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

About the Author

Follow Joshua Sharpe on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

The woman, who was not publicly identified, died at a hospital after the medical emergency on the lake, officials said.

Credit: Georgia DNR

Woman, 60, drowns in Lake Allatoona after medical emergency

3m ago

2nd man dies after weekend shooting at Atlanta park, police say

A weekend shooting at an Atlanta park claims two lives.

Georgia sheriff’s office launches Narcan vending machine

Newton County now has a Narcan vending machine at its detention center, to aid people who need the medication for opioid overdose.

The Latest

The woman, who was not publicly identified, died at a hospital after the medical emergency on the lake, officials said.

Credit: Georgia DNR

Woman, 60, drowns in Lake Allatoona after medical emergency

3m ago

18-year-old shot, killed at troubled SW Atlanta apartment complex

Teen arrested in 16-year-old’s fatal shooting outside Brookhaven McDonald’s

Featured

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

Credit: AP

Senate GOP passes budget bill Democrats describe as ‘a catastrophe’

Republicans in the U.S. Senate have passed the “big, beautiful bill” championed by President Donald Trump, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tiebreaking vote.

State Farm Arena top 5 globally in box office — behind only Sphere, MSG in U.S.

State Farm Arena brought in about $76.2 million across 60 events.

At a store that never closes, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch

At JJ Food Mart on the west side of Atlanta, an armed comedian keeps the midnight watch. If you misbehave, Connell Daniels Jr. might put you on Instagram.