What to know when moving to Decatur, GA
Decatur at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A highly educated area where 76.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree and 37.2% are renters.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income of $127,318 provides a strong financial base for residents.
- The Reality Check:
- With a median gross rent of $1,683, housing costs can be high for some.
- Commute:
- Public transit usage is at 5%.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,683/mo rent to secure a place in this desirable area.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Decatur is characterized by its highly educated population, with 76.5% of residents holding at least a bachelor's degree. The community has a strong rental presence, with 37.2% of households renting. This mix suggests a vibrant community focused on education and accessibility. The area's median household income is $127,318, reflecting a solid economic base.
Probably not your spot if you are seeking affordable housing, as the median gross rent stands at $1,683.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,683, which may be on the higher side for budget-conscious renters.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $598,400, indicating a competitive housing market.
- 76.5% of residents have a bachelor's degree, contributing to a well-educated community.
- The poverty rate is low at 5.9%, suggesting economic stability.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Georgia, the annual rate for homicide stands at 5.6 per 100,000 residents, which is 30.2% higher than the national rate. However, this rate has decreased by 35.9% from 2022 to 2025. For motor vehicle theft, the state rate is 156.2 per 100,000, which is 20.8% lower than the national average of 197.3.
- Violent crime: Homicide rate is 5.6 per 100,000 vs. national average of 4.3.
- Property crime: Motor vehicle theft rate is 156.2 per 100,000 vs. national average of 197.3.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate has decreased by 35.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Georgia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Decatur has access to a total of 47 postsecondary institutions in the region, highlighting a strong educational landscape. Notable institutions nearby include:
- Agnes Scott College
- Columbia Theological Seminary
- Emory University (Atlanta)
- Georgia Piedmont Technical College (Clarkston)
Source: NCES Postsecondary School Locations, U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
Decatur experiences an average annual precipitation of about 48.3 inches, with 121 rainy days each year. This means you might want to keep an umbrella handy. The area is also home to several parks and outdoor spots, including:
- Mason Mill Park (4.7 stars, 1,147 reviews)
- Lullwater Preserve (4.7 stars, 501 reviews)
- Fernbank Museum (4.5 stars, 8,724 reviews)
- Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park (4.8 stars, 11,564 reviews)
Sources: NOAA Climate Data Online, Google Places.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In DeKalb County, the unemployment rate stands at 3.5% as of December 2025. The labor force consists of approximately 405,090 individuals, with 390,721 employed. These figures indicate a healthy local economy.
- Unemployment rate: 3.5% (December 2025).
- Employed: 390,721.
- Labor force: 405,090.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.