Savannah
Savannah is Georgia’s oldest city and the county capital of Chatham County, with around 144,000 citizens. The city has a 22 percent poverty rate, which is higher than the national average. Its crime rate is 48 occurrences per 1,000 people, over double the national average.
Savannah’s unemployment rate is 4%, somewhat higher than the statewide average. Only 26% of individuals have a bachelor’s degree or more, which raises concerns about educational achievement.
9. Albany
Albany, Georgia’s eighth-largest city and the county seat of Dougherty County, is home to around 72,000 people. The city has a poverty rate of 31.6%, more than double the national average.
Additionally, Albany has a high crime rate of 54.8 per 1,000 population, which is more than double the national average. The unemployment rate in Albany is 5.4%, higher than the state average of 3.3%. Educational attainment is also an issue, with only 19.6% of people possessing a bachelor’s degree or above.
10. College Park
College Park, located in Fulton County just south of Atlanta, is home to around 15,000 people. The city has a poverty rate of 28%, more than double the national average. It also has a surprisingly high crime rate of 72 occurrences per 1,000 people, which is more than three times the national average.
College Park’s unemployment rate is 4%, somewhat higher than the statewide average. Educational attainment is poor, with just 18% of individuals having a bachelor’s degree or above.
Final Words
Finally, our culinary tour of Harris County, Texas, reveals a tapestry of gastronomic excellence, with distinct flavors and culinary expertise defining the county’s eating scene.
From the authentic halal pleasures of Tahini Plus to the delicious steaks of Taste of Texas and the inventive fusion of D’Alba Garden Oaks, these top-tier restaurants highlight the diversity of Harris County’s culinary traditions. Each location, from Spices 39 to La Lucha, adds its distinct character, resulting in a colorful culinary mosaic that assures every dining experience is a scrumptious tour through the best Harris County has to offer.