Moving to Atlanta, Missouri

The current estimated population of Atlanta, Missouri, is 385, with an even gender distribution of 50% male and 50% female. The population has seen little change over the years due to its rural setting and limited economic growth.

City Facts

  • Year Founded: 1858
  • County Affiliation: Macon County
  • Land Area: 0.52 square miles
  • Population Density: 740 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 660
  • Zip Codes: 63530

Geography and Location

Atlanta, Missouri, is a small rural town located in Macon County, in the northern part of the state. The town is situated along U.S. Route 63, which provides access to nearby cities such as Macon, the county seat, and Kirksville to the north. The surrounding area is predominantly agricultural, with corn and soybean fields stretching across the rolling plains.

Atlanta’s geography is typical of northern Missouri, with gently rolling hills and a landscape that supports farming and livestock raising. The town itself is small, with most residents involved in agriculture or commuting to nearby towns for work. Despite its size, Atlanta plays a role in the local farming community, offering basic services to its residents.

The town experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, much like the rest of the Midwest. The area’s rural setting, combined with its agricultural economy, gives Atlanta a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. The surrounding countryside provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing, which are popular pastimes for local residents.

Demographics

Median resident age: 31.1 years
Median household income: $33,571
Median house value: $32,100

Population by Race

Races in Atlanta:

  • White Non-Hispanic (99.1%)
  • American Indian (0.7%)
  • Two or more races (0.7%)

Ancestries: United States (28.4%), German (16.4%), English (12.4%), Irish (6.0%), French (1.6%), Scotch-Irish (1.3%).

Elevation: 905 feet

Land area: 0.3 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Atlanta

  • High school or higher: 78.9%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 12.5%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 5.9%
  • Unemployed: 1.8%
  • Mean travel time to work: 21.1 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Atlanta city

  • Never married: 18.8%
  • Now married: 61.2%
  • Separated: 4.2%
  • Widowed: 7.2%
  • Divorced: 8.6%

0.2% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +40 (+9.8%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Atlanta:

  • MACON CO SAMARITAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 11 miles; MACON, MO)
  • NORTHEAST REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEMS (about 21 miles; KIRKSVILLE, MO)
  • MOBERLY REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 34 miles; MOBERLY, MO)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Atlanta:

  • KIRKSVILLE REGIONAL (about 14 miles; KIRKSVILLE, MO; Abbreviation: IRK)
  • COLUMBIA REGIONAL (about 77 miles; COLUMBIA, MO; Abbreviation: COU)
  • OTTUMWA INDUSTRIAL (about 83 miles; OTTUMWA, IA; Abbreviation: OTM)

Other public-use airports nearest to Atlanta:

  • MACON-FOWER MEML (about 13 miles; MACON, MO; Abbreviation: K89)
  • SHELBY COUNTY (about 31 miles; SHELBYVILLE, MO; Abbreviation: 6K2)
  • OMAR N BRADLEY (about 32 miles; MOBERLY, MO; Abbreviation: MBY)

Amtrak station near Atlanta:

  • 10 miles: LA PLATA (HWY. 63 AT BNSF RAILROAD). Services: partially wheelchair accessible, enclosed waiting area, public restrooms, public payphones, free short-term parking, free long-term parking.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Atlanta:

  • TRUMAN STATE UNIVERSITY (about 21 miles; KIRKSVILLE, MO; Full-time enrollment: 5,922)
  • UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA (about 74 miles; COLUMBIA, MO; Full-time enrollment: 21,444)
  • COLUMBIA COLLEGE (about 74 miles; COLUMBIA, MO; Full-time enrollment: 5,892)
  • INDIAN HILLS COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 78 miles; OTTUMWA, IA; Full-time enrollment: 2,744)
  • LINCOLN UNIVERSITY (about 96 miles; JEFFERSON CITY, MO; Full-time enrollment: 2,580)
  • GRACELAND UNIVERSITY-LAMONI (about 114 miles; LAMONI, IA; Full-time enrollment: 2,026)
  • CENTRAL MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY (about 117 miles; Warrensburg, MO; Full-time enrollment: 8,957)

Schools

Public high school in Atlanta:

  • ATLANTA HIGH (Students: 106; Location: 600 S ATTERBERRY; Grades: 07 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Atlanta:

  • ATLANTA ELEM. (Students: 115; Location: 600 S ATTERBERRY; Grades: KG – 06)