Notes on Georgia's Population Growth and Political Changes

Georgia's Population Growth

  • Census Findings: 1980 census revealed a growth of 19.1% in Georgia's population during the 1970s, the highest since 1900.

    • Net increase of 876,000 residents since 1970.

    • Over half the growth due tj

    • migration from other states and countries.

    • Only California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona recorded larger increases.

    • Notable rise in the percentage of black residents due to job opportunities and civil rights improvements.

  • 1980s Growth: Continued strong growth with an 18.6% increase from 1980 to 1990.

    • Significant migration into state, with 1 in 3 Georgians born outside Georgia.

    • Growth centered in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), especially Atlanta.

    • Conversely, 43 counties (over 25%) experienced population loss, predominantly rural areas.

Home Construction Boom

  • 1990s Population Growth: 1990 population just under 6.5 million, increasing to over 8 million by 2000 (+26.4%).

    • One in four Georgians in 2000 had not lived in Georgia in 1990.

    • 2010 population growth = 1.5 million (+18.3%).

    • Georgia ranked as the seventh fastest-growing state by rate of growth.

    • Increased representation in Congress due to growth: gained two seats post-2000 census, one more after 2010.

Drivers of Growth

  • Factors Influencing Migration to Georgia:

    • Job opportunities, lower cost of living, quality of life, and favorable climate.

    • Almost 40% of current Georgians are either born in another state or country.

  • Diversity Changes (1990s-2000s):

    • Increased Hispanic population (+96%), Asian population (+91%), and African American population (+25%).

    • White non-Hispanic population decreased from 70% to 55% in the 2000s.

    • Growth concentrated in metro areas, with more than 80% of new residents in one of Georgia's 15 metropolitan areas.

Population Distribution and Changes

  • Contrasting Growth Patterns:

    • Majority of population growth occurred around Atlanta.

    • Remnants of rural areas suffering population decline despite overall state growth, with two Georgias concept gaining traction (urban vs. rural).

  • Changing Political Landscape:

    • Traditionally a Democratic stronghold until the 1964 presidential election (Goldwater vs. Johnson).

    • Shift began with more whites supporting Republicans post-Civil Rights Movement.

    • By 1997, Republican representation in Georgia's General Assembly grew significantly from 31 to 101 members.

  • Notable Political Developments:

    • First Republican election victories happening in 1990s (Gingrich, others).

    • By 2005, Republicans held the majority in both state and local offices, reflecting significant shifts in political alignment since Reconstruction.