In recent blog posts, we’ve examined noted the importance of international migration for the growth of metro areas and dug into its impact on population change specifically in the Atlanta region. Atlanta’s diversity is shaped by many communities, and few have made as vibrant an impact as Caribbean-born residents. In honor of National Caribbean American Heritage Month, let’s explore how migration from this part of the world has influenced our region’s demographics.
According the most recent 5-year release of the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey, the 11-county ARC region has 93,029 people born in Caribbean countries, of whom 66,449 or about 71% are naturalized citizens[1]. Where do these Caribbean-born Atlantans come from? Figure 1 below breaks it down by country of origin.
Figure 1: Caribbean Born Population in the Atlanta Region by Country of Origin
As Figure 1 shows, people born in Jamaica constitute the plurality of the Caribbean-born population in the Atlanta region, accounting for over 41,000 or about 44% of the total. People born in Haiti (16%), the Dominican Republic (10%), Cuba (10%), and Trinidad and Tobago (8%) also contribute significant numbers to our region.
Looking beyond countries of origin, let’s explore where within the region these communities have settled. Figure 2 presents the numbers by county:
Figure 2: Atlanta’s Caribbean-Born Population by County of Residence
Figure 2 above shows that the four largest counties have the largest numbers of Caribbean-born residents. Though it is #2 in terms of population, Gwinnett leads the pack with almost 28,000, followed by DeKalb with almost 17,000. Fulton County, though #1 in terms of population, occupies the #3 spot in terms of Caribbean-born population and is just a bit ahead of Cobb, with just over 12,000 each.
While population size tells one story, percentage of total population gives another lens into Caribbean influence across counties, as presented in Figure 3 that follows:
Figure 3: Atlanta’s Caribbean-Born Residents as a Percentage of Total County Population
We see in Figure 3 above that Rockdale County actually has the largest population percentage that is Caribbean-born, at about 3.5%. Gwinnett County (2.9% of total population) and Henry County (2.7%) round out the top three.
Caribbean migration has played a crucial role in shaping Atlanta’s demographic landscape. From thriving communities to cultural contributions, their impact is undeniable. Later this month, we’ll explore how these groups have built unique communities within our region.
Notes:
[1] See table B05007.
Download the data used in Figure 1: 11-County ARC Caribbean-Born Residents x Country of Origin
Download the data used in Figures 2 and 3: Caribbean-Born x County