Addressing the Changing Demographic Profile of Georgia

Georgia’s Changing Demographic Profile: Ten Characteristics that Make Georgia a Unique State

Doug Bachtel, professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences, at the University of Georgia, outlines 10 demographic characteristics that make Georgia a unique state.

1. Size: Georgia is a large state geographically and demographically.
2. Growth: Georgia is one of the fastest growing states in the nation.
3. Diversity: Georgia has a large, growing, diverse population, although historically it has been primarily a black and white state. Georgia’s diverse population, however, is heavily concentrated in a few geographic areas.
4. Age: Georgians tend to be younger than the national average.
5. Health: Georgia’s health-related challenges include infant mortality, diabetes, and substance abuse.
6. Education: Georgians’ educational attainment has been historically below the national average.
7. Economics: Georgians generally earn below the national average.
8. Agriculture: Georgia is a large agricultural state.
9. Water: Water is becoming a critical natural resource in Georgia.
10. Voter Participation: Georgia has one of the lowest voter participation rates in the nation

UGA faculty members from across the disciplines conduct research, teach, and develop outreach programs and activities that address these ten characteristics.

The data for this web page is provided by Douglas C. Bachtel, University of Georgia Professor in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences. Research support was provided by Mumbi Okundaye, Data Management Specialist, College of Family and Consumer Economics. Editing of the text was provided by Denise Horton, Public Relations Coordinator, College of Family and Consumer Sciences, and Trish Kalivoda, Associate Vice President for Public Service and Outreach.