Jonesboro, GA, City and Education Facts

Jonesboro, Georgia, is a southern suburb of the city of Atlanta and the seat of Clayton County. The local population maintains strong connections to the area's historical past, while the booming metropolitan Atlanta area offers a wide selection of jobs, entertainment venues and such institutions of higher learning as Clayton State College, Georgia State University and Emory University, all of which are located within a short drive of Jonesboro.

View 9 Popular Schools »

Information about Jonesboro, Georgia

A small town just 15 miles south of downtown Atlanta, Jonesboro, Georgia, was first incorporated as a town in 1858 and serves as the seat for Clayton County. Its population of a mere 3,829 people is 62.6 percent white and 30.8 percent African-American, with over 70 percent having a high school diploma or higher.

Jonesboro was the fictional home for Scarlet O'Hara, the heroine of the novel and subsequent film Gone with the Wind, and the town has since capitalized on that fame. The antebellum South is celebrated in this small community; even the Jonesboro Welcome Center is housed in the train depot that was burned down in the Civil War. Much of the downtown still appears as it did prior to the war, a feature in which local residents take pride. Nearby Atlanta features all the cultural and educational offerings of a large city, including professional sports, opera, museums and theater.

Employment and Economic Facts

In spite of its size, Jonesboro has a thriving economy. At about 3.5%, unemployment is below the national average, and the atmosphere is ideal for small businesses. Being so close to Atlanta allows many people to commute into the city for work at companies such as Coca-Cola or Delta Airlines, but for those who wish to stick a little closer to home, career opportunities with any of the town's major employers, such as Clayton College, are also available. Many residents are employed in industries such as construction, transportation and customer service.

Higher Education in Jonesboro

Proximity to Atlanta means an abundance of institutions for those interested in pursuing education beyond the high school level. Clayton State University is the nearest public university, about 5 miles away in the town of Morrow. Georgia State University has the highest enrollment of any institution of higher learning in the metropolitan area, with 28,000 full-time students. Other reputable institutions in the metro area include Emory University in nearby DeKalb County and the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Show me popular schools

Related to Jonesboro, GA, City and Education Facts

  • Related
  • Recently Updated
  • Popular
Jobs in Entertainment: Career Options and Requirements

An entertainer is a professional who performs for the enjoyment of others. Careers in the entertainment industry may...

How to Become an Entertainment Publicist

Learn how to become an entertainment publicist. Research the education requirements, training information and...

Entertainment Editor: Job Description, Duties and Requirements

Entertainment editors produce and oversee articles on cultural and entertainment events or performers for newspapers,...

Online Degrees in Entertainment: Program Options

Entertainment programs are available through many avenues, including film, music, production and business. Online...

Majors for Aspiring Entertainment Lawyers: Degree Program Options

9 Popular Schools

Other Schools:

Popular Schools