What to know when moving to Riverdale, GA
Riverdale at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 51.8% of residents are renters and the median household income is $50,455.
- The Major Draw:
- With a median gross rent of $1,241, Riverdale offers relatively affordable housing compared to nearby areas.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 21.4% indicates some economic challenges in the area.
- Commute:
- Only 4.9% of residents use public transit.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for $1,241 in monthly rent.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
Riverdale has a population of 33,929, with a significant portion of residents renting their homes. Approximately 20.9% of the population holds a bachelor's degree or higher, suggesting a mix of educational backgrounds. However, with a poverty rate of 21.4%, residents may face economic constraints. The area sees minimal public transit use, making it more car-dependent.
Probably not your spot if you prefer a strong public transit system, as only 4.9% of residents commute this way.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median gross rent is $1,241, making it a budget-friendly option for renters.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $157,100, providing affordable home-buying opportunities.
- Education level stands at 20.9% with a bachelor's degree or higher, indicating a varied educational landscape.
- The poverty rate is 21.4%, reflecting some economic challenges in the community.
- Renter percentage is 51.8%, showing a balanced mix of renters and homeowners.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Crime & Safety: What the Numbers Say
In Georgia, the crime rates show some concerning trends. The state's annual homicide rate is 5.6 per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national rate of 4.3 per 100,000. However, the homicide rate has decreased by 35.9% from 2022 to 2025. The motor vehicle theft rate is 156.2 per 100,000, lower than the national average of 197.3 per 100,000, showing a 28.3% drop in this crime since 2022.
- Violent crime: State annual rate of 5.6 per 100,000 vs. national rate of 4.3 per 100,000.
- Property crime: Data not available due to errors.
- Notable trend: Homicide rate down 35.9% since 2022.
Source: FBI Crime Data Explorer (state-level summarized data for Georgia).
Schools & Higher Ed
Riverdale has access to several nearby educational institutions. There are a total of 10 schools in the region, including:
- Clayton State University in Morrow
- Atlanta Metropolitan State College in Atlanta
- Strayer University-Morrow Campus in Morrow
- Empire Beauty School-Morrow in Morrow
- Interactive College of Technology-Morrow in Morrow
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While climate data is unavailable, Riverdale offers several parks and outdoor options for residents and visitors. Check out these nearby spots for some fresh air and recreation:
- Starr Park - Rated 4.5 by 1,927 users
- Clayton County International Park - Rated 4.5 by 1,740 users
- Reynolds Nature Preserve - Rated 4.7 by 1,096 users
- Fun Spot America Theme Parks - Atlanta - Rated 4.4 by 4,221 users
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Clayton County, where Riverdale is located, the employment landscape shows some solid numbers. The unemployment rate stands at 4.5%, with a labor force of 147,810 and 141,191 individuals employed.
- Unemployment rate: 4.5% as of December 2025.
- Employed: 141,191 individuals.
- Labor force: 147,810 individuals.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.