Georgia’s Largest Metropolitan Areas Based On 2024 Estimates: Atlanta Dominates, Savannah and Augusta Follow

ATLANTA, GA. — Georgia’s latest 2024 metropolitan population estimates highlight how rapidly the state’s urban regions are growing — with Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell once again standing far ahead of every other metro area in population and economic reach.

According to data shared by The Georgia Page, Atlanta’s metro area now has an estimated 6,411,149 residents, accounting for well over half of Georgia’s total population growth over the past decade.

Following Atlanta, the next-largest metros — Augusta, Savannah, Columbus, and Macon — continue to see steady expansion, reflecting Georgia’s shifting balance between long-established urban hubs and rising mid-sized cities.

Georgia’s 2024 Top Metropolitan Rankings

Based on the 2024 estimates, Georgia’s largest metro areas are ranked as follows:

Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Roswell — Population: 6,411,149
Augusta (GA–SC) — Population: 636,760
Savannah — Population: 431,589
Columbus (GA–AL) — Population: 324,343
Macon — Population: 237,617
Athens — Population: 223,689
Gainesville — Population: 221,745
Warner Robins — Population: 204,110
Valdosta — Population: 152,588
Dalton — Population: 146,386

These estimates reflect both statewide trends in migration and the continued diversification of Georgia’s regional economies.

Atlanta Remains the State’s Economic Engine

The Atlanta metro area, encompassing cities such as Sandy Springs, Roswell, and Marietta, remains Georgia’s undisputed growth center. With a population surpassing 6.4 million, it continues to anchor the state’s job market, transportation network, and cultural scene.

Analysts attribute Atlanta’s sustained growth to factors including a strong technology and logistics sector, expanding film and entertainment industries, and major infrastructure projects across Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb counties.

Rising Regional Centers: Augusta, Savannah, and Columbus

While Atlanta leads by a wide margin, several other metro areas are seeing accelerated growth.

Augusta, with a population nearing 640,000, continues to benefit from its cross-border connection with South Carolina and its reputation as a medical and cybersecurity hub anchored by the U.S. Army’s Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon).
Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city, now exceeds 430,000 residents thanks to steady port expansion and a thriving tourism and manufacturing economy.
Columbus, straddling the Georgia–Alabama line, remains a major regional center driven by military and industrial development, with Fort Moore and expanding regional logistics operations fueling its growth.

Emerging Urban Players Across Middle and South Georgia

Smaller but fast-growing metro areas such as Athens, Gainesville, and Warner Robins reflect Georgia’s growing suburban and regional diversity.

Athens continues to attract younger residents due to the University of Georgia and its expanding tech and research sectors.
Gainesville, once primarily a manufacturing hub, has evolved into a key logistics corridor north of Atlanta.
Warner Robins benefits from its proximity to Robins Air Force Base, driving population and economic stability.

Meanwhile, Valdosta and Dalton — the smallest metros on the list — maintain strong identities rooted in education, agriculture, and industrial production.

Georgia’s Growth Outlook for 2025 and Beyond

Experts project that Georgia’s metro areas will continue expanding in 2025, particularly along transportation corridors like I-75, I-85, and I-16. With ongoing investments in infrastructure, education, and technology, the state is positioned to remain one of the fastest-growing in the Southeast.

Economic planners also note that Georgia’s mid-sized metros could see the largest proportional growth as remote work, lower housing costs, and lifestyle changes drive people away from major cities toward smaller but dynamic communities.

Residents can explore full demographic data and share thoughts on Georgia’s changing population landscape at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.