Clayton County, one of the core counties of the Atlanta metropolitan area, is projected to have a population of 348,000 by 2050, according to the latest forecasts by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC). This represents an increase of 17.3% from the 2020 U.S. Census baseline of 296,564.
ARC forecasts show diversity and economic opportunities in Clayton County
The ARC, the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency for the 21-county Atlanta region, released its population and employment forecasts on February 14, 2024, to inform the major updates to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP), the region’s long-range blueprint that shapes transportation investments in metro Atlanta.
The ARC forecasts show that Clayton County will continue to be a diverse and dynamic county, with a strong presence of racial and ethnic minority groups, a growing older adult population, and a robust economy.
According to the ARC, virtually all the net growth in Clayton County will come from racial and ethnic minority groups. For example, Hispanic and Latino residents are forecast to account for 25% of the county’s population in 2050, compared to 15% today. The county’s population of older adults will also grow at a fast rate: In 2050, nearly 14% of the county’s population, or more than 48,000 people, will be aged 75 or older. That compares to a share of less than 6% today.
Clayton County’s economy will also benefit from the region’s overall growth and development. The ARC forecasts that the county will add 28,000 jobs by 2050, for a total of 136,000. The largest employment growth will occur in professional and business services, which is forecast to add 7,000 jobs by 2050. The fastest-growing sectors by percentage are arts, entertainment, and recreation (75%), accommodation and food service (45%), and manufacturing (40%).
Clayton County’s growth reflects the region’s trends and challenges
Clayton County’s population and employment growth is consistent with the region’s trends and challenges, as outlined by the ARC. The ARC forecasts that the population of the 21-county Atlanta region will reach 7.9 million by 2050, an increase of 1.8 million over the 2020 U.S. Census baseline. The region will also add 856,000 jobs by 2050, for a total of 4.6 million.
The ARC notes that the region’s growth will be driven by its quality of life and vibrant economy, but also poses significant challenges for transportation, housing, environment, and equity. The ARC’s MTP, adopted on February 14, 2024, allocates $168 billion through 2050 for transportation projects across the Atlanta region, aiming to address these challenges and enhance the region’s mobility, safety, and sustainability.
Clayton County, as a part of the region, will benefit from the MTP’s investments and initiatives, such as expanding transit options, improving road conditions, enhancing bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and supporting smart technology and innovation.
Clayton County’s future depends on collaboration and innovation
Clayton County’s future, as well as the region’s, depends on collaboration and innovation among various stakeholders, including local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and residents. The ARC emphasizes the importance of regional cooperation and public engagement in shaping the region’s vision and priorities.
Clayton County’s leaders and citizens have shown their commitment and involvement in the region’s planning and development process. For example, Clayton County joined the MARTA system in 2014, becoming the first new county to do so in more than 40 years. The county also participated in the ARC’s Regional Leadership Institute, a program that trains and connects leaders from different sectors and backgrounds to address the region’s issues and opportunities.
Clayton County’s future is bright and promising, as it continues to grow and thrive as a diverse and dynamic county in the Atlanta region.
