Atlanta, GA, September 5, 2025
News Summary
Georgia’s economic forecast reveals a decline in job growth, with 66,800 jobs added in 2023, expected to fall to 33,700 by 2025. Despite challenges, nominal personal income is projected to rise modestly, indicating some economic resilience. A rebound in job additions is anticipated for 2026 and 2027. The housing market shows mixed signals, with a temporary increase in permitting activity followed by a significant decline. Industries like data centers and aerospace may provide future growth opportunities amid ongoing economic challenges.
Atlanta, Georgia – The state’s economic forecast indicates a significant slowdown in job growth, with projections showing a decline in new job additions over the next few years. Georgia added 66,800 jobs in 2023 but is expected to see only 41,900 jobs added in 2024, followed by a further drop to 33,700 jobs in 2025. However, a rebound is projected for 2026 and 2027, with job additions expected to rise to 65,800 and 83,300 respectively.
In terms of personal income, Georgia’s nominal income is projected to grow by 5.4% in 2025, followed by 5.3% in 2026 and 6% in 2027. These figures suggest that while job growth is slowing, income levels may continue to rise, albeit modestly.
The Atlanta metropolitan area is anticipated to experience a modest increase with 24,800 jobs added in 2025, an increase to 44,300 in 2026, and reaching 60,500 jobs by 2027. Despite these increases, the overall job market faces challenges due to factors such as federal layoffs, reduced tourism, and cutbacks in Hollywood productions.
In the housing sector, permitting activity in Atlanta increased by 4.7% in 2024, largely driven by a surge in single-family and multifamily permits. However, this growth is not expected to last, as total permit numbers are forecasted to drop by 21.5% in 2025. This anticipated decline is primarily due to a significant decrease in multifamily permits, which are expected to fall by 40%, alongside a 10% dip in single-family permits. A modest recovery is projected in 2026, with total permits expected to grow by 1.3%, primarily driven by an increase in single-family units.
Further growth in housing permits is anticipated in 2027, projecting a rebound with a 13% growth. The housing market’s fluctuations reflect broader economic conditions affecting consumer confidence and spending.
Georgia faces ongoing economic challenges. Approximately 37,000 jobs in high-paying service sectors have been lost since January 2023, reflecting a contraction in some of the state’s key industries. Delta Air Lines, the largest private employer in Georgia, reported only a 1.0% revenue growth in the first half of 2025, coupled with a decline in coach ticket sales by 3.6%. Sales tax collections have similarly decreased, dropping from a double-digit growth rate in 2022 to low single-digit levels currently.
Despite these issues, there are positive developments. The state experiences a boom in data center construction, surpassing Northern Virginia to become the most active market for data centers, expanding beyond just metro Atlanta. The aerospace and defense industries, including major companies like Lockheed Martin and Gulfstream Aerospace, are projected to benefit from increased defense spending, particularly from European NATO nations.
As of early 2026, job growth is expected to improve as economic conditions stabilize, aided by possible Federal Reserve rate cuts. Areas such as Savannah are witnessing growth due to new manufacturing facilities, notably Hyundai’s electric vehicle factory. However, consumers are still facing challenges with inflation hovering around 3%, which continues to impact spending patterns across the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the current state of job growth in Georgia?
Georgia’s job growth is projected to slow, with 66,800 jobs added in 2023, dropping to 41,900 in 2024 and further to 33,700 in 2025, before rebounding in 2026 and 2027.
2. How is personal income expected to change in Georgia?
Georgia’s nominal personal income is anticipated to grow by 5.4% in 2025, 5.3% in 2026, and 6% in 2027.
3. What factors are affecting Georgia’s economy?
Georgia is facing economic challenges due to federal layoffs, reduced tourism, and cutbacks in the film industry, but benefits from an upsurge in data center construction and aerospace industry growth.
4. What does the housing market look like in Georgia?
Permitting activity in Atlanta increased by 4.7% in 2024; however, a 21.5% decrease in total permits is expected in 2025, primarily due to decreased multi-family permits.
5. What industries are expected to grow in Georgia?
Industries such as data centers and aerospace are expected to see growth, partly driven by increased defense spending from European countries.
Key Economic Features of Georgia’s Forecast
| Year | Job Additions | Nominal Personal Income Growth | Total Permits Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 66,800 | – | – |
| 2024 | 41,900 | – | +4.7% |
| 2025 | 33,700 | +5.4% | -21.5% |
| 2026 | 65,800 | +5.3% | +1.3% |
| 2027 | 83,300 | +6% | +13% |
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Additional Resources
- Appen Media: Georgia Metro Atlanta Economic Conditions
- Georgia Recorder: Slowing Georgia Economy in 2025
- AJC: Slower Job Growth in Georgia
- 11Alive: Atlanta Fed Forecast GDPNow Negative Growth
- Norada Real Estate: Atlanta Real Estate Market
- Wikipedia: Economy of Georgia (U.S. state)
- Google Search: Georgia economy 2025
- Google Scholar: Georgia economic forecast
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgia economy
- Google News: Georgia economy
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
