Is Austell Safe, Pros and cons of living in Austell
Austell, a city nestled within Cobb County, Georgia, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and accessible urban proximity. It’s a place that draws individuals and families looking for a slightly more relaxed pace of life while remaining connected to the amenities and opportunities of the larger Atlanta metropolitan area. The community’s character is often described as having a rural feel, complemented by a strong sense of local community and a variety of parks and dining options.
The city’s demographic makeup is diverse, with a significant Black or African American population, alongside White and Hispanic residents. This blend contributes to the cultural richness of Austell. For those considering a move, understanding the local economy, housing market, and overall quality of life is essential for making an informed decision about whether Austell is the right fit.
Is it Safe to Live in Austell?
When considering a move to any new city, understanding the safety and crime rates is paramount. Austell presents a mixed picture regarding safety, with crime rates that are higher than the national average in some aspects, yet lower in others. Residents’ perceptions of safety can vary by neighborhood, with some areas being considered more secure than others.
The overall crime rate in Austell is noted to be higher than the national average, with a D- grade indicating more crime than the average US city (according to CrimeGrade.org). Specifically, violent crime rates in Austell are reported at 6.754 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). Property crime rates are also a consideration, with a rate of 16 per 1,000 population (according to NeighborhoodScout). However, other analyses suggest that Austell’s crime rates are 7% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 11% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). Your chance of being a victim of crime in Austell varies by neighborhood, with chances ranging from 1 in 16 in the south neighborhoods to 1 in 32 in the northwest (according to CrimeGrade.org).
Cost of Living in Austell
Austell offers a cost of living that is generally considered affordable, especially when compared to the national average. This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing and utilities, making it an attractive option for many potential residents. The overall cost of living in Austell is approximately 4% lower than the national average (according to PayScale).
Housing expenses in Austell are notably lower than the national average, with utility prices also being more economical. Transportation costs, such as gas prices and bus fares, are also slightly below the national average. While grocery prices are marginally higher than the national average, the overall savings in other categories contribute to Austell’s appeal as a cost-effective place to live.
Housing Costs
The housing market in Austell presents a range of options for both buyers and renters. The median home value in Austell has seen fluctuations, with recent data indicating a median home value of approximately $292,181, which has seen a decrease of 4.1% over the past year (according to Zillow). Other reports place the median home value at around $284,900 (according to Data USA and Niche), which is below the national average.
For renters, the average rent in Austell is reported to be around $1,342 per month (according to Apartments.com), which is 18% lower than the national average. However, more recent data from Zillow indicates a higher average rent of $2,049 per month as of May 2026, with a significant month-over-month increase (according to Zillow). The homeownership rate in Austell is approximately 64.6% (according to Data USA), indicating a healthy balance between homeowners and renters.
Income and Employment
The economic landscape of Austell is characterized by a growing employment sector and a median household income that reflects a comfortable standard of living. The median household income in Austell has seen an increase, reaching $72,938 in 2024 (according to Data USA and Point2Homes). This figure represents an 8.06% year-over-year growth, suggesting a positive economic trend for residents.
Employment in Austell has also seen growth, with a 1.59% increase from the previous year, bringing the total number of employees to 4.53k (according to Data USA). The most common sectors for employment include Construction, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Accommodation & Food Services. The unemployment rate in Georgia, as of the fourth quarter of 2025, was 13.30% (according to the Georgia Department of Labor and Trading Economics), indicating a broader economic context for the region.
Major Employers and Job Market
Austell’s economy is supported by a variety of major employers, contributing to its job market and economic stability. The city benefits from its strategic location within the Atlanta metropolitan area, providing access to a wide range of industries and companies. Key employers in the area include those in logistics, retail, and services, reflecting the diverse economic base.
Notable companies with a presence in Austell include FedEx Freight, which provides extensive transportation services (according to Lensa). Republic Services, a company focused on waste management and recycling, also operates in the area (according to Lensa). Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. is another significant employer, contributing to the retail sector. For those in manufacturing, companies like Berry Global and Graham Packaging Company are key players in the Austell job market (according to Indeed.com).
Climate in Austell
Austell experiences a climate typical of the southeastern United States, characterized by distinct seasons. The summers are generally hot and humid, while the winters are short, cool, and can be wet. The city enjoys a partly cloudy sky for much of the year, contributing to a generally temperate environment.
The temperature in Austell typically ranges from a low of 35°F in the winter to a high of 89°F in the summer (according to Weather Spark). The average annual rainfall is around 54 inches (according to Livability.com), with February typically being the wettest month and August being the driest. The chance of a wet day is higher during the wetter season, which spans from January to August.
Education in Austell
Austell is served by the Cobb County School District, which is known for its educational offerings. The public schools in Austell are generally considered to be above average, with several schools receiving positive rankings and reviews. This focus on education makes Austell an appealing location for families with school-aged children.
Schools like Clarkdale Elementary School and Austell Elementary School are among those serving the community, with Clarkdale Elementary receiving an “A minus” overall Niche grade (according to Niche). While some schools face challenges, such as high percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, others, like Cooper Middle School, consistently rank among the top middle schools in the state (according to SchoolDigger.com). Public schools in Austell have an average math proficiency score of 30% and a reading proficiency score of 31% (according to PublicSchools.org).
Demographics of Austell
Austell is a diverse city with a population of approximately 8,447 residents (according to Niche and Data USA). The city’s racial composition includes a significant Black or African American population, making up about 66.84% of residents, followed by White residents at 16.43% and other races at 13.29% (according to Austell, Georgia Population 2026). The median age in Austell is 36 years, with a balanced distribution across different age groups.
The population includes approximately 17.5% children under 15, 15.2% in the 15 to 24 age group, 28.5% between 25 and 44, and 31.9% between 45 and 64. Approximately 7% of residents are 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). The gender distribution shows 45.4% males and 54.6% females. Austell has 3,033 households, with an average of 3 members per household, and 71.7% of these are families (according to Point2Homes).
Pros and Cons of Living in Austell
Austell offers a compelling mix of advantages and disadvantages for those considering a move to the area. The city’s affordability and proximity to Atlanta are significant draws, while potential residents should also consider the crime rates and school performance.
The pros of living in Austell include its affordability, with a cost of living that is 4% lower than the national average (according to PayScale). Housing expenses are 11% lower than the national average, and utility prices are 16% lower (according to PayScale). The median home value is below the national average, making homeownership more accessible (according to Data USA and Niche). Austell also provides a rural feel with access to restaurants and parks, and it is conveniently located near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and major highways (according to Economic Development – Austell, GA).
On the other hand, the cons include crime rates that are higher than the national average in some metrics (according to CrimeGrade.org and NeighborhoodScout). While some reports indicate lower overall crime than the national average (according to AreaVibes), it remains a factor to consider. The public schools in Austell, while generally above average, have varying performance levels, with some facing challenges related to student demographics and test scores (according to Niche and SchoolDigger.com). Additionally, while some data suggests average rents are affordable, other sources indicate a significant increase in average rental prices (according to Apartments.com and Zillow).