THE FOUR GEORGIAS

The map on the Georgia Facts and Figures mainpage shows the state divided into multiple areas based upon U.S. Census Bureau metropolitan and nonmetropolitan characteristics, and the population growth which has occurred on a county-level basis from 1980 to 1990. Four distinct areas emerge from this classification. They are metropolitan, suburban, rural growth and rural decline counties. Specifically, they include:

1. seven metropolitan core counties
2. 35 suburban counties which are also part of a Metropolitan Statistical Area
3. 77 nonmetropolitan counties in which population growth occurred during the 1980 to 1990 time period
4. 40 nonmetropolitan counties that lost population between 1980 and 1990

METROPOLITAN

The metropolitan core counties have cities with a population over 50,000 inside a county with a population of 100,000 or more. These areas represent the heart of the state's urban centers. Metropolitan Georgia is a study in marked contrast. Metro Georgia is the center for social, economic and cultural activity. A significant portion of the people working in this area possess the education and income necessary to take advantage of the available opportunities. An equally large portion of the people in metro Georgia are young, poorly educated, and live near or below the poverty level. They generally do not possess marketable job skills necessary to compete in an increasingly technologically-oriented environment. In addition, these areas also have high crime rates, teen pregnancy, and minority unemployment rates.

SURBURBAN

The second area identified on the map is surburban Georgia. These counties are also metropolitan, but they obtained their metropolitan status because one third or more of their residents commute into the core city to work. These areas are characterized as being predominately white and affluent with many residents having high education attainment and income levels.

GROWING RURAL

The third group of counties are identified as growing rural Georgia. These counties are located across Georgia but tend to be concentrated in the northern section of the state. The counties tend to be characterized by having either scenic beauty or some type of physical landscape that makes them attractive places for tourism. In addition, these areas may be located near a military base or possess a regional growth center capable of sustaining economic growth. Some counties, like Grady County in South Georgia, have grown because of their proximity to the expanding metropolitan center. Banks County's growth in North Georgia has been impressive due to its location on I - 85 and the increase in service economy jobs that heavy traffic facilitates.

DECLINING RURAL

The last area identified is declining rural Georgia, perhaps the area in greatest peril. Several factors contribute to the decline. These counties are characterized by long-term population loss, lack of employment opportunities, low levels of educational attainment and skill development exists. Limited access to health care facilities and professionals results in a less healthy population. High levels of working-age people continue to outmigrate, leaving behind a large number of young and older residents who may require a large share of government services. Job creation in these areas must be a major priority in order to keep this area from declining further.