| Albany metropolitan area | |
| Official Name: | Albany, Ga, metropolitan statistical area |
| Settlement Type: | Metropolitan statistical area |
| Image Alt: | Dougherty Judicial Building |
| Map Alt: | Map of Albany, GA |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | United States |
| Subdivision Type1: | State |
| Subdivision Name1: | Georgia |
| Subdivision Type2: | Largest city |
| Subdivision Name2: | Albany |
| Unit Pref: | US |
| Area Total Sq Mi: | 1,591 |
| Population As Of: | 2023 |
| Population Total: | 145,508 |
| Population Density Sq Mi: | 92 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Timezone: | CST |
| Utc Offset: | -5 |
| Timezone Dst: | CDT |
| Utc Offset Dst: | -4 |
| Area Code: | 229 |
The Albany metropolitan area, officially the Albany metropolitan statistical area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau and U.S. Office of Management and Budget, is a metropolitan statistical area consisting of five counties in the U.S. state of Georgia: Baker, Dougherty, Lee, Terrell, and Worth. Located in within the region of Southwest Georgia, the metropolitan area had a 2023 census-estimated population of 145,508.[1]
The Albany MSA is located in southern Georgia, and consists of the following counties: Baker, Dougherty, Lee, Terrell, and Worth.
According to the 2000 United States census,[2] there were 157,833 people, 57,403 households, and 41,206 families residing within the MSA. In 2020, the Albany metropolitan area had a population of 148,922, although at the 2022 U.S. census estimates, its resident population declined to 146,387.
In 2000, the racial makeup of the MSA was 49.33% White, 48.66% African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.50% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latinos of any race were 1.32% of the population. In 2022, the American Community Survey estimated its racial composition was 39% White, 52% African American, 1% Asian, 3% two or more races, and 3% Hispanic or Latino of any race.[3] While its population declined from 2000 to 2020, its demographic makeup followed nationwide trends of greater diversification, and the growth of the Hispanic or Latino American community.[4] [5] Historically, the MSA has been considered part of the Black Belt in the American South.
In 2000, the median income for a household in the MSA was $33,845, and the median income for a family was $39,361. Males had a median income of $31,094 versus $21,055 for females. The per capita income for the MSA was $16,652. By 2022, its median household income was $48,376 with a per capita income of $26,045. An estimated 26.2% of the population lived at or below the poverty line. Among the metropolitan population in 2022, 28% earned from $50,000-$100,000 annually, and the median value of an owner-occupied housing unit was $141,700.