Census snapshot: ‘Brain gains’ around metro Atlanta

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Are America’s small cities and towns getting a little, well, dumber? According to U.S. Census data, the percentage of college grads in many communities is on the decline. For example, in 2006-2008, 59.1 percent of North Druid Hills residents age 25 and older had a bachelor’s degree or higher, down from 65.1 percent in 2000. But many metro Atlanta communities have posted brain gains in the past few years. Here’s a look at some of those areas:

Duluth: In 2006-2008, 49.4 percent of residents age 25 and older were college grads, compared with 45.7 percent in 2000.

East Point: 21.9 percent in 2006-2008; 17.6 percent in 2000.

Forest Park: 7.2 percent in 2006-2008; 6.6 percent in 2000.

Kennesaw: 42.2 percent in 2006-2008; 34.5 percent in 2000.

Tucker: 45.7 percent in 2006-2008; 41.5 percent in 2000.

Source: American Community Survey, 2006-2008, and the 2000 Census. For more information, visit www.census.gov.