How civilian aircraft became an economic cornerstone
Over 1.7 million small business jobs
INTRODUCTION
Investor + Staff Letters
How to Read Redbook 2026
Georgia|2050
Highlights From the 2026 Economic Redbook
Georgia Economic Overview
Georgia Regional Trends: Rural, Metro, Fiserv Small Business Insights
INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
REGIONAL PROSPERITY
2024 High-Tech Employment by State 102
Business Applications by State 104
Business Applications by County 106
Venture Capital Deal Activity & Fundraising by State 110
Index of State Dynamism by State 112
2024 Business Birth & Death Rates by State 114
R&D Expended by State & Performer 116
2024 Poverty by State 120
2023 Poverty Rate by County 122
% Below ALICE Threshold, by State & County 2023 126-131
Housing Inventory by State 132
Housing Inventory by County 134
2024 Homeownership by State 138
Rate of Physicians by County & Specialty 140
Rate of Medical Professionals per 100k Residents by State 144
2024 Retention of Medical Residents by State 146
General Health of Population by County 148
& ENERGY
Hartsfield-Jackson Intl. Airport Number of Passengers 154
Georgia Port Monthly TEU Throughput 155
2024 Rail Miles & Employment by State 156
2024 Warehousing Employment by State 158
Georgia Warehousing Rental Rates 160
2023 Freight Flow by State 162
2024 Electricity Generation by State & Source 164
2024 Electricity Market by State 166
INTRODUCTION
The Economic Competitiveness Redbook ensures leaders across the state, regardless of their zip code, have the specialized data they need to guide strategic decision-making. Last year, the Georgia Chamber launched GEORGIA|2050, our strategic plan to ensure Georgia remains a beacon of economic opportunity for the next 25 years and beyond. As we look to the year ahead, rapidly-evolving federal policies and new statewide elected leadership indicates Georgia is preparing to enter a period marked by significant change. However, our charge to serve as a trusted voice for Georgians and Georgia businesses to advance prosperity remains unwavering.
This year marks the fourth release of the Georgia Chamber Foundation’s Economic Competitiveness Redbook, a resource that provides curated data, broken down to the county-level where applicable, to showcase Georgia’s strengths and opportunities when compared to all other states.
The Georgia Chamber and the Georgia Chamber Foundation remain committed to convening, educating, equipping, and empowering our members, investors, community partners, and legislative leaders with a blueprint for sustained economic growth. Our robust research and tailored, actionable insights enable effective advocacy and thoughtful long-term policy development to sustain Georgia’s record-breaking economic success.
Solutions and strategies must be implemented now to ensure Georgia has every resource necessary to be well positioned for future growth. The 2026 Economic Competitiveness Redbook is written to guide decision-making for business and community leaders, transforming uncertainty into opportunity. Through this publication and our broader GEORGIA|2050 initiative, leaders can depend on proven analysis and curated insights from the Georgia Chamber and the Georgia Chamber Foundation to navigate the ever-evolving complexities of our global economy.
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
To Our Investors and Partners,
Georgia continues to lead the nation as the number one state for business, setting the standard for economic competitiveness. Across every region, a robust and resilient network of employers is creating opportunity, driving innovation, and improving quality of life for Georgians.
As leaders of the Georgia Chamber and the Georgia Chamber Foundation, we recognize that success in today’s economy requires more than keeping up with the status quo; it demands foresight, agility, and collaboration. That’s why the Foundation remains focused on providing meaningful insights and actionable data to help business and civic leaders navigate this era of rapid change.
Our current strategic plan, GEORGIA|2050, could not have launched at a more pivotal time. Designed to guide both private- and public-sector decision-makers, it equips leaders with the tools and strategies needed to sustain prosperity in an increasingly complex and competitive world.
The Georgia Chamber Foundation was created to do just that by anticipating challenges, identifying long-term solutions, and uniting stakeholders around policies that strengthen our state’s future. Through rigorous data analysis, trend forecasting, and collaboration with partners across every region, the Foundation informs the Chamber’s advocacy agenda and ensures that our legislative priorities reflect the real-world needs of Georgia employers and employees alike.
Together, the Chamber and Foundation are equipping the leaders of today and tomorrow with the resources to secure Georgia’s continued prosperity for generations to come.
The 2026 edition of the Georgia Chamber Foundation Economic Competitiveness Redbook outlines this mission. It distills key takeaways, performance indicators, and comparative data to help leaders understand where Georgia holds a competitive edge, and where strategic investment can unlock even greater opportunity.
As markets shift and regulations evolve, Georgia businesses can continue to count on the Chamber and Foundation as trusted voices for free enterprise and long-term prosperity. In times of disruption and change, our commitment remains constant: to champion the policies, partnerships, and principles that keep Georgia growing.
Thank you for your continued investment and partnership in building the future of the Peach State.
With Appreciation,
Stuart Countess President and CEO, Kia Georgia 2026 Georgia Chamber Board Chair
Beth Lowry President and CEO, Holder Construction 2026 Georgia Chamber Foundation Chair
LETTER FROM THE TEAM
For more than 110 years, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce has helped shape the prosperity of our state. Through meaningful partnerships with government leaders, over 180 local chambers of commerce, business associations, economic developers, national collaborators, and tens of thousands of Georgia businesses, we have worked to advance free enterprise, strengthen communities, and ensure opportunity reaches every corner of Georgia.
Today, that mission continues. We remain committed to providing members with innovative resources such as our SMART Health Plan and 401(k) Multiple Employer Plan, hosting impactful statewide events, and offering trusted business intelligence to guide decisions in a rapidly changing economy.
Navigating Change Through Vision and Partnership
The pace of change has accelerated in 2025, and it will only intensify in the years ahead. Through our GEORGIA|2050 strategic plan, we are building upon a century of leadership to convene, educate, equip, and empower our members, investors, and public officials. This plan provides a blueprint for long-term economic policymaking, uniting business and government in a shared vision of growth, innovation, and resilience for the next quarter century and beyond.
Data That Drives Georgia Forward
The fourth edition of the Georgia Chamber Foundation’s Economic Competitiveness Redbook is an extension of that vision. It delivers essential insights on Georgia’s economic performance, aligned to the five pillars of GEORGIA|2050. These data points are vital for shaping impactful policies, guiding corporate engagement, and inspiring thoughtful decision-making that benefits both business and community.
The Redbook is also complemented by quarterly economic reports throughout 2026, ensuring our partners have real-time intelligence as markets, technologies, and opportunities evolve. Every data point we share, and every policy we shape, reflects our commitment to responsible stewardship, thought leadership, and strategic foresight, values that define The Georgia Way.
The Georgia Way
This document is another example of The Georgia Way in action: bringing together the business community to provide the right insights, grounded in stewardship, corporate citizenship, and collaboration. It reflects our belief that leadership means serving others, using data to inform decisions, and applying free-enterprise principles to build stronger communities.
As the pace of change accelerates, our work remains guided by these four timeless precepts:
Servant Leadership: Placing the needs of Georgians, businesses and our communities first
Economic Stewardship: Using insight and foresight to safeguard long-term prosperity
Corporate Citizenship: Ensuring business success compliments families and neighborhoods
Advocacy for Free Enterprise: Promoting the principles that make growth possible
Looking Ahead
In 2026, we will continue to provide opportunities to engage and learn together:
State of Higher Education: February 2026
Women Who Lead: March 2026
State of Economic Development: March 2026
State of Energy: May 2026
State of Rural Prosperity: September 2026
Quarterly Trustee Luncheons
National Civics Bee State Competition: June 2025
State of Emerging Businesses: November 2025
Regional Workforce Summits
Each event will convene leaders from business, government, and education to craft meaningful solutions that strengthen Georgia’s competitiveness and ensure prosperity for all.
As our team executes the GEORGIA|2050 strategy, you can rely on the Georgia Chamber and our Foundation to translate data into action, using insights, policy trends, and best practices to shape legislation, inform decision-makers, and advocate for leaders who share our vision of a thriving, resilient, and competitive Georgia.
With gratitude for your continued partnership,
Chris Clark President and CEO
Georgia Chamber of Commerce
Daniela Perry Executive Director Georgia Chamber of Commerce Foundation
HOW TO READ REDBOOK 2026
A Guide to the 2026 Edition of the Economic Competitiveness Redbook
The Georgia Chamber Foundation Economic Competitiveness Redbook is a collection of key data sets that showcase Georgia’s strengths and opportunities compared to all fifty states and where applicable, includes county-level data. This curated data enables more effective strategic decision-making for state, local, community, and business leaders to sustain Georgia’s economic competitiveness for the next 25 years and beyond.
Our team encourages you to review the data relevant to your community and use it to start conversations with partners to address challenges and opportunities in your organization and community.
GEORGIA REGIONS
In order to best reflect the state of Georgia, the Redbook groups the state into three distinct regions based on population and economic opportunity criteria: Rural, Hub, and Metro Atlanta. Listed below are Hub Counties, which serve as regional centers of employment and growth, and the counties of Metro Atlanta. Georgia’s remaining 135 counties are considered rural.
This section focuses on providing top trends about Georgia’s economy, highlighting need-to-know facts about Georgia in 2026.
TABLES
The Economic Competitiveness Redbook aims to provide the most relevant and up-todate information available at the state and county level. The information presented in this volume is the most updated information available at the time of compilation. Due to data release schedules, there may be lags in information available and/or updated release of data post-publication.
National data may be displayed either as a national aggregate or as a state average. Regional breakdowns in the county tables are often displayed as an average of the counties in that region.
RANKINGS
All state-level tables are organized by and include a ranked comparison of all 50 states. Some tables may have multiple ranking columns. The ‘rank’ column will always refer to the measure in the column directly to its left.
While national-level and District of Columbia-level data may be included in the data set, neither will be ranked. County-level tables are not ranked. In cases where multiple states are tied, that will be indicated with a (T).
INSIGHTS
Top takeaways are provided for each table, and additional insights are located both throughout and at the beginning of each table section. Additionally, state and regional insights are provided at the beginning of the book.
GEORGIA|2050
PILLARS OF PROSPERITY
Key Success Indicators: 2026
EORGIA|2050 is built to help our businesses navigate the fastest economic transitions in history. This plan offers forward-thinking solutions to mitigate risk and capitalize on opportunities to better position Georgia over the long-term.
To guide our efforts in 2026, addressing these key indicators for each prosperity pillar will be integral to continue moving our state forward.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & COMPETITIVENESS
Georgia ranks 12th nationally for GDP growth
Takeaway: In order to remain competitive, Georgia must maintain or improve its GDP growth despite uncertainty globally.
TALENT & WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS
of Georgians have an Associate’s Degree or above
Takeaway: Georgia must grow its skilled workforce to remain competitive, especially as technology increases the skills needed to be successful in an occupation.
INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
12th 45th
Georgia ranks 45th nationally for business formation
Takeaway: Due to Georgia’s lower ranking for percent of business applications expected to form a business, more entreprenuer support is needed to fuel the next generation of innovators and small business leaders.
REGIONAL PROSPERITY & HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
29th
Georgia ranks 29th nationally for homeownership
Takeaway: Homeownership is a proven method of wealth generation. It is vital to improve the state’s homeownership rate to support stronger communities and families.
INFRASTRUCTURE & ENERGY
2nd
Most affordable utility rates of top GDP producing states
Takeaway: The state’s vertically integrated, regulated market has provided affordable rates for consumers while supporting strong economic growth over the long term.
GEORGIA ECONOMIC OVERVIEW
GEORGIA’S LARGEST INDUSTRIES: GEORGIA’S FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRIES:
Excluding government, these are the largest industries in Georgia based on number of jobs:
The following industries have experienced the fastest job growth over the last five years in the Peach state:
REGIONAL INSIGHTS
RURAL GEORGIA
anufacturing is the largest industry in Rural Georgia and Transportation and Warehousing is the fastest growing. Ensuring rural communities have talent pipeline solutions tailored to their local needs is integral to keeping talent local and communities thriving.
LARGEST INDUSTRIES: RURAL GEORGIA
Excluding government, these are the largest industries in Rural Georgia based on number of jobs:
FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRIES: RURAL GEORGIA
The following industries have experienced the fastest job growth over the last five years in Rural Georgia:
KEY INSIGHTS:
Opportunity: Workforce - While the state’s labor force participation rate remained relatively flat over the last five years, Rural Georgia saw a modest increase with significant gains in certain counties proving localized, creative solutions can have a big impact.
Challenge: Healthcare - On average, Rural Georgia has 86 physicians for every 100,000 residents. The state average is 253 physicians for every 100,000 residents. This disparity poses major challenges for residents and businesses alike.
REGIONAL INSIGHTS
HUB COMMUNITIES
ealthcare is the largest and fastest growing industry in Hub Communities, highlighting the importance of investments in healthcare workers in these communities.
LARGEST INDUSTRIES: HUB COMMUNITIES
Excluding government, these are the largest industries in Hub Communities based on number of jobs:
FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRIES: HUB COMMUNITIES
The following industries have experienced the fastest job growth over the last five years in Georgia’s Hub Communities:
KEY INSIGHTS:
Opportunity: Healthcare - Hub Communities exceed the state average for general and specialty physicians per 100,000 residents. These communities serve as regional hubs for healthcare infrastructure, enabling residents in neighboring rural communities to access options that they would otherwise not have access to.
Challenge: Housing - Hub Communities only saw a 31 percent increase in housing inventory over the last year falling behind Rural Georgia, Metro Atlanta, and the state average. Homeownership is a proven path to building wealth, so solutions to increase the housing stock are needed to support increased homeownership.
REGIONAL INSIGHTS
METRO ATLANTA
Healthcare is the fastest growing industry in Metro Atlanta, but significant growth in the Transportation and Warehousing and Construction sectors are evidence of the region’s robust growth trajectory. Additionally, Professional, Scientific, and Technical services is one of the largest and fastest growing industries, proving Metro Atlanta has a significant pool of highly skilled talent.
LARGEST INDUSTRIES: METRO ATLANTA
Excluding government, these are the largest industries in Metro Atlanta based on number of jobs:
FASTEST GROWING INDUSTRIES: METRO ATLANTA
The following industries have experienced the fastest job growth over the last five years in Metro Atlanta:
+53,316 257,077 233,596 +41,622 Transportation & Warehousing JOBS Construction JOBS +17,765 +16,339 326,261 195,416 233,787 +27,814
KEY INSIGHTS:
Opportunity: Population Growth - Metro Atlanta is projected to have the fastest population growth rate over the next 5 years and the next 15 years, exceeding the state’s average growth rate.
Challenge: Workforce - Childcare costs as a share of household income are higher in Metro Atlanta, than the state average as well as hub and rural communities. Addressing access and affordability challenges will be important to open up segments of the population who may not be able to engage in the workforce at present and ensure better prepared students.
FISERV SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS
SMALL BUSINESSES, BIG IMPACT
Small businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy—making up 99% of all businesses and employing half the American workforce. It’s the reason why the Fiserv Small Business Index (FSBI) was developed. A first-of-its-kind benchmark built on real transactions; the Fiserv Small Business Index is redefining how we understand Main Street.
SOUTHEASTERN STATE TRENDS
Atlanta is not only a powerhouse in the state but is outpacing counterparts like Birmingham, Charlotte and Nashville for sales and transaction volumes.
REAL DATA, REAL TIME REGIONAL TRENDS BY SECTOR
By analyzing over 2 million merchant point-ofsale transactions across every U.S. zip code, the FSBI captures real-time sales activity— from cash to cards, in-store to online. This payment intelligence enables businesses, banks, economists, and policymakers to measure small business performance as it happens.
SPOTLIGHT ON GEORGIA
Despite global economic uncertainty, small businesses in Georgia are thriving—and the data proves it:
Small and Medium Business growth in GEORGIA IS UP 7.6% YTD, far surpassing the NATIONAL AVERAGE OF 1.9%, and a leader in the Southeast.
Construction & & are two of our strongest growth engines.
GA. consumer dollars going towards essential purchases
Atlanta has experienced the most robust growth both in terms of Sales and Transaction volumes, exceeding the state average.
The FSBI draws from real transaction data—card, cash, and check—across physical and digital channels, benchmarked to 2019. It offers insights by geography (national, state, metro) and time period across more than 70 industries categorized at Level 6 of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). Whether you’re evaluating growth, traffic, or opportunity, FSBI is your go-to tool for measuring the pulse of small business in America.
Learn more at: fiserv.com/smallbusinessindex.html
DEMOGRAPHICS
Georgia’s population is growing faster than originally projected, particularly in rural regions. These trends have critical implications for direct investments and play a significant role in future economic growth and development needs. In the next five years, the Rural Georgia population growth rate is projected to surpass Hub communities and Metro Atlanta, although Metro Atlanta will support the highest growth rate, at 17% by 2040. However, the fastest growing population group in the state is those over 65 years old. Businesses should invest in succession planning and workforce strategies that engage older Georgians and retirees.
FROM 2022 TO 2023 ALONE
Georgia’s population grew by 100,000, with notable growth in American Indian, Asian and ‘Other’ groups indicating the state is becoming more diverse. The fastest growing population group in the state is those over 65 years old.
Projected Population Change 2025-2040
2024 STATE POPULATION BY AGE
With a median age of 38, Georgia’s population is slightly younger than the national average. Moreover, 52% of the state’s population is of working age, positioning the state well for future economic growth.
WORKING AGE
2024 STATE POPULATION BY RACE
While Georgia’s population is predominantly comprised of White or African American individuals, the state is projected to become more diverse.
2025 COUNTY POPULATION BY AGE
Metro Atlanta continues to have the largest share of working-age individuals as part of its population at 53.5%, exceeding the state average. Both Rural Georgia and Hub Communities lag the state average with their share of working-age adults. Rural Georgia has the largest share of any community type of Georgians older than 65.
County Total Population 0 to 14 15 to 24 25 to 44 45 to 64 65+
County Total Population 0 to 14 15 to 24 25 to 44 45 to 64 65+
2025 COUNTY POPULATION BY RACE
White individuals continue to make up the largest share of the state’s population as well as in each community type. Like in previous years, Metro Atlanta has the greatest share of African American individuals and the largest share of Hispanic individuals as part of its population of any community type.
RACE AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL POPULATION BY COMMUNITY TYPE
2025 COUNTY POPULATION PROJECTIONS
Metro Atlanta is projected to have the fastest population growth rate, exceeding the state average. Growth rates in Hub Communities and Rural Georgia are comparable for 2030 and 2040, proving growth is expected in every corner of the state. By 2050, Georgia’s population is projected to grow to 13,491,777 people, an increase of more than 2.2 million people.
Projections by County
02
COMPETITIVENESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
eorgia continues to foster an internationally competitive, business-friendly environment, exhibiting robust workforce training programs and the 11th most manufacturing jobs nationwide.
GEORGIA’S ECONOMIC GROWTH CONTINUES
The state now ranks 12th nationally in GDP growth, up from 46th in the previous year.
RANKED EIGHTH NATIONALLY FOR TAX BURDEN PER CITIZEN
Georgia has one of the lowest average amounts of total taxes paid per citizen in the nation for yet another year.
This low tax burden benefits Georgians and bolsters the state’s economic competitiveness. 8TH
FY 2023 BUSINESS’ SHARE OF TOTAL STATE AND LOCAL TAXES
Georgia currently collects over 41% of its total state and local taxes from businesses and boasts a competitive effective business tax rate, showing the overall health of Georgia’s business environment.
PER CAPITA PERSONAL INCOME BY STATE
Per capita income measures the income earned per person in a specific geographic region. Georgia is in the middle of the pack nationally for annual growth in per capita personal income, and the state’s average per capita income is higher than the national average.
*Annual, Measured in Nominal Dollars
STATE AND LOCAL TAX BURDEN BY STATE
The tax burden by state provides an average picture of total taxes paid per citizen in the state. Georgia ranks 8th in state and local tax burden as a share of state income, collecting just under $5,000 in tax revenue on average per person.
*Calendar Year 2022
2024 SOURCES OF STATE TAX COLLECTIONS
Georgia collects just under half of its total state tax revenue from its low, flat rate, personal income tax. Sales tax accounts for 35% of Georgia’s total tax revenue.
*Fiscal Year 2024
REAL GDP BY STATE
eorgia ranks 12th in real GDP growth and has the ninth-highest GDP among all 50 states.
*In Millions of Chained 2017 Dollars
NON-AGRICULTURAL EMPLOYMENT BY STATE
Georgia’s non-agricultural employment grew by 0.2% from 2024 to 2025, ranking 41st nationally. Although this growth trails the national average and several Southern neighbor states, it underscores the opportunity and necessity for strengthened job creation and economic competitiveness across key industries.
*Non-agricultural employment: any paid work not directly involving farming, forestry, or fishing.
Sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Employment Statistics Release for State and Metro Areas 2024 represents a 12-month average. (May 2025 (p))
GEORGIA INDUSTRIES AND GROWTH
eorgia is projected to see strong employment growth over the next decade in sectors including utilities, transportation and warehousing, information, professional and technical services, management, healthcare, and arts and entertainment. These industries represent key drivers of Georgia’s economy, offering diverse, high-quality career opportunities and supporting the state’s continued population and business growth.
GEORGIA’S TOP 5 PROJECTED INDUSTRIES BASED ON GROWTH RATE FROM 2024-2035:
TORT COSTS BY STATE
Georgia ranked 45th nationally in tort costs in 2022, reflecting the significant economic burden legal expenses place on businesses and consumers. The passage of tort reform during the 2025 legislative session aims to address these challenges by improving the state’s legal climate, enhancing business confidence, stabilizing the insurance marketplace, and reducing costs that impact economic competitiveness.
*Estimates in Dollars
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY BY STATE
Georgia not only boasts the 10th highest number of manufacturing jobs in the nation, but also is projected to see significant continued growth over the next decade.
2025 BUSINESS CLIMATE RANKINGS BY STATE
eorgia has been ranked the number one state for business 12 years in a row. Georgia’s robust logistics network and significant energy availability have cemented its top state status.
TALENT & WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS
TALENT & WORKFORCE PREPAREDNESS
To sustain Georgia’s record-breaking economic growth, challenges within the talent pipeline must be addressed.
OPPORTUNITY
Georgia ranks 15th nationally for growth of job openings over the last five years.
CHALLENGES TO ADDRESS IN GEORGIA:
52% of three- and four-year-olds are not enrolled in school
30% of fourth graders are proficient or above in reading
24% of eighth graders are proficient or above in math
45% of adults have an associate’s degree or above
61% of adults are engaged in the labor force
LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE BY STATE
Nationally, labor force participation has edged upward over the last five years. Georgia’s labor force participation rate increased by one percentage point during this period, ranking 19th. Only a few states achieved meaningful gains, suggesting Georgia’s progress may reflect positively on both targeted workforce initiatives and demographic tailwinds.
*Seasonally Adjusted
Sourced from the Federal Reserve of St. Louis FRED Data Tool, September Labor Force Participation Rate by State Release Data
LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION
RATE BY COUNTY
Georgia’s overall labor force participation rate remained relatively flat over the last five years, with only a modest statewide increase. Rural Georgia experienced slight gains, while Hub Communities and Metro Atlanta saw notable declines averaging more than two points. Some rural counties, including Calhoun, Stewart and Tattnall Counties, achieved significant increases, showing that statewide opportunities to re-engage workers do exist.
2019 data sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, 2019 5 Year American Community Survey: S2301 Employment Survey
2024 data sourced from Lightcast Data Software, Regional Comparison Table Report: Historical Participation Rate (2024)
Georgia and regional estimates are averages of the counties in each respective region.
JOB OPENINGS BY STATE
Georgia has sustained strong job growth over the past five years, with job openings rising by more than 20% since 2019, ranking 15th nationally. Through May 2025, Georgia’s job openings remain above 2024 levels, reinforcing the state’s record-high employment momentum.
*In
Number of Jobs
Sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey Data
2024 EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT BY STATE
In Georgia, 45% of adults hold an associate’s degree or higher, slightly below the national average of 46%. The state ranks 28th nationally on this measure, highlighting opportunities to expand access to higher education. A skilled workforce is vital for Georgia’s long-term prosperity, particularly as evolving technologies reshape the demands placed on workers.
*Educational Attainment by State of Persons Age 25 and Older
2023 EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT BY COUNTY
Educational attainment across Georgia shows sharp regional differences. More than half of adults in Metro Atlanta hold at least an associate’s degree, compared to 39% in Hub Communities and only 30% in Rural Georgia. These disparities highlight the importance of expanding access to higher education and training opportunities beyond metropolitan population centers to build a stronger statewide workforce.
*For Population 25 Years and Older
County Associate’s Degree or Higher
County Associate’s Degree or Higher Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
2024 NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS
BY STATE: 4TH GRADE READING
Georgia ranks in the middle of the pack nationally for 4th grade reading proficency, tied for 28th with 30% of students at or above grade-level proficiency. Florida continues to substantially outpace Georgia at 39% while both South Carolina and North Carolina rank just above Georgia. Georgia’s performance remains below the national average of 31% and is unchanged from prior years.
Percent of Students At or Above Proficient
Sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 2024 Reading Assessment
2024 NATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRESS BY STATE: 8TH GRADE MATH
Georgia ranks 32nd nationally in 8th grade math proficiency, with only 24% of students scoring at or above grade-level proficiency in 2024. This places the state below the national average of 26%. Results remain well under pre-pandemic performance, underscoring the importance of ongoing recovery efforts to help students regain critical math skills needed for future education and career readiness.
Sourced from the U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), 2024 Reading Assessment
GEORGIA MILESTONE
PROFICIENCY BY SCHOOL
SSYSTEM
ince 2024, Georgia has seen a notable rebound in 8th grade math proficiency, with the statewide rate rising by 3.3 percentage points to 47%. Hub Communities experienced the most significant growth, climbing five points over the same period. These gains suggest students are continuing to recover learning ground lost during the pandemic.
Mathematics, Spring Results
Sourced from the Georgia Department of Education: Spring 2024 and 2025 Milestone Results, System Summary
GEORGIA MILESTONE
PROFICIENCY BY SCHOOL
SYSTEM
Reading and language arts proficiency among Georgia’s 3rd graders declined by three points statewide between 2024 and 2025. The lack of proficiency among Georgia 3rd graders represents the importance of continued investments in early learning as students start “reading to learn instead of learning to read.”
*English Language Arts, Spring Results
System Name
% Proficient Learner & Above (2025)
% Proficient Learner & Above (2024)
Point Change: 2024 to 2025
System Name
% Proficient Learner & Above (2025)
% Proficient Learner & Above (2024)
Point Change: 2024 to 2025
System Name
% Proficient Learner & Above (2025)
% Proficient Learner & Above (2024)
Point Change: 2024 to 2025
2023 PRICE OF CHILDCARE AS A SHARE OF MEDIAN FAMILY
INCOME BY STATE
Childcare costs in Georgia account for a smaller share of household income than the national average. Families spend approximately 6–7% of their income on center-based care compared to nearly 8% nationally, indicating that childcare in Georgia is relatively more affordable than in many other states.
Calculated by the Georgia Chamber Foundation based on ‘price of childcare’ data estimates from U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, and Median Family Household Income data from the 2023 5-Year American Community Survey, ‘Income in the Past 12 Months’
2023 PRICE OF CHILDCARE AS A SHARE OF MEDIAN FAMILY INCOME BY COUNTY
Childcare costs as a share of household income are lower in Georgia’s rural counties compared to Hub Communities and the Metro Atlanta areas. While families statewide face rising childcare expenses, costs in rural regions remain relatively lower, reflecting differences in local income levels and care market structures.
Childcare & Household Income
*Childcare is Unaffordable in Every Community Type in Georgia. Childcare is unaffordable if cost is greater than 7% of family income
Care
Care
Center-Based Care Home-Based Care
County Price
Center-Based Care
County
Home-Based Care
Care
Care
Calculated by the Georgia Chamber Foundation based on ‘price of childcare’ data estimates from U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, and Median Family Household Income data from the 2023 5-Year American Community Survey, ‘Income in the Past 12 Months’
INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Georgia ranks in the middle of the pack compared to the other fifty states. This means there is significant opportunity to increase innovation and entrepreneurship, but strategic investments are needed to effectively guide this growth.
GEORGIA’S NATIONAL RANK
5th
for number of business applications but for net business birth rate for growth of venture capital
45th
32nd 39th 33rd
for those expected to form into a business
for R&D as a percentage of state GDP
HIGH-TECH EMPLOYMENT BY STATE
Georgia’s high-tech workforce continues to expand, with the number jobs in this sector growing at just over 3% between 2023 and 2025, slightly above the national average. Georgia ranks 24th in employment growth and industry workers have a median salary of more than $106,000, placing Georgia among the top 20 states. Georgia remains competitive in attracting and retaining high-tech talent, even as other states experience faster sector growth.
2024 BUSINESS APPLICATIONS BY STATE
Georgia ranks 5th nationally in the number of business applications, underscoring the state’s highly entrepreneurial climate. However, only 4% of these applications are expected to form a business within four quarters, ranking Georgia 45th in the nation. This gap suggests that while entrepreneurial interest is strong, additional support may be needed to help applicants successfully transition to the next stage of their business’ lifecycle.
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
BY COUNTY
Business applications in Georgia surged more than 40% over the last five years, with growth strongest in Rural Georgia, 69%, and Hub Communities, 54%. Metro Atlanta also experienced a notable increase in business applications, 31%. This growth reflects the expanding entrepreneurial spirit across the state and the diversification of local economies.
Sourced from the US Census Bureau, Business Formation Statistics: Business Applications by County [2005-2024]
VENTURE CAPITAL
ACTIVITY BY STATE
Venture capital investment in Georgia totaled $1.46 billion in 2024, down 13% from 2019. This contrasts with national trends, where investment grew more than 60% over the same period. While Georgia continues to close over 200 deals annually, attracting and retaining venture capital investment remains a challenge compared to other leading states.
INDEX OF STATE DYNAMISM BY STATE
eorgia ranks 15th nationally for the overall dynamism of its economy, with its score improving by nearly five points since 2017. While this growth places Georgia 31st for improvement, the state remains among the top tier nationally, underscoring the importance of implementing pro-growth policies.
2024 BUSINESS BIRTH & DEATH RATES BY STATE
Net business births in Georgia remain positive but have slowed considerably, with the state ranking 32nd nationally. Georgia’s net rate of 0.03% is well below the U.S. average of 0.23%, suggesting a leveling-off from the entrepreneurship boom that began in 2020. While business creation continues, sustaining this momentum will be important for long-term economic prosperity.
Data shown is representative of the average of the most recent four quarters of birth and death rates available.
Sourced from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Business Employment Dynamics Survey 2023-2024 Accessed 8.2025
2022 U.S. R&D EXPENDITURES BY
STATE
eorgia invested more than $12 billion in research and development in 2021, accounting for 1.6% of state GDP. While this represents a significant commitment, Georgia ranks just 33rd nationally in R&D intensity, well below the U.S. average of 3.4%. Expanding R&D investment across industries and institutions will be critical to strengthening the state’s innovation capacity.
*In Millions of Current Dollars
REGIONAL PROSPERITY & HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
REGIONAL PROSPERITY
The poverty rate continues to decline in the state.
45% of Georgians are still struggling to afford basic necessities, hampering stability and economic mobility
HEALTHCARE TALENT
Shortages continue to pose persistent challenges at present and in the years to come. Numerous communities have even more limited access to basic and specialty healthcare providers.
GEORGIA’S NATIONAL RANK
42nd
HOME OWNERSHIP
Over the last year, there was a 39% increase in active listings, which will hopefully alleviate housing shortages.
GEORGIA’S NATIONAL RANK
39th for physicians per 100,000 residents for its homeownership rate
2024 POVERTY RATE
BY STATE
eorgia’s poverty rate declined to 12.6% in 2024, down a full percentage point from the previous year and marking the fifth-largest decrease in the nation. While the state’s poverty rate remains slightly above the national average of 12.1%, this improvement reflects progress following earlier volatility. Continued efforts to address barriers such as housing and childcare will be critical to sustaining momentum.
*2024 Population for Whom Poverty Status is Determined, All Ages
2023 POVERTY RATE
BY COUNTY
Modest declines in the state’s overall poverty rates continue in the most recent year for which there is data. Metro Atlanta continues to have the lowest poverty level in the state, despite a slight uptick from the previous year.
Poverty Drop
Despite higher levels in rural counties, Clinch County saw nearly a 10% drop in poverty levels from 2022 to 2023, showing signs of prosperity in rural areas for years to come.
County Poverty Rate
Change from 2022
2023 ALICE HOUSEHOLD DATA BY STATE
Georgia has less households below the ALICE Threshold than most of it’s Southeastern neighbors, yet nearly half of all Georgians are below the threshold, putting the state at 9th highest in the percentage of households below the ALICE Threshold.
*Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Households
2023 ALICE HOUSEHOLDS BY
COUNTY
Nearly half of Georgia households live below the ALICE threshold, struggling to afford basic necessities despite being employed. Combined with those below the federal poverty level, a majority of Georgia families face financial constraints that limit economic mobility and long-term stability.
*Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) Households
HOUSING INVENTORY BY STATE
Georgia’s housing inventory grew by nearly 39% between Q2 2024 and Q2 2025, ranking 9th in the nation for annual growth in active listings. This expansion suggests some easing in housing supply constraints, although affordability and access remain key challenges across many communities.
*Average Active Listings per Quarter
HOUSING INVENTORY BY COUNTY
Georgia’s housing inventory grew nearly 39% from Q2 2024 to Q2 2025, outpacing the national rate of 30%. All regions experienced positive gains, with the strongest growth in Metro Atlanta, where available listings surged by more than 43%.
*Quarterly Average of Active Listings
2024 HOMEOWNERSHIP RATE BY STATE
Georgia’s homeownership rate stands at 64.5%, ranking 39th nationally and sitting just below the U.S. average of 65.6%. While Georgia has seen little movement in homeownership levels over the past five years, homeownership remains a critical pathway for building household wealth and supporting long-term economic growth.
Sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Current Population Survey/Housing Vacancy Survey
2024 RATE OF PHYSICIANS BY COUNTY AND SPECIALTY
Georgia’s healthcare workforce continues to show sharp regional disparities. Rural Georgia averages just 86 physicians per 100,000 residents, less than one-quarter the rate found in Hub Communities and far below state and national averages. Access gaps are especially pronounced in specialties such as pediatrics, general surgery, and OB/ GYN, underscoring the urgent need to expand the state’s healthcare workforce, particularly in rural areas.
*Rate of Physicians per 100K Residents. Not All Specialties Shown.
RATE OF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS BY STATE
Georgia ranks 42nd in the nation in physicians per 100,000 residents, with only 210 compared to the U.S. average of 254. This gap underscores the urgent need to expand medical talent pipelines and residency placements to strengthen Georgia’s healthcare workforce and ensure access to care statewide.
*Direct Patient Care (D.P.C) Physicians per 100K Residents
Georgia by 2032
2023 RETENTION OF MEDICAL RESIDENTS BY STATE
Georgia retains 60% of medical residents trained in the state, slightly above the national average of 56% and ranking 11th nationally. With more than 5,400 residents completing training over the past decade, physician retention is a vital part of strengthening Georgia’s healthcare workforce and ensuring residents, whether from in-state or out-of-state schools, establish practices in Georgia.
*Percentage of Individuals who Completed Residency Training in an ACGME-Accredited Program from 2014 Through 2023 and are not Currently Active in any GME Program
GENERAL HEALTH OF POPULATION BY COUNTY
The share of adults in Georgia reporting poor or fair health remains above the national average at 18%, reflecting the prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Health outcomes vary significantly across the state, with more than one in five adults in Rural Georgia and Hub Communities reporting poor health compared to just 16% in Metro Atlanta. These disparities highlight the need for targeted healthcare interventions outside major metropolitan areas.
*Percentage of Adults (18 Years and Older) with Poor or Fair Health
06 INFRASTRUCTURE & ENERGY
eorgia’s robust infrastructure network is key to our sustained, record-breaking economic growth. The state’s world-class ports, rail lines, freeways, and short-line rail operators enable companies to easily expand operations.
INFRASTRUCTURE & ENERGY
Georgia was named the number one state in the nation for business for a 12th consecutive year, fueled by safe, affordable, resilient, and reliable power sources.
GEORGIA’S NATIONAL RANK
1st 2nd for business for a 12th consecutive year
most affordable energy rates of the top GDP producing states
INVESTMENTS IN FREIGHT & LOGISTICS
Still remains a top priority as growth is projected to increase in the coming years to minimize congestion costs and prioritize safety.
GEORGIA PORTS:
growth in container trade in 2025 Fiscal Year
10th 8.6%
nationally in terms of value of freight flow
HARTSFIELD JACKSON TOTAL PASSENGERS
The world’s busiest airport continues to serve more than 100 million passengers annually. Following a Covid-19 pandemic era decline in air travel, the airport has experienced near record breaking growth. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is critical to Georgia, moving both people and cargo, serving as an integral piece in our infrastructure and logistics system.
The Georgia Ports Authority continues to administer strong growth at Georgia’s largest port over the last fiscal year. In fiscal year 2025, the Georgia Ports experienced an 8.6% growth in container trade. This growth is supported by increasing infrascture investments, bolstering Georgia’s competitive advantage.
*Port of Savannah, All Terminals
July 489,116
Sourced from the Georgia Ports Authority, By the Numbers Report. Collected August 2025 Year-Over-Year growth provided as a
comparison at July 2024 and 2025
busiest year on record for Georgia Ports
2025 Georgia Port Traffic
2024 RAIL MILES & EMPLOYMENT BY STATE
Georgia ranks 7th nationally for number of rail miles in the state, and 5th for the number of people employed by the rail industry. These top rankings illustrate the significance of Georgia’s rail network to the state economy, and our position as a logistics hub.
Sourced from American Association of Railroads https://www.aar.org/states/
WAREHOUSING EMPLOYMENT BY STATE
Employment in the warehousing industry has increased by 45% since 2021, and is expected to increase by almost another 16% over the next decade. Georgia is expected to soon employ over 100,000 Georgians in the warehousing industry over the coming years with a future employment growth that ranks 10th in the nation.
Sourced from Lightcast, Regional Comparison Report
GEORGIA WAREHOUSING RENTAL RATES
Atlanta and Savannah warehouse rental rates continue to remain below the national average, keeping our state economically competitive. In the last year, rental rates are now more expensive in Atlanta than Savannah. Over the last three years, warehouse rental rates have increased nationally and within Georgia due to rising demand and growing e-commerce industries.
*Rental Rate Per Square Foot of Warehousing Space
2023 FREIGHT FLOW BY STATE
eorgia ranks 10th nationally in terms of value of freight flow and 14th for tons of freight flow, proving it is a national logsitics hub.
*Measured by State of Origin, Domestic and Exports
2024 ELECTRIC GENERATION BY STATE AND SOURCE
Amix of generative technologies is necessary to provide the most reliable and affordable energy services possible.
*Share of Total Mw/H Generation by Source
Energy Generation (Mw/H) by Source in GA
2024 ELECTRICITY
MARKET BY STATE
Georgia provides reliable energy at nationally competitive rates that fall below the average state’s residential price. Georgia has the second most affordable energy rates among top GDP producing states. Georgia’s vertically integrated and regulated market structure provides stability to allow for long-term planning, prioritizing coordination and reliability.
*Data by Price (Cents per Kilowatt Hour) and Data by Net Generation (Megawatt Hour)
G eo rg i a Need s Doctor s
Since 1990, Georgia’s population has nearly doubled in size, growing from 6.6 million to more than 11 million as of 2024
3,500 to 1 11M
143 out of 159 Georgia counties are designated as Health Professional Shortage Areas, areas where there are 3,500 or more patients for every one provider
As of 2023, 22.5% of Georgia’s physicians are 65 or older with 1 in 5 physicians likely to retire 1 in 5
As Georgia continues down the path of growth, it’s imperative that the state make critical investments in its human capital infrastructure
A strong, grounded network of healthcare plays a vital role in attracting economic growth and providing necessary services to Georgia residents
Georgia is projected to be short by 8,000 doctors by the year 2030 8,000
The data is clear – Georgia does not currently have an adequate number of physicians to care for its with a growing and aging population, and it’s exacerbated in its rural communities.
For more than 20 years, through its campuses in Suwanee and Moultrie, PCOM Georgia has been a leader in educating and training the next generation of healthcare professionals in the state
As the state looks to address existing physician shortages, there is important work to be done, and PCOM Georgia stands ready to be a committed, engaged partner in doing so.
3rd Largest PBS Station in the U.S.
Uniting & Uplifting Georgia
Education
Offering innovative, engaging Georgia standards-aligned digital learning resources and support to Georgia’s educators, students and families.
Programming & News
Producing Georgia-focused programs including A Fork in the Road, Lawmakers, Football Fridays in Georgia, View Finders, Georgia Legends, Peach Jam and in-depth news reporting on issues impacting citizens across the state.
And a significant part of the surrounding states
Community Engagement
Encouraging life-long learning and enriching the value of programming through events, community initiatives and partnerships.
Public Safety
Providing support to more than 20 public safety agencies and organizations, including GEMA, GBI, FBI and the National Weather Service through GPB’s transmission facilities and engineering staff.
