The 5 Largest Cities in Georgia in 2024

Georgia is one of the original thirteen colonies and today is in the top ten most-populated states in the United States. With a population of 10.8 million people, Georgia ranks eighth in the list of largest states by population – and it is one of the fastest-growing states in the country! Georgia is estimated to grow to nearly 11 million residents. This might lead you to wonder: What are the biggest cities in the state of Georgia? 

Many people are familiar with Georgia’s state capital: Atlanta. However, what do you know about the other diverse communities found across the state, from the far eastern coastal cities to the North Georgia mountains or even the rural border with Alabama? This article will introduce you to some of the biggest and most significant cities in Georgia. First, you will learn about the top five biggest cities in Georgia by population. Second, you will learn what the biggest cities in Georgia are if you look at size a different way – by land area. Third, you will learn about some of the largest cities in Georgia by economic output. Let’s dive in to learn together now!

First, let’s consider the top five largest cities in Georgia by population. Included in the table below are the real numbers from the most recent census in 2020, the population estimates from 2022, the population density of residents per square mile, and the estimated population growth from 2020 to 2022.

Biggest Cities in Georgia by Population

Descriptions of the Biggest Cities in Georgia by Population

Before we move on, let’s discover what makes the largest cities in Georgia unique!

Atlanta

Atlanta is Georgia’s largest city and the most economically and culturally important city in the state. While the actual city of Atlanta is only home to about half a million people, the wider Atlanta Metropolitan area is home to over 6 million across 28 counties. Atlanta sits in the northwestern part of Georgia, southeast of the Chattahoochee River and below the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain Range. This culturally and racially diverse city is famous for having had an important role in U.S. history, including in agriculture, trade, the Civil War, and Civil Rights. Some of the most famous brands to emerge from this city are giants like Coca-Cola, Delta, CNN, and many others. 

Columbus

Columbus is less famous than Atlanta and a whole lot smaller, but do not overlook this West Georgia gem! Though less well-known than other cities on this list, Columbus is actually the second-most-populous city in Georgia. Columbus sits along the Chattahoochee River on the border of Georgia and Alabama. Since its founding in the 1800s, Columbus grew to have an important role as a textile hub in the South. The city also attracts outdoor adventurers who want to whitewater raft the Chattahoochee River or enjoy other outdoor recreation nearby. Stop by Columbus on your way to Alabama or on a drive south from Atlanta and walk along the Chattahoochee, visit one of the city’s historic sites, or go to nearby monuments to the former U.S. President, Jimmy Carter, who still lives about 45 miles away in Plains, Georgia.

Augusta

Augusta might have gained a name for hosting the iconic Master’s Golf Tournament, but this northeastern city in Georgia has much more to offer than simply golf courses and athletic clubs. This third-largest city in Georgia has beautiful parks, gorgeous Savannah River views, and a dynamic city life full of historic sites and plenty of restaurants and cultural exhibits. Augusta is a hotspot for biology research and product development, education, sports, and much more. This city on the border of Georgia and South Carolina is just a few hours from Atlanta, the beach, or the forested mountains.

Macon

Set in the middle of Georgia, Macon has a storied history, beautiful historic buildings, and ample Southern charm. About 85 miles south of Atlanta, Macon earned its nickname of being “the heart of Georgia” both for its location and for its important place in Georgia’s cultural development, key events such as the American Civil War, and even being a previous capital city of Georgia. Macon has an important musical heritage and today remains a vital Georgia city full of educational institutions, research, sports, music, and much more. Go to one of Macon’s music festivals, visit important historic sites in Civil Rights or Civil War history, or enjoy the cherry blossom trees that burst into life in the spring.

Savannah

As an original port city on the Atlantic coast of Georgia, Savannah has been a critical site of trade and commerce dating back to the earliest days of European settlement in North America. Since it was settled in 1733, Savannah is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Visit Forsyth Park and take a photo of the iconic fountain. Do an architecture tour. Eat at one of the quintessentially southern restaurants on a food tour. With art, historic architecture, legends, beach access, oceanfront buildings, delicious food, and plenty of southern charm, Savannah is the oldest city in the state and one of the best! Savannah is famous for having some of the best southern home cooking, beautiful and old city streets, moss-covered trees, and incredible access to nearby beaches, such as Tybee Island. 

Largest Cities in Georgia by Land

Another way to think about the “biggest” cities in Georgia is by looking at the total land area – by square miles. Since many cities are unified with the county government, you will see that some of the biggest areas in Georgia are unified county governments. The table below covers a new ranking of the biggest unified land areas in Georgia, their geographic features, their climates, and local attractions.

Biggest Cities in Georgia by Land Area

Largest Cities in Georgia by Economic Output

Another way to think about the more significant or largest cities in Georgia is by considering the economic impact that each has on the state of Georgia’s economy. The table below uses data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, local Chambers of Commerce, and the Federal Reserve to compare each area’s economic impact. The table ranks cities according to their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and includes brief lists of major occupations in each area, relevant industries, and key employers.

By far the most important city to Georgia’s economy. The city of Atlanta itself and the much larger Atlanta Metro Area is a key driver of the state’s overall economic output. The area provides millions of jobs, generates hundreds of billions in value, and is a hub for innovation, education, and cultural production. One of the most unique economic engines of the Atlanta area is the recent work to attract movie and television productions to the area. This has earned Georgia the nickname of “the Hollywood of the South.” However, beyond the silver screen, Atlanta has thriving industries in food, research, transportation, education, healthcare, music, and aerospace. Some of the major employers in the area are well-known names that people throughout the U.S. are familiar with. However, Atlanta is not the only economic force in the state. Let’s explore the biggest cities in Georgia by economic output now!

Biggest Cities in Georgia by Economic Output

Final Thoughts

Georgia is a fast-growing and important state in the U.S., full of diverse and thriving cities. Even though the most populated city on the list, Atlanta isn’t huge compared to other major U.S. cities, it certainly has a lot to offer! From culture to economic output and opportunity for outdoor adventure, Atlanta has it all. Georgia is home to some of the best universities in the country, excellent food, numerous employers across industries, and plenty of natural wonders. Why not visit today and check out some of these largest cities in Georgia for yourself?

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com