Each year, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) produces population estimates for the Atlanta region. These estimates are developed using a number of data sources, including building permits, school enrollment and occupancy rates.
ARC is required by state law to develop population estimates each year for its 11 member counties and the city of Atlanta for the purpose of collecting dues.
Metro Atlanta added 63,600 people in the past year, pushing the region’s 10-county population to more than 4.6 million, according to 2020 population estimates released by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC).
Each of metro Atlanta’s 10 counties saw population increases in the past year. Fulton and Gwinnett counties added the most residents, while the highest growth rates occurred in Cobb and Cherokee counties and the City of Atlanta.
The following chart shows ARC’s population estimates for 10 counties. Forsyth will be added starting in 2021.
| Jurisdiction | 2019 | 2020 | Change 2019-2020 |
| Atlanta Region | 4,628,400 | 4,692,000 | 63,600 |
| Cherokee | 262,700 | 269,500 | 6,800 |
| Clayton | 283,900 | 288,900 | 5,000 |
| Cobb | 766,400 | 774,600 | 8,200 |
| DeKalb | 753,030 | 758,230 | 5,200 |
| Douglas | 144,900 | 147,000 | 2,100 |
| Fayette | 118,000 | 119,400 | 1,400 |
| Fulton | 1,037,070 | 1,049,470 | 12,400 |
| Gwinnett | 925,800 | 941,300 | 15,500 |
| Henry | 240,900 | 246,800 | 5,900 |
| Rockdale | 95,700 | 96,800 | 1,100 |
| City of Atlanta | 470,500 | 478,200 | 7,700 |
For more data and information about metro Atlanta:
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