Atlanta, Michigan Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools
The current estimated population of Atlanta, Michigan, is 780, with a gender split of approximately 49% male and 51% female. The population has remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations due to seasonal tourism and the town’s rural, recreational setting.
City Facts
- Year Founded: 1881
- County Affiliation: Montmorency County
- Land Area: 3.1 square miles
- Population Density: 251 people per square mile
- Area Code: 989
- Zip Codes: 49709
Geography and Location
Atlanta, Michigan, is located in Montmorency County, in the northeastern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Known as the “Elk Capital of Michigan,” the town is surrounded by forested wilderness, lakes, and streams, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Atlanta sits near the Thunder Bay River, providing opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, and is a gateway to the Pigeon River Country State Forest, which is home to a thriving elk population.
The region is characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous bodies of water, including Crooked Lake and Clear Lake. This geography supports a wide range of recreational activities such as hunting, hiking, snowmobiling, and camping, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers. Atlanta experiences a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm, pleasant summers, drawing visitors during both hunting and fishing seasons.
The town is relatively remote, with its nearest significant city being Gaylord, about 30 miles to the west. Atlanta’s natural beauty and access to outdoor activities have contributed to its appeal, attracting seasonal residents and tourists, though its permanent population remains small.
Demographics
Median resident age: 43.4 years
Median household income: $23,529
Median house value: $66,200
Population by Race
Races in Atlanta:
- White Non-Hispanic (98.0%)
- American Indian (0.9%)
- Two or more races (0.7%)
Ancestries: German (25.9%), English (14.9%), French (10.0%), Irish (8.1%), United States (5.9%), Polish (5.0%).
Land area: 2.7 square miles
Population by Education
For population 25 years and over in Atlanta
- High school or higher: 69.7%
- Bachelor’s degree or higher: 6.9%
- Graduate or professional degree: 3.3%
- Unemployed: 12.2%
- Mean travel time to work: 25.6 minutes
For population 15 years and over in Atlanta CDP
- Never married: 21.1%
- Now married: 53.7%
- Separated: 0.5%
- Widowed: 12.0%
- Divorced: 12.7%
0.4% Foreign born
Hospitals
Hospitals/medical centers near Atlanta:
- ROGERS CITY REHABILITATION HOSPITAL (about 36 miles; ROGERS CITY, MI)
- OTSEGO MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 37 miles; GAYLORD, MI)
- MERCY HOSPITAL (about 40 miles; GRAYLING, MI)
Airports
Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Atlanta:
- OTSEGO COUNTY (about 38 miles; GAYLORD, MI; Abbreviation: GLR)
- ALPENA COUNTY REGIONAL (about 42 miles; ALPENA, MI; Abbreviation: APN)
- PELLSTON REGIONAL AIRPORT OF EMMET COUNTY (about 59 miles; PELLSTON, MI; Abbreviation: PLN)
Other public-use airports nearest to Atlanta:
- ATLANTA MUNI (about 2 miles; ATLANTA, MI; Abbreviation: Y93)
- GARLAND (about 16 miles; LEWISTON, MI; Abbreviation: 8M8)
- HILLMAN (about 17 miles; HILLMAN, MI; Abbreviation: Y95)
Colleges and Universities
Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Atlanta:
- NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY (about 97 miles; MIDLAND, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,784)
- NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE (about 99 miles; TRAVERSE CITY, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,343)
- SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (about 100 miles; UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI; Full-time enrollment: 6,216)
- DELTA COLLEGE (about 100 miles; UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI; Full-time enrollment: 5,117)
- LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY (about 102 miles; SAULT STE MARIE, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,677)
- CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY (about 110 miles; MT PLEASANT, MI; Full-time enrollment: 21,353)
- FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 129 miles; BIG RAPIDS, MI; Full-time enrollment: 8,593)
Schools
Public high school in Atlanta:
- ATLANTA JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 206; Location: 10500 COUNTY ROAD 489; Grades: 07 – 12)
Public primary/middle school in Atlanta:
- ATLANTA COMMUNITY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 220; Location: 10500 COUNTY ROAD 489; Grades: KG – 06)
Libraries
Library in Atlanta:
- MONTMORENCY COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES (Operating income: $153,108; Location: 12423 JEROME STREET; 27,603 books; 752 audio materials; 1,974 video materials; 73 serial subscriptions)