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    Atlanta

    Atlanta’s infrastructure is modernizing and features world-class assets like its airport, but faces persistent challenges with traffic congestion, aging roads, and underfunded public transit.

    Country:United States

    518,107M+

    Population

    347km²

    Area

    1,423/km²

    Density

    Growth Trends

    64,400

    The projected net population growth in Atlanta for 2024 is 62,700.

    Working-Age Population

    63%

    67% of the global population is of working age, with this share expected to decline in many regions over the coming decades.

    Employment Rates

    94.1%Current Rate

    Key industries include logistics, fintech, healthcare, and film, with major corporations like The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, and United Parcel Service playing significant roles.

    Educational Attainment

    Tertiary attainment among young adults aged 25-34 in OECD countries increased from 45% in 2019 to 48% in 2024, placing it among top OECD nations.

    Foreign Residents

    The average income for foreign residents in Atlanta is about 10.2 million yen with 50% earning less.

    Ethnic Composition

    Foreign residents in Atlanta surpassed 843,540 in 2024, making up about 13.9% of the city population, with largest groups from Mexico, India, Jamaica, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Korea.

    Commuting

    The Atlanta metropolitan area has about 2,487,664 daily commuters, with an average commute time of 32 minutes, primarily traveling by car rather than rail.

    Migration Patterns

    Atlanta continues to attract residents from other regions with a net inflow of 62,700 people in 2024.

    Average Income

    71,620

    The average annual income in Atlanta is about 10.3 million yen though more than half earn less than this amount.

    Transportation & Logistics Overview

    Major Highways and Freight Corridors

    Atlanta’s major highway infrastructure includes Interstates 20, 75, 85, and 285 (the Perimeter), with I-75 and I-85 converging as the Downtown Connector, and State Route 400 serving the northern suburbs.

    Port Facilities and Container Volume

    Atlanta does not have a port in the traditional sense but serves as a major rail hub for freight transportation.

    Airport Cargo Handling

    Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has 1.8 million square feet of on-airport air cargo warehouse space across three main complexes, with 28 parking positions for cargo aircraft.

    Rail Infrastructure and Intermodal Terminals

    Atlanta’s rail infrastructure features an extensive freight network with over 4,600 miles statewide and 28 freight railroads, alongside passenger service including Amtrak and ambitious plans for expanded regional and high-speed rail connections.

    Public Transit Network

    Atlanta’s public transit system is primarily operated by MARTA, which includes a network of four metro rail lines, over 100 bus routes, and the Atlanta Streetcar serving downtown.

    Commute Times and Congestion

    Atlanta has some of the worst traffic congestion in the U.S., with average commute times around 31 to 32 minutes and nearly five hours of daily congestion.

    Sustainability Initiatives

    Key sustainability and green transportation initiatives in Atlanta include expanding electric vehicle charging stations, transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2035, investing in sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit, and promoting energy-efficient buildings and green spaces.

    Warehousing & Fulfillment Landscape

    Global Hubs Warehousing

    Space and Vacancy Rates

    8.6%

    Lease Rates and Warehouse Classes

    Warehouse lease rates in Atlanta range from $6 to $16 per square foot annually depending on size and location, with average rates around $8.50 per square foot in 2024, and properties are typically classified by factors like ceiling height, dock access, and construction quality.

    Major Warehouse Districts

    I-85 NE, I-20 West, I-75 NW, I-75 S, I-85 S, Kennesaw, Austell, Forest Park, and the Fulton Industrial Boulevard corridor.

    Last-Mile Delivery Infrastructure

    Atlanta’s last-mile delivery infrastructure features strategically located urban warehouses, micro-fulfillment centers, advanced route optimization technology, electric vehicle fleets, and real-time tracking systems to enable fast, efficient, and sustainable delivery across the metro area.

    Automation and Technology Adoption

    Warehouse automation in Atlanta is rapidly advancing, with widespread adoption of robotics, automated guided vehicles, AI-driven systems, and integrated warehouse management technologies to boost efficiency, safety, and operational cost savings.

    Cold Storage and Specialty Warehousing

    Atlanta hosts multiple large-scale cold storage facilities ranging from 305,858 to 1.5 million square feet, offering temperature-controlled warehousing from -20°F to 55°F with specialized services including blast freezing, multi-temperature storage, and distribution for food manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice companies throughout the Southeast.

    Supply Chain Analysis

    Global Hubs Supply Chain

    Key Industries

    Key industries and economic sectors in Atlanta include finance, fintech, healthcare and biotechnology, manufacturing, media and entertainment (including film and television), logistics and transportation (including aviation), professional and business services, education, and technology.

    Major Logistics Providers

    Americold, Prosponsive Logistics, Georgia Transportation, OTR Solutions, Transfix, Convoy, Veritiv, GoBolt, Falcon International, Quickbox Fulfilment, Bricz, Coregistics, American Global Logistics, HWC Logistics, One Step Logistics, Future Forwarding, Amware Fulfilment, Porter Logistics, Green Worldwide Shipping, Aeronet Worldwide, PSI Fulfillment, Fastpak Fulfillment, HARP360.

    Import/Export Volumes and Trading Partners

    Atlanta, as part of Georgia, saw export volumes reach $53.1 billion in 2024 with key trading partners including Türkiye, the USA, and Russia.

    Supply Chain Resilience

    Atlanta’s supply chain resilience is being tested by rising disruptions—including cyber threats, geopolitical instability, raw material shortages, and new tariffs—prompting local firms to diversify suppliers, invest in insurance, and pursue onshoring to mitigate complex and evolving risks.

    Local Manufacturing Capabilities

    Atlanta has a large and diverse manufacturing sector with advanced capabilities, though growth has slowed recently amid rising vacancies and talent shortages.

    Industry Clusters

    Atlanta's main industry clusters include finance, healthcare and biomedical, manufacturing, media and communications, film and television, logistics and distribution, and technology, particularly data centers and fintech.

    Competitive Advantages

    Atlanta’s key competitive advantages as a logistics/business hub are its strategic geographic location, extensive multimodal transportation infrastructure (highways, rail, air, and proximity to ports), access to 80% of the U.S. population within two days, a skilled workforce, and a strong ecosystem for supply chain innovation and technology.

    Infrastructure Assessment

    Detailed evaluation of Atlanta's infrastructure quality, investment projects, utility systems, and environmental considerations for strategic planning.

    Quality and Capacity

    Atlanta's infrastructure quality and capacity face challenges, with deteriorated sidewalks and ongoing efforts to improve pedestrian infrastructure, while also exploring high-speed transportation projects.

    Planned Investments

    Atlanta has announced multi-billion dollar infrastructure investments focused on expanded public transit, trails and green space, affordable housing, road modernization, and community development, with major plans including new MARTA stations, highway upgrades, and neighborhood revitalization.

    Utilities Reliability and Costs

    Atlanta’s utility infrastructure features electricity primarily from Georgia Power, water services managed by the city with ongoing upgrades, and robust internet connectivity supporting rapid data center growth.

    Environmental Factors

    Atlanta logistics faces environmental challenges from carbon emissions, water contamination, waste generation, and resource consumption, while companies are adopting sustainability initiatives like LED lighting, electric vehicles, and recyclable packaging to reduce their environmental impact.