Georgia’s Population Forecast to 2060 — Counties Ranked by Projected Change

By Georgia Living Podcast | April 2025

Hold on to your Waffle House hashbrowns, Georgia. New population projections through 2060 just dropped, and they reveal some jaw-dropping trends across the Peach State. Whether you’re planning to invest in real estate, relocate, or just want to know where the action is (or isn’t), this list of Georgia’s fastest-growing—and fastest-shrinking—counties will surprise you.

👉 Based on official projections from the Georgia Office of Planning and Budget, these are the counties you need to keep your eye on.

Georgia’s Population Forecast to 2060 — Counties Ranked by Projected Change

By the Georgia Living Podcast newsroom | April 2025

New projections from the Georgia Office of Planning and Budget show starkly different futures for counties across the state. Below, we rank the ten counties expected to gain the most residents (Nos. 1‑10) and the ten forecast to lose the largest share of population (Nos. 150‑159, counting down from Georgia’s total of 159 counties). Each entry includes a snapshot of what residents and visitors will find there today.

Counties Poised for Growth

1 – Gwinnett County
Projected to exceed 1.25 million residents by 2060, Gwinnett is anchored by the Mall of Georgia, a booming international food corridor in Duluth, and more than 70 parks—including the Yellow River Wildlife Sanctuary—making it one of the state’s most diverse and dynamic suburbs.

2 – Fulton County
The core of metro Atlanta is set to reach 1.35 million people. Attractions range from the Atlanta BeltLine and Mercedes‑Benz Stadium to Midtown’s tech start‑ups and the High Museum, ensuring a steady influx of jobs and culture seekers.

3 – Forsyth County
Lake Lanier’s shoreline lifestyle, mixed‑use districts like Halcyon, and highly ranked schools are expected to push the population past half a million, transforming this once‑sleepy exurb into a premier suburban address.

4 – Cherokee County
Downtown Woodstock’s craft‑brewery scene, Lake Allatoona recreation, and improving commuter routes are projected to draw nearly 140,000 new residents, solidifying Cherokee as a family‑friendly alternative to Atlanta’s inner suburbs.

5 – Henry County
With Atlanta Motor Speedway, Tanger Outlets, and competitive home prices, Henry is forecast to add more than 150,000 people—growth that will reshape the county’s southern arc of Interstate 75.

6 – Columbia County
Fort Gordon’s expanding cyber‑security campus, the Savannah Rapids canal trails, and a growing concert schedule at Evans Towne Center Park are expected to attract 66,000 additional residents to Augusta’s western suburbs.

7 – Coweta County
Historic Newnan squares, Chattahoochee Bend State Park, and proximity to Fayette’s film studios could bring roughly 65,000 newcomers, keeping Coweta on the radar of both investors and outdoor enthusiasts.

8 – Bryan County
Hyundai’s $7 billion electric‑vehicle plant near Richmond Hill, combined with Fort McAllister State Park and coastal waterways, is projected to nearly double the county’s population to more than 93,000.

9 – Jackson County
Outlet shopping in Commerce, Road Atlanta’s international motor‑sports events, and easy access to Athens are forecast to swell the population by more than 70,000, prompting new investments in water and housing.

10 – Walton County
Affordable land, antiques in Monroe, dark‑sky stargazing at Hard Labor Creek State Park, and a budding craft‑beverage scene are expected to lift Walton to about 153,000 residents by 2060.

Counties Facing Decline

159 – Randolph County
Despite historic Andrew College and spring azalea tours, Randolph could lose nearly one‑third of its residents, falling to just over 4,200 people and forcing discussions about consolidating public services.

158 – Miller County
Home of the Mayhaw Festival, Miller is projected to shrink to about 4,200 residents as younger generations depart for urban centers, challenging the county’s agricultural economy.

157 – Stewart County
Even with the photogenic gullies of Providence Canyon State Park, Stewart may dip below 3,400 residents, raising concerns over funding for schools and emergency services.

156 – Taliaferro County
Georgia’s least‑populous county—known for My Cousin Vinny filming sites—could decline to 1,340 residents, making it harder to maintain infrastructure and healthcare access.

155 – Clay County
Bordered by the Walter F. George Reservoir, Clay is forecast to lose about 18 percent of its population, underscoring the challenge of converting outdoor recreation into sustained economic growth.

154 – Calhoun County
An aging demographic and youth out‑migration may shrink Calhoun by 1,380 residents; leaders are banking on specialty peanut farming and agri‑tourism to stem the tide.

153 – Dooly County
Famed for the Big Pig Jig barbecue championship, Dooly could fall to 8,400 residents, putting pressure on rural school systems and healthcare providers.

152 – Quitman County
Projected to drop below 2,200 residents, Quitman leans on Lake Walter F. George recreation and hunting season, but revenue streams remain limited.

151 – Wilcox County
Ocmulgee River paddling and pristine cypress swamps offer eco‑tourism potential, yet Wilcox is on course to lose more than 1,400 residents, straining local hospitals and emergency services.

150 – Telfair County
Attractions such as Little Ocmulgee State Park and a Statue of Liberty replica in McRae‑Helena may not prevent a projected loss of 2,700 residents—one of Georgia’s steepest population drops.

Reading the Tea Leaves

Demographers say population growth translates into greater political influence and larger budgets for roads, schools, and hospitals, while sustained decline can hollow out local economies. For real‑estate professionals, business owners, and policymakers, the rankings provide a clear roadmap to Georgia’s next three decades.

Read the full white paper here:
👉 The State of Georgia’s Economy in 2025

🔗 Bonus: Where’s YOUR County on the List?