How high is Atlanta?

Atlanta sits at 1,047 ft (319 m) above sea level, measured from Copernicus GLO-30 satellite data. That sits above Georgia’s average of 522 ft (159 m) — a relatively high spot, with only about 11% of the state higher.

Interactive 3D elevation map of the Atlanta, Georgia area, from the Copernicus GLO-30 model

A live 3D slice of the terrain around Atlanta, from our satellite elevation model. Atlanta is marked at 1,047 ft (319 m); the highest ground in view reaches 1,785 ft (544 m). Drag to spin it (tap to start on mobile).

Atlanta in Georgia

Here’s the useful context: Atlanta, at 1,047 ft (319 m), sits roughly 525 ft (160 m) above Georgia’s average elevation of 522 ft (159 m). It is one of the higher places in its state — our model puts only about 11% of Georgia’s land higher.

-138 ft — Georgia low▲ Atlanta 1,047 ft · avg 522 ft ┈4,780 ft — Georgia high

The terrain around Atlanta

The ground right around Atlanta is fairly even, close to 1,047 ft (319 m), so the city itself feels level underfoot. But the window still catches higher country: the terrain climbs to 1,785 ft (544 m) toward the west edge of the view, which is what gives Atlanta its mountain backdrop.

You can read the whole story in the map above — the flatter ground where the city sits, and the way the land gathers into peaks nearby. It’s the difference between where you stand and what you can see from it.

What Atlanta’s altitude means

At 1,047 ft (319 m), Atlanta is low enough that altitude barely registers. The air holds close to the oxygen your body expects nearer sea level, so arriving here brings none of the breathlessness or fast dehydration that higher cities do. If altitude is on your mind, this isn’t the place to worry about it.

How Atlanta compares

Among Georgia’s larger cities, Atlanta is ranked #2 of 10 by elevation. For a familiar yardstick, that puts it well below Denver’s mile-high 5,280 ft (1,609 m).

Gainesville — 1,250 ft (381 m)
Atlanta — 1,047 ft (319 m)
Milton — 994 ft (303 m)
Athens — 738 ft (225 m)
Macon — 384 ft (117 m)
Columbus — 246 ft (75 m)
Valdosta — 220 ft (67 m)

Atlanta elevation FAQ

How high is Atlanta?: Atlanta’s elevation is about 1,047 ft (319 m) above sea level at the city center, measured from Copernicus GLO-30 satellite data.
Is Atlanta high or low for Georgia?: High. At 1,047 ft (319 m) it sits above Georgia’s average of 522 ft (159 m), with only about 11% of the state higher.
Does Atlanta’s altitude affect visitors?: Not really. At 1,047 ft (319 m), Atlanta is low enough that the air feels much like it does near sea level.

Explore more

↑ Georgia’s full elevation map — the whole state in interactive 3D, with its high and low points and average elevation.
· Blog: Average Elevation by State — where Georgia’s 522 ft (159 m) mean ranks.
· Blog: Elevation vs Altitude — what a city’s elevation figure actually measures.

Atlanta’s elevation is a native ~30 m windowed-median sample from Copernicus GLO-30 (ESA); the Georgia figures are computed across the state from the same model. The 3D view is a fine windowed sample at roughly 202 m resolution, sharp enough to resolve the surrounding ridgelines. Data as of 2026-08-19.