Atlanta tops a half-million residents per latest census numbers

ajc.com

Credit: Justin Sullivan

Credit: Justin Sullivan

Atlanta is continuing to grow in population, surpassing 500,000 residents according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The city had 506,811 residents in July 2019, up roughly 8,000 from the previous year. In 2018, the city had an estimated population of 498,044.

The most recent population estimates will soon be replaced by data collected as part of the 2020 Census, which is a count of every person living in the U.S.

Between 2010 and July 2019, Atlanta has seen a 18% population increase, which means more than 76,000 residents were added to the city in that time frame.

The city has been fervent about ensuring residents are counted for the 2020 census, as a higher population number translates into more federal dollars. Population data collected by the census is used to determine how to distribute federal funding used to support essential services such as transportation and health care.

Last year, Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms launched “ATL Counts,” a yearlong initiative to encourage participation in the 2020 Census. In 2017, the city approved $1 million to help with the effort.

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