About DeKalb County, Georgia
DeKalb County, located in north central Georgia, is the state's fourth-most populous county. Its county seat is Decatur, and it is included in the Atlanta–Sandy Springs–Alpharetta, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area. About 10% of the city of Atlanta lies within DeKalb County, making it a significant part of the metro area. The largest cities entirely within the county are Stonecrest, Dunwoody, and Brookhaven. DeKalb County is primarily suburban in character.
The county was formed in 1822 from portions of Henry, Gwinnett, and Fayette counties, it was named after Baron Johann de Kalb, a Bavarian-born officer in the French Army who fought for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War. Until the 1960s, DeKalb was primarily agricultural, but with the expansion of the metropolitan Atlanta region, it became increasingly urbanized. Today, major employers in DeKalb County include AT&T Mobility, Emory Healthcare, Emory University, and the Kroger Atlanta-area offices.
Living in DeKalb County is characterized by a mix of suburban and urban elements. The county is known for its diversity, being ranked as one of the most diverse counties in Georgia. It's also recognized for being conducive to young professionals and is considered one of the healthiest counties in the state. DeKalb County offers various amenities, including bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, making it an attractive place for families and young professionals.
Industry in DeKalb County
DeKalb boasts a robust and growing manufacturing, logistics, and transportation sector. The manufacturing industry is particularly significant, with 545 manufacturers employing around 12,500 people. This includes well-established companies like WinCup, Sugar Bowl Bakery, and Dart Container Corp. The logistics and distribution sector is equally prominent, with DeKalb positioning itself as a key hub for travel and distribution. The county benefits from its proximity to four major interstates, providing easy access to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport within 30 miles, and the ability to reach the Port of Savannah in less than 4 hours. There are 468 transportation and warehouse facilities in the county, offering a total of 15,200 jobs in this industry. Major players like UPS, Home Depot, FritoLay, Marshalls, and PepsiCo have established their presence in the area.
