The state of Georgia is home to a wide variety of cities, each offering residents a unique blend of culture and amenities. From the fast-paced city life of Atlanta to the small-town charm of places like Johns Creek, there’s something for everyone in this diverse state.
But when it comes to money, not all cities are created equal. That’s because where you live can significantly impact your financial well-being.
Whether you’re looking for a great place to invest in real estate or find it helpful when deciding where you want to live, knowing which cities are prosperous (financially speaking) can be helpful information.
Read on and take a closer look at the 12 wealthiest cities in the state of Georgia based on median household income.
12. Atlanta
Area: 353.04 sq. km.
Elevation: 738 to 1,050 ft.
Total Population: 514,457 (2022)
photo source: Hotels.com
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. It’s also the cultural, economic, and educational center of the Southeast. A strong business climate, diverse culture, and a large volume of motor vehicles per capita fuel the city’s economy.
The city has grown rapidly over the past several decades because it has been a good location for businesses interested in attracting national and international consumers.
Atlanta is also known for its high-speed rail system MARTA, which is an important transportation hub for many city residents.
The city’s airport serves as one of three international airports in Atlanta; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) serves more than 75 million passengers per year, while Emory University Hospital Midtown (EHMM) is the largest employer in Atlanta, with approximately 6,000 employees working at this facility located just off Peachtree Street near downtown Atlanta CBD area.
Did You Know?
The city has many parks, historic sites, and museums, as well as a wide variety of entertainment options, including professional sports teams, theaters, and concert halls.
11. Suwanee
Area: 28.66 sq. km.
Elevation: 1,001 ft.
Total Population: 21,872 (2022)
photo source: Explore Georgia
Suwanee is a city located about 20 miles north of Atlanta and about 25 miles west of Ellijay. Suwanee is known for its parks, its lake, and its restaurants. The city has a park system with over 120 acres of green space, including trails, playgrounds, and sports fields. The city also has a lake that is popular for boating and fishing trips.
Suwanee was first known as “Little Woodstock” because it was near a wooded area. The name was changed to Suwanee in 1872 after Samuel F. Suwanee donated land for a new railroad station. The town was incorporated in 1871 and named after Suwanee Creek, which flows through it.
The Creek is also known for having been a one-time home to the original village of Kitezh. This settlement existed from 1763 until its demolition by Czar Alexander II in 1866.
Did You Know?
Suwanee doesn’t have any major highways running through it, but it does have access to Interstate 85 and Interstate 285.
10. Dunwoody
Area: 34.31 sq. km.
Elevation: 1,129 ft.
Total Population: 52,767 (2022)
photo source: Worldwide Elevation Map Finder
Dunwoody is a city about 15 miles south of downtown Atlanta. It is one of the fastest-growing areas in the District of Columbia and is home to one of the largest shopping malls in the state. Dunwoody’s economy has been thriving thanks to its proximity to Atlanta, which has helped it attract many businesses.
These include a research facility for pharmaceutical companies and several firms involved in technology and innovation.
Dunwoody was named after a railroad station built there in the 1880s by the Georgia Railroad. The station was named after Judge Thomas Dunwoody, who governed Georgia from 1887 to 1889 and who had been appointed by President Grover Cleveland. The city is considered to be part of the Atlanta metropolitan area and is part of the North Fulton County School District.
Did You Know?
The city is known for its diverse population and its many parks, including Dunwoody Greenbelt Park and Eagle’s Landing Park.
9. Sandy Springs
Area: 99.77 sq. km.
Elevation: 1,093 ft.
Total Population: 110,926 (2022)
photo source: sandysprings.com
Sandy Springs, Georgia, is a city that’s located in the middle of the state, close to the Georgia-Alabama line. The city is known for its beautiful springs and lush forests. The city has a rich history as well, having been established by gold miners who were looking for an escape from their harsh conditions in California.
The City of Sandy Springs was founded in 1887 by George W. Coffman and Samuel Crain, who bought 80 acres of land from Wm. M. Wright for $50 an acre. The first homes were built on this land by Coffman and Crain in 1887, and they sold lots to other settlers who came from all over Georgia, including Macon County and Alabama, as well as North Carolina and Tennessee.
Did You Know?
Sand Springs’ economy is primarily based on agriculture and transportation.
8. Roswell
Area: 108.77 sq. km.
Elevation: 1,180 ft.
Total Population: 93,731 (2022)
photo source: Explore Georgia
Roswell, Georgia, is a city in Fulton County, Georgia, and it is located in the north-central part of the state. Its name comes from the Roswell River, which runs through the city. European Americans originally settled the area around the city in the mid-19th century. It became incorporated into the United States as part of Fulton County in 1867.
Roswell’s economy is primarily based on technology and research and development (R&D), with many of its companies headquartered there. The city has several large companies that are focused on R&D, including some of the largest tech firms in the world. These include Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.
Did You Know?
The global positioning system (GPS) office for the United States is located in Roswell.
7. Peachtree City
Area: 67.44 sq. km.
Elevation: 899 ft.
Total Population: 39,020 (2022)
photo source: iStock
Peachtree City is a city that sits on Peachtree Creek in Georgia. The city was founded in 1838 and had been growing steadily since then. The city is located in the Atlanta metropolitan area, and it is named after the pea tree that grew within its boundaries. It has a variety of parks, including Falcon Park and Colonial Park, as well as several other smaller parks and trails throughout the city.
The city also has many different neighborhoods because of its location on the northern edge of Gwinnett County. This gives easy access to I-85, which connects Atlanta with its suburbs and other cities in the state. It also has access to other major highways, including GA-400 and GA-400 Connector.
Did You Know?
It is known for its historic downtown area, which includes the Peachtree City Historic District.
6. Braselton
Area: 34.48 sq. km.
Elevation: 909 ft.
Total Population: 14,581 (2022)
photo source: KNOWAtlanta
Braselton, Georgia, is a small town located in the northeastern part of Georgia. The city is known for being home to the University of West Georgia and for its abundance of scenic hiking trails. Braselton also has several parks, including Braselton Mountain Park and WMA.
It is known for its scenic beauty, and many people visit it to enjoy its natural environment. The city was founded in 1845 by pioneer settlers who wanted to establish a community that could provide them with a safe place to live and work. Braselton has remained relatively unchanged since it was first established, but it has seen some growth over the years.
Did You Know?
During World War II, Braselton was home to Camp Blanding, which served as a satellite for the nearby Fort Benning.
5. Tyrone
Area: 33.36 sq. km.
Elevation: 981 ft.
Total Population: 7,814 (2022)
photo source: Realtor.com
Tyrone is a small city located in Georgia. The city was founded in 1891. It has a thriving economy, with many restaurants, shops, and businesses that offer services such as financial services and healthcare.
Also, there are several parks located throughout Tyrone: one park has an amphitheater where performances can be held; another park has an outdoor pool and playgrounds for children; yet another park has tennis courts and basketball courts available for public use during the summer months when school is out of session.
Tyrone is known for being a diverse community: it’s home to both African Americans and Caucasians. It’s also home to people of all ages, including senior citizens. It’s also known for its strong sense of community, and many residents are involved in civic groups like the Rotary Club or Kiwanis Club, which help get things done around town.
Did You Know?
Tyrone is known as the “Christmas City” because it has several large Christmas-related events throughout December and January, including an annual Christmas Parade and an annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
4. Decatur
Area: 11.92 sq. km.
Elevation: 1,043 ft.
Total Population: 26,046 (2022)
photo source: City of Decatur
Decatur is a city in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia. It is located in the eastern portion of the metro area and has grown to become one of the most economically vibrant cities in the Southeast. Decatur’s economy is driven by its manufacturing base, which accounts for more than half of the jobs created in Decatur each year.
The city’s largest employers include Georgia Steel, an integrated steel mill; Georgia Power, a utility company; and AmSouth Bank, which is headquartered there.
Decatur was founded around 1824 by James and George Decatur as a trading post for settlers moving into Alabama and Mississippi territories. The town remained small until after the Civil War, when it began to grow as farmers moved into the area and rail lines were built through it. By 1900, it had become one of Georgia’s most prosperous cities.
Did You Know?
It’s also known for its highly-regarded art museum, which features works by masters like Vincent van Gogh and Claude Monet.
3. Johns Creek
Area: 81.18 sq. km.
Elevation: 928 ft.
Total Population: 83,597 (2022)
photo source: The Crazy Tourist
Johns Creek is a city in Gwinnett County, Georgia, which is located in the northern part of the county, between Buford Highway and Interstate 285. The city was first settled in the early 1800s, and it has grown substantially since then. It was incorporated as a town in 1837 and became a city in 1967. The city’s current mayor is Stacey Toler-Mason.
The city has many parks, including South Mountain Park, which offers hiking trails and access to a scenic overlook at Red Top Mountain; Wolf Mountain Park, which offers camping facilities; and Lake Allatoona recreation area, which offers camping facilities as well as boating opportunities.
Did You Know?
The city is known for its nightlife, which includes several bars and restaurants that are open until 2 AM every night.
2. Alpharetta
Area: 70.62 sq. km.
Elevation: 1,135 ft.
Total Population: 67,472 (2022)
photo source: Southern Living
Alpharetta, Georgia, is a city located in northern Fulton County. It’s known for its beautiful urban landscape, as well as its proximity to several major highways and interstate access points. The city is home to many large corporations such as Home Depot and Michelin North America.
The area has a rich history, with the original settlers being Englishmen who King George II granted land in 1732. It was also the site of a small fortification called Fort Mountain during the Revolutionary War. Alpharetta is also home to many popular attractions, including The Botanical Garden of Georgia, The Historic Arts Center of Georgia, and The Museum of Glass at the Atlanta History Center.
Did You Know?
The city’s name comes from the alphabets of the Greek and Latin languages, meaning “gathering place.”
1. Milton
Area: 101.29 sq. km.
Elevation: 978 ft.
Total Population: 43,024 (2022)
photo source: Explore Georgia
Milton, Georgia, enjoys a diverse population and a strong economy. This city is considered the wealthiest city in the state of Georgia, with a median household income recorded at $197,156.
The city is home to many businesses in different fields, including manufacturing, health care, and technology. The city was named after John Milton, an English poet and politician who died in 1674.
The city was founded in 1868 by Thomas B. Smith and George L. Smith as a place for their plantation to be relocated after the Civil War ended. Milton also has many parks and recreational areas available for residents to enjoy.
There are eight parks within the city limits alone! The city also has a very active civic organization that hosts events throughout the year, such as poetry readings and music performances.
Did You Know?
Milton is known for its red-clay soil, which has been mined for many years.
