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Athens Ranks Among Fastest-Growing Cities in U.S.

Jerry Craig

The U.S. Census reports eight of the 15 U.S. cities with the largest population gains between 2010 and 2019 were in the south. Athens is among the cities in the nation experiencing a population increase. The personal finance website WalletHub compared 515 U.S. cities to compile its list of 2020’s Fastest-Growing Cities in America.

 

Analyst Jill Gonzalez. 

“Athens is growing, or at least, was growing for some time, I think before COVID-19. Athens ranked 106th, so definitely up there in the top half, I think for a small city especially, that’s a very good number.”

The study considered several factors in addition to population increase. 

“So that data looks at everything from actual population growth, to unemployment rate, to growth in regional GDP per capita, so really looking at more than just growth, but socio-demographic and economies too.”

Athens rated fairly well when it came to its working-age population and job growth, but there are areas where the Classic City can improve. 

“Athens still needs to show improvement when it comes to household income growth, the growth of households with an annual income of above $75,000, an increase in the ratio of full-time to part-time jobs.”

Atlanta was the Georgia city with the most growth, while Albany came in near the bottom at number 510. 

To view the entire list, visit Wallethub.com.

Alexia Ridley joined WUGA as Television and Radio News Anchor and Reporter in 2013. When WUGA TV concluded operations, she became the primary Reporter for WUGA Radio. Alexia came to Athens from Macon where she served as the News Director and show host for WGXA TV. She's a career journalist and Savannah native hailing from the University of Michigan. However, Alexia considers herself an honorary UGA DAWG!
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