OVERVIEW

South DeKalb County is a diverse and dynamic region within DeKalb County, Georgia and close to Atlanta. The area has a rich history, with strong ties to African-American culture and civil rights activism. Today, South DeKalb is a hub of economic and social activity, with a growing population and a variety of industries.

One of the key economic drivers in South DeKalb is higher education. The region is home to several colleges and universities, including Georgia State University’s Perimeter College and Atlanta Technical College. These institutions provide valuable educational opportunities for residents and help to attract new businesses to the area. In addition, they offer job training programs and other resources to support workforce development and economic growth.

Despite its economic strengths, South DeKalb also faces social challenges. The area has a poverty rate of over 20%, and some neighborhoods have experienced high levels of crime and unemployment. To address these issues, local leaders have launched several initiatives aimed at promoting economic development and social equity. These include the creation of small business loan programs, workforce development initiatives, and community-based programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving educational outcomes.

Overall, South DeKalb County is a region with significant economic and social potential. By leveraging its strong higher education system and promoting workforce development, the area can continue to attract new businesses and improve the quality of life for its residents. At the same time, addressing social challenges will require a comprehensive approach that includes community-based programs and initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and increasing economic opportunity.

The initial focus for the PeopleShores center in Dekalb will be Financial Services. The first cohort is being trained to be System Engineers, similar to the groundbreaking PeopleShores initiative with a major investment bank headquartered in New York City. Of special significance in Dekalb is the collaboration between New Life Community Alliance and PeopleShores for the first tech center, with more to come, in the Greater Atlanta area. There will be numerous supporting services provided by New Life Community Alliance to ensure the success of the first cohort and the Dekalb Center for Digital Dignity. 

Demographics

According to the United States Census Bureau’s 2020 Census data, the demographics of South Dekalb, Georgia (which is an unincorporated community in DeKalb County) are as follows:

• Total population: 106,997
• Gender: 45.8% male, 54.2% female
• Race and ethnicity: 86.7% Black or African American, 7.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% White, 0.3% Native American, 3.3% two or more races, and 0.4% other races.
• Age: The median age in South Dekalb is 36.6 years.
• Household income: The median household income in South Dekalb is $48,551.
• Poverty rate: The poverty rate in South Dekalb is approximately 20%