Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Here’s a frustrating DeKalb commuter statistic (and a silver lining)

Georgia DOT reports show that Decatur traffic isn’t as congested as people think it is. AJC file photo
Georgia DOT reports show that Decatur traffic isn’t as congested as people think it is. AJC file photo
By Joshua Sharpe
Oct 26, 2016

Ever wonder why your commute out of DeKalb County is so hard? Does it cross your mind as you sit parked on I-285 listening to the big-rig in the next lane gargle diesel while some dude’s stereo blares music you hate?

Well, if you have (or if you haven't, actually), perhaps it'll make you feel better to know you're not alone. More than 72 percent of the county's working residents leave the county to get to work, according to newly-released data from the Atlanta Regional Commission.

RELATED: Businesses look to DeKalb to expand and add jobs

The ARC says almost 206,000 DeKalb residents leave the county for work, while only about 79,000 both live and work in the county.

That 72 percent rate puts DeKalb in better shape than Cherokee (79), Clayton (78), Douglas (81), Fayette (76), Henry (79) and Rockdale (81) counties, according to analysis by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

RELATED: Business growth threatened by DeKalb sewer problems

RELATED: With new funds, DeKalb to go after 'aggressive and dangerous' drivers

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