Largest and Most Notable Cities in Georgia

Georgia's population is heavily concentrated in the Atlanta metropolitan area, which accounts for more than half the state's 11 million residents. But the state has a number of substantial and historically significant cities outside the capital.

Atlanta — 500,000 (metro: 6.3 million)
The economic capital of the American South and the headquarters city for Coca-Cola, Delta Air Lines, Home Depot, UPS, CNN, and dozens of Fortune 500 companies. Atlanta is a majority-Black city and the hub of African American business and cultural life in the US — home to the largest concentration of HBCUs in the world (Atlanta University Center). Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world by passenger traffic most years. The city's neighborhoods — Inman Park, Virginia-Highland, Little Five Points, Midtown, Buckhead — each have distinct characters.

Augusta — 200,000
Georgia's second-largest city, on the Savannah River on the South Carolina border. Augusta is best known internationally for the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. The city has a significant medical sector (Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University Health system) and a growing technology footprint.

Columbus — 210,000
A river city on the Chattahoochee River across from Phenix City, Alabama. Fort Benning (now Fort Moore) — one of the largest Army bases in the US — dominates the local economy. The National Infantry Museum at Fort Moore is excellent.

Macon — 160,000
A mid-Georgia city with extraordinary antebellum architecture, a vibrant music history (Otis Redding, Little Richard, the Allman Brothers all have deep Macon ties), and the Cherry Blossom Festival. The Mercer University campus and the Hay House mansion are highlights.

Savannah — 150,000
Georgia's historic port city and tourist destination. Savannah's 22 public squares, cobblestone streets, and antebellum architecture make it one of the most visited cities in the Southeast. The Port of Savannah is the third-busiest container port in the US.