South Fulton, Georgia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
City of South Fulton, Georgia
Renaissance, Georgia
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Location in Fulton County and the state of Georgia
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 City of South Fulton, Georgia
Location in Metro Atlanta
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| Country | United States | ||||
| State | Georgia | ||||
| County | Fulton | ||||
| Area | |||||
| • Total | 86.25 sq mi (223.40 km2) | ||||
| • Land | 85.22 sq mi (220.71 km2) | ||||
| • Water | 1.04 sq mi (2.69 km2) | ||||
| Elevation | 797 ft (243 m) | ||||
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 107,436 | ||||
| • Rank | 293rd in the United States 8th in Georgia |
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| • Density | 1,260.75/sq mi (486.78/km2) | ||||
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) | ||||
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | ||||
| FIPS code | 13-72122 | ||||
| GNIS feature ID | 2786574 | ||||
South Fulton is a city located in Fulton County, Georgia, in the United States. It is part of the larger Atlanta metropolitan area. The city was officially created in 2017. It includes many smaller communities like Red Oak, Sandtown, and Campbellton.
In 2020, South Fulton had a population of 107,436 people. This makes it the eighth-largest city in Georgia by population. It also has the highest percentage of African American residents among U.S. cities with over 100,000 people.
Contents
How South Fulton Became a City
Long ago, Creek people and Cherokee people lived in the area that is now South Fulton.
The Cityhood Movement
In 2016, the government of Georgia passed a law to create South Fulton. The Governor, Nathan Deal, signed this law on April 29, 2016. On November 8, 59% of the people living in the area voted to officially create the city. This vote was part of a bigger "cityhood movement" happening around Atlanta. This movement started in 2005 when Sandy Springs became a city.
After South Fulton was created, Fulton County became the first county in Georgia without any areas that were not part of a city. This meant Fulton County stopped providing services like fire, police, and zoning. Many workers and buildings from Fulton County then moved to the new City of South Fulton.
First Elections and Leadership
On March 21, 2017, South Fulton held its first elections for mayor and city council members. These elections happened before the city officially started on May 1.
The first mayor of South Fulton was Bill Edwards. He had served on the Fulton County Board of Commissioners before. His term as mayor ended on December 31, 2021.
A New Name Idea
In November 2017, the city council chose "Renaissance" as a possible new name for the city. Residents had suggested over 200 names. The list was narrowed down to 20, including names like Campbellton and Atlanta Heights. The city council approved the name change in December 2017. However, Mayor Edwards did not agree with the change. He stopped it on December 18, saying there were reasons like existing contracts and some public opposition. So, the name remained South Fulton.
Building the City
In its first eight months, South Fulton worked hard to build its own city services. It also managed its money and took over services from Fulton County.
In 2023, plans were announced to improve about 700 acres along Old National Highway. This is a main business area in the city. This big improvement project is expected to be finished by 2028.
People of South Fulton
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2020 | 107,436 | — | |
| 2021 (est.) | 108,575 | ||
| U.S. Decennial Census 2020 |
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| Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) | Pop 2020 | % 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| White alone (NH) | 3,402 | 3.17% |
| Black or African American alone (NH) | 96,463 | 89.79% |
| Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) | 148 | 0.14% |
| Asian alone (NH) | 459 | 0.43% |
| Pacific Islander alone (NH) | 33 | 0.03% |
| Other race alone (NH) | 729 | 0.68% |
| Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) | 2,674 | 2.49% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3,528 | 3.28% |
| Total | 107,436 | 100.00% |
South Fulton was first counted in the 2020 U.S. census. At that time, its population was 107,436 people.
The 2020 census showed that about 90% of South Fulton's population is Black or African American. Other groups include non-Hispanic whites (3.17%), people of mixed races (2.49%), and Hispanic or Latino people (3.28%).
Education in South Fulton
Schools for Kids
The Fulton County Public Schools system serves students in South Fulton. Most students in the city attend schools that are part of the Westlake Cluster.
Westlake Cluster Schools
- Westlake High School
- Camp Creek Middle School
- Seaborn Lee Elementary School
- Frank D. McClarin Success Academy
- A. Philip Randolph Elementary School
- Sandtown Middle School
- Stonewall Tell Elementary School
Fun and Recreation
South Fulton has more than 10 parks for people to enjoy. The city also offers many places for fun activities. These include recreation centers, tennis courts, and aquatic centers for swimming. You can also find hiking and biking trails, along with various fitness programs.
Libraries
The Atlanta–Fulton Public Library System has libraries that serve the people of South Fulton.
