Clarkston, Georgia, is a diverse city in DeKalb County, known as “the most diverse square mile in America” due to its large refugee and immigrant population, often called the “Ellis Island of the South”. Established in 1882, it’s a suburb of Atlanta with a population of over 14,000, offering an urban-suburban mix and a vibrant multicultural community with many local restaurants and cultural centers like the Clarkston Community Center.
Key Facts
Location: DeKalb County, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.
Nickname: “The most diverse square mile in America” and “The Ellis Island of the South”.
History: Incorporated in 1882, it became a major resettlement area for refugees in the 1990s.
Population: 14,756 as of the 2020 census, with a significant portion of residents from outside the U.S.
Community: Known for its inclusive, multicultural identity, with many residents renting their homes.
Local Life: Features a variety of local restaurants, parks, and community hubs like the Clarkston Community Center and the Clarkston Library.