South Carolina borders Georgia to the south, Alabama to the west, Tennessee to the north, and Florida to the east. The Appalachian Mountains run through Georgia's central region, making it an area of great natural beauty.
Atlanta is Georgia's capital and largest city, with millions in its population.
Other major cities in Georgia include Athens (the state's second-largest city), Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah, and Valdosta.
Below we discuss the Georgia economy while providing a brief overview of wealthy cities in Georgia.
State of Georgia Economy
The economy of the State of Georgia is primarily powered by the agricultural and tourism sectors. Major crops grown in the state include cotton, corn, soybeans, and peanuts.
Tourism is another important sector of the Georgian economy, with visitors drawn to its warm weather, friendly people, and rich natural beauty.
Industries that benefit from Georgia's abundant resources and mild climate include manufacturing (particularly aircraft parts), trucking, construction materials, transport, information technology services, and food processing.
Major ports in the State of Georgia are the Savannah River Delta on the Atlantic Ocean and Brunswick Naval Base on St Marys Bay.
The State of Georgia is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Savannah River National Wildlife Refuge and Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park.
Other significant tourist attractions in the State of Georgia include the Atlanta Botanical Garden, Stone Mountain Park, Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site, and Wheeler Lake Region.
The Georgia State economy is projected to grow by 2.7% in 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
Job growth is anticipated thanks to increased transportation and telecommunications infrastructure investment and a recovering housing market.
Consumer sectors are anticipated to continue to perform well, with exports benefiting from growing demand from international markets.
At the same time, domestic spending increases as households take advantage of low-interest rates and improving employment opportunities.
Who Are The Richest People in Georgia?
Some of the wealthiest people in Georgia have included:
- Jim Kennedy, the chairman of Cox Enterprises, a media conglomerate based in Atlanta.
- Bernie Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot, a home improvement retailer.
- Arthur Blank is co-founder of Home Depot and owner of the Atlanta Falcons, a professional football team.
- John C. Malone, a media mogul and chairman of Liberty Media.
- Herman J. Russell, a real estate developer and founder of H.J. Russell & Company.
- Tom Cousins is a real estate developer and founder of Cousins Properties.
- Gordon Gekko is a film character in the movie “Wall Street” portrayed by actor Michael Douglas.
15 Richest Cities in Georgia by Median Income
Many people automatically assume that the city of Atlanta is the wealthiest city in Georgia, so it may come as a surprise to learn that Atlanta is,, in fact, NOT the richest city in Georgia.
Keep reading to learn more about the richest county in Georgia and discover the location of the richest town in Georgia.
The names of some of Georgia's richest cities may come as a surprise to some. Data from the United States Census Bureau shows the following are 15 of the richest cities in Georgia by median household income.
#1. – Acworth – $110,253
If you're looking for a family-oriented city that offers a fantastic quality of life, then Acworth may be a perfect choice. This city is near world-renowned attractions like the Silver Comet, Cobb Galleria Arts Centre, and Six Flags Over Georgia.
Plus, there are plenty of other things to do in Acworth, such as hiking and biking trails, golfing courses, museums, and cultural events.
Here you can find gated communities featuring lush landscaping and galore sparkling pools.
Additionally, Acworth has been named one of the most livable cities in America by Money magazine due to its excellent public school system and low crime rate.
And if you're looking for something unique regarding living options outside traditional homes or apartments? Look no further than Acworth!
#2. – Alpharetta – $133,920
Alpharetta is a city located in northern Fulton County, Georgia is one of the largest and most populated cities in the metro Atlanta area.
The city has been growing steadily for decades and has undergone many changes since its incorporation in 1981.
Today, downtown Alpharetta is best known for its high-tech industry and rapid growth downtown. The city offers residents easy access to shopping areas throughout greater metropolitan Atlanta at nearby malls like Lenox Square Mall.
Other notable locations are the Westminster Power Plant District, which includes multiple lifestyle centers, including Home Goods & Tilly's Menswear; Brookhaven Towne Centre with anchor stores,
Residents love having easy access to Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Grocery Stores, Walmart, Kroger, Subway, and Panda Express.
Alpharetta is within driving distance of more than 30 restaurants ranging from fast food to sit-down dining establishments.
#3. – Braselton – $110,253
Braselton is a city in northern Georgia, located just north of Atlanta. Originally founded as an agricultural community in the early 19th century, Braselton has diversified into various industries, including information technology and healthcare.
The town's proximity to major metropolitan areas makes it an ideal location for businesses that need access to a large customer base. Additionally, the city has maintained its small-town charm while expanding its infrastructure and services.
City of Braselton residents enjoy excellent schools and ample recreational opportunities, including golf courses, parks, bike paths, and lakes.
It also boasts several cultural institutions, like the Fine Arts Center at Wesleyan College and the Alliance Theatre Company, which features award-winning productions year-round. In short, Braselton is a thriving municipality with everything you could want or need in a place to call home.
#4. – Brookhaven – $105,464
Brookhaven is a city in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the Creek Indians initially settled there. The area later became known as the Buckhead district due to its heavy concentration of affluent families interested in living near Atlanta.
In 1975, Brookhaven merged with Peachtree Corners and formed an urban core extending into Cumberland and Candler counties.
The 2010 census reports the population was 36,244. This has significantly increased thanks to new development projects such as The Shops at Crossroads shopping center and ParkPlace Town Center office complex.
Additionally, there are impressive job growth figures for businesses within Brookhaven's borders – especially those related to technology or health care services.
Today, Brookhaven is considered one of Atlanta's most diverse communities -featuring a rich cultural heritage that spans from African American history to classical music concerts downtown on Friday nights.
It doesn't matter if you're looking for easy access to major highways or tranquil neighborhoods – this city has it all!
#5. – Decatur – $123, 617
Located in northeast Georgia, Decatur is an Atlanta suburb that has experienced rapid growth in recent years. With its diverse economy and population of over 50,000 residents, Decatur offers businesses and individuals a wide range of opportunities.
The city's primary industries include healthcare, retail shopping, information technology services, and manufacturing. As the seat of the DeKalb County government, Decatur also features many amenities that make it a desirable place to live, including high-quality schools and an active nightlife.
#6. – Dunwoody – $97,868
Dunwoody, a suburb of Atlanta, developed initially as a town in the late 1800s. Today, it has a population of over 100,000. It is home to many high-end businesses, including Honda Americas Inc., Samsung Electronics America
Delta Air Lines Inc. and the National Security Agency (NSA) are here. The city also features world-renowned universities such as Emory University and DePauw University.
Dunwoody's most significant attractions include its nature preserves – Cherokee Springs Park and Stone Mountain Park – its upscale shopping districts with prestigious boutiques like Neiman Marcus at Lenox Square Mall and its excellent public school system.
Dunwoody has been ranked among “America's Best Places to Live” by Forbes magazine multiple times since its inception; most recently, it placed fifth in 2018.
Dunwoody is located northeast of downtown Atlanta at the intersection of I-285 and GA-400 (the Perimeter). The city's name originates from John Deere, who operated a historic gristmill near what would become Dunwoody Village.
Today there are several businesses along Peachtree Road, including restaurants and boutiques catering to residents and visitors alike.
#7. – Johns Creek – $133,948
Johns Creek is a city located in Fulton County, Georgia, northeast of Atlanta. The 2010 census reported that the population was 30,409.
Johns Creek has grown rapidly since its incorporation in 2002 and now features luxuriant landscaping and stunning architecture amid mature neighborhoods reminiscent of downtowns found in larger cities.
Retail strips line Peachtree Road while branded office parks surround I-285 to provide an amenities-rich environment for businesses statewide and throughout the southeastern region.
#8. – Kennesaw – $73,977
Kennesaw is a city in northern Cobb County, Georgia, United States. The population was 51,471 as of the 2010 census. It is in Cobb County, part of the Atlanta metropolitan area.
The city of Kennesaw was incorporated on December 14th, 1871, and originally consisted only of a few tiny houses around McIntosh and Pryor Roads (now U.S. 129).
The town quickly grew with cotton mills and other heavy industries moving in during the late 19th century due to its excellent water resources – an essential consideration for industrialists at that time.
The city of Kennesaw earned international acclaim for being home to two major defense contractors: Martin Marietta Corporation's former aerospace division Lockheed Skunk Works which now resides outside Hawk Field, and North American Rockwell Corp.'s headquarters.
#9. – Milton – $136,020
It just so happens that one of the smallest cities in the state turns out to be the richest town in Georgia. Milton, Georgia, is the richest place in Georgia. It is a small city in the state's southeast corner in the southeast region of the United States.
It's located just off Interstate 75, and it has a population of roughly 25,000 people.
The city occupies about 60 square miles, and its primary industries are healthcare and information technology.
Milton is considered a thriving community with excellent schools, ample shopping options, and plenty to do in both indoor and outdoor environments.
It was founded as a railroad town and has since grown to be an agricultural center that serves as home to several universities.
The city's economy is diversified and includes a strong manufacturing sector, with companies such as Mercedes-Benz USA maintaining facilities here. Many medical offices and businesses are also based in Milton, making it a desirable place to live and work.
#10. – Peachtree City – $102,374
Peachtree City is a city located in the central region of Georgia. It is home to over 100,000 residents and has recently undergone many updates, including new parks and recreational facilities, revitalized neighborhoods, and more.
The city also offers numerous employment opportunities and an excellent quality of life for its citizens.
In August 2009, Peachtree City was designated as a UNESCO Creative Cities Network Member City to strengthen ties between cities around the world and promote creativity globally.
This designation underscores Peachtree City's dedication to innovation and cultural heritage preservation while fostering connections among its inhabitants through international events and collaborations.
Visitors and local residents can find all the information they need to learn more about Peachtree City by exploring its website or visiting one of its numerous attractions, such as the Fox Theatre or WorldofPeachCities visitor center.
#11. – Roswell – $111,214
Roswell is a small city in northwest Georgia that was founded in 1839. It is located just north of the Alabama state line and has a population of just over 2,000 people. Roswell is known for its wineries, fruit orchards, and agricultural industry.
The town also has several businesses that are related to agriculture or tourism. Roswell has several churches and synagogues, as well as a public library. There are also two movie theaters within the city limits, one dedicated to classic films and another to newer releases.
One of the main attractions in Roswell is Cadillac State Park, which contains lakes for fishing, boat rentals available at park headquarters, and hiking trails with scenic overlooks (including an observation tower).
#12. – Sandy Springs – $86,548
Sandy Springs is a city in Fulton County, Georgia, initially developed as part of constructing I-285.
The city has grown to encompass over 86 square miles and has a population of around 100,000. It is known for its affluent neighborhoods and excellent schools.
This picturesque Georgia city features top-notch shopping destinations like Lenox Square Mall and Perimeter Center mall.
Plenty of restaurants are also available, from casual dining to high-end cuisine. And if you're looking for entertainment options, Sandy Springs offers something for everyone with attractions like the Fox Theatre or Peachtree Centre Martavarium music festival arena.
#13. – Smyrna – $83,029
Smyrna is a small city located in the plains of east Georgia. It was founded in 1783 as an agricultural community and became known for producing cotton textiles at the beginning of the 20th century. Smyrna has become a popular tourist destination in recent years due to its beautiful architecture and rich history.
The city is home to numerous historical sites, including Indian Greek Revival-style houses, one of which serves as the official residence of Governor Casey Cagle.
Other attractions include cafes and restaurants that offer unique Southern cuisine, and shops that sell antique items.
The city also has a wealth of art galleries galore, parks with walking trails and ponds ideal for swimming or fishing.
Residents and visitors love taking advantage of the various outdoor recreational activities such as golfing or spending time at Lake Lanier islands just outside town.
#14. – Suwanee – $99,022
Suwanee is a booming city located in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The city's population was 24,393 as of the 2010 census and had been growing steadily since then.
Suwanee is known for its excellent schools, scenic lakeside neighborhoods, and burgeoning technology sector. It also boasts a wide variety of businesses that provide services to residents and tourists alike.
The city's primary industries include health care, retail sales, information technology consulting services, engineering design/manufacturing services, fuel supply/marketing operations, and research & development labs.
#15. – Tyrone – $94,189
Tyrone is a small city located in the northeastern corner of Georgia. It is known for its agricultural heritage, including cotton and soybean production.
The city has also become famous for its wine industry, with many wineries located within its borders.
This small town, Georgia, also boasts abundant natural resources, including coal and timber reserves. The population of Tyrone ranges from around 5,000 to 10,000 residents, and it experiences a mild climate year-round.
Several schools in town serve students from Pre-K through 12th grade in its prestigious school district.
