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 64,400 people in the past year, pushing the region’s 11-county population to nearly 5.3 million, according to 2025 population estimates released by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC).
Each of metro Atlanta’s 11 counties saw population increases 2024-2025. Fulton County added the most with 18,800 new residents. The next three counties with the most growth were Gwinnett with 15,200; Cherokee with 7,100; and Forsyth with 6,700. The City of Atlanta added 10,600 persons 2022-2023, and accounts as such for a very large share of the Fulton increase for the period.
The following chart shows ARC’s population estimates for 11 counties and the City of Atlanta.
| Region/County | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Numeric Change (2024-25) | % Change (2024-25) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Region | 5,285,474 | 5,221,074 | 5,158,374 | 5,091,644 | 5,026,704 | 4,967,514 | 64,400 | 1.2% |
| Cherokee | 299,460 | 292,360 | 286,960 | 279,840 | 272,950 | 266,620 | 7,100 | 2.4% |
| Clayton | 306,615 | 304,215 | 303,315 | 302,285 | 300,085 | 297,595 | 2,400 | 0.8% |
| Cobb | 795,749 | 792,049 | 785,349 | 779,249 | 772,349 | 766,149 | 3,700 | 0.5% |
| DeKalb | 786,542 | 783,442 | 779,442 | 775,022 | 769,592 | 764,382 | 3,100 | 0.4% |
| Douglas | 154,197 | 153,097 | 150,697 | 149,297 | 146,237 | 144,237 | 1,100 | 0.7% |
| Fayette | 126,284 | 125,384 | 124,284 | 122,684 | 120,684 | 119,194 | 900 | 0.7% |
| Forsyth | 281,933 | 275,233 | 270,833 | 265,033 | 258,413 | 251,283 | 6,700 | 2.4% |
| Fulton | 1,141,870 | 1,123,070 | 1,105,670 | 1,087,170 | 1,075,970 | 1,066,710 | 18,800 | 1.7% |
| Gwinnett | 1,027,312 | 1,012,112 | 997,212 | 983,702 | 970,242 | 957,062 | 15,200 | 1.5% |
| Henry | 267,152 | 262,552 | 257,802 | 252,502 | 245,902 | 240,712 | 4,600 | 1.8% |
| Rockdale | 98,360 | 97,560 | 96,810 | 94,860 | 94,280 | 93,570 | 800 | 0.8% |
| City of Atlanta | 542,715 | 532,115 | 521,315 | 507,015 | 501,945 | 498,715 | 10,600 | 2.0% |
For more data and information about metro Atlanta:
ARC’s Strategic Partners are committed to fostering collaborative regional approaches that improve quality of life in metro Atlanta. Their support elevates ARC leadership programs, research and events throughout the year. Learn more.
