Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Riverdale, GA
Considering a move to Riverdale, GA? With a population of nearly 16,000, Riverdale offers affordable living—median home values are around $190,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom is about $1,375. Residents enjoy mild winters, warm summers, and 62% sunny days. Commute times average 32 minutes, and schools like Riverdale High serve local families. While the cost of living is below the national average, newcomers should note higher crime rates and a vibrant, diverse community close to Atlanta’s amenities.
Demographics - Riverdale, GA
Demographics - Riverdale, GA
Riverdale, GA has a population of nearly 16,000 residents, with a predominantly Black community making up over three-quarters of the population. The city is relatively young, with a median age of 34.2, and features a moderate population density, reflecting its suburban character. About 13.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home, highlighting the city’s cultural diversity.
Population:
15,999
Density:
3,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
90 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
13.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
7.5%
Black:
79.2%
Asian:
2.5%
Others:
10.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Riverdale, GA?
Riverdale offers a cost of living that is below the national average, with a median home value of $190,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,375. Utility and transportation costs are typical for the region, while state taxes range from 1% to 5.75%. Residents benefit from affordable housing compared to many Atlanta suburbs, making it attractive for budget-conscious movers.
Median House Value:
$190,000
Gross Rent:
$1,375
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$1,760
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,425
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
89.2
Grocery:
96.6
Housing:
73.5
Utilities:
104.2
Transportation:
97.8
Health Care:
94.1
Miscellaneous:
95.7
Crime
Is Riverdale, GA a safe place to live?
Riverdale experiences higher than average crime rates, with a property crime rate of 3,231 incidents per 100,000 people and a violent crime rate of 706 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 142 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 31 chance for property crime. Newcomers should be mindful of these statistics and explore local safety resources when considering relocation.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
706
Property Crimes Per 100k:
3,231
Crime Index:
3,937
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 142
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 31
Weather
What is the weather like in Riverdale, GA year-round?
Riverdale enjoys a moderate climate with mild winters averaging lows in the mid-30s and warm summers reaching highs near 89°F. The area receives about 50 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine around 62% of the year, providing a pleasant environment for outdoor activities. Spring and fall are especially comfortable, with temperatures in the 50s to low 70s.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
50°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
69°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
51°F
Max:
74°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
49.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
Households in Riverdale have a median income of $54,900, though the poverty rate is higher than average at 20.5%. The area sees a majority of residents with at least a high school diploma, and average commute times are around 32 minutes. The community is diverse and predominantly renter-occupied, with only 2.1% using public transportation for their daily commute.
Median Income:
$36,500
Household Income:
$54,900
Family Income:
$59,200
Per Capita Income:
$20,300
Income Male:
$33,700
Income Female:
$29,600
Poverty Rate:
20.5%
Non English Speakers:
13.5%
Rent:
$1,375
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
32.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.1%
Bachelors or More:
18.6%
Education
How are the schools in Riverdale, GA?
Riverdale offers a range of educational options, including public schools like Riverdale High and Riverdale Middle, featuring student-teacher ratios around 19:1. Families also have access to private schools and are located near colleges such as Clayton State University, just five miles away. Most adults in the area have completed high school, and higher education opportunities are readily accessible.
Public Schools
Name:
Riverdale High School
Street:
160 Roberts Dr
Phone:
770-473-2905
Students:
1,315
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Name:
Riverdale Middle School
Street:
400 Roberts Dr
Phone:
770-994-4020
Students:
900
Student Teacher Ratio:
18.7
Private Schools
Name:
St. John the Evangelist Catholic School
Street:
240 Arnold St, Hapeville, GA
Phone:
404-767-4312
Students:
270
Colleges
Name:
Clayton State University
City:
Morrow
State:
GA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
7,000
Name:
Atlanta Metropolitan State College
City:
Atlanta
State:
GA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Healthcare in Riverdale is anchored by Southern Regional Medical Center, offering general and emergency services within city limits. There are about 1.2 physicians per 1,000 residents, and roughly 84% of people have health insurance. The city’s healthcare index indicates accessible and reliable medical care for most residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Southern Regional Medical Center
Address:
11 Upper Riverdale Rd SW, Riverdale, GA 30274
Phone:
(770) 991-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
83.6%
Health Care Index:
68.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Riverdale, GA?
Riverdale’s housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $190,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $1,375. The city is primarily renter-occupied, with only about 40% of residents owning their homes, and there is a moderate vacancy rate at 8.2%. Home values have appreciated modestly over the past year, reflecting a stable local market.
Median Home Price:
$190,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,375
Owner Occupied Rate:
40.1%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Riverdale are served by the Georgia Department of Driver Services, located nearby in Forest Park. Services include licensing, vehicle registration, and driving tests, with convenient access via the official website or by phone. The DMV office is easily accessible for routine driver and vehicle needs.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
5036 State Hwy 85, Forest Park, GA 30297
Phone:
678-413-8400
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.