DeKalb County

DeKalb County extends across 700 square kilometers (271 square miles) of Georgia's Piedmont region and includes portions of Atlanta along with several waterways such as the South River. The area sits east of downtown Atlanta and ranges from densely built neighborhoods to suburban communities.

The county formed in December 1822 and took its name from Baron Johann de Kalb, an officer in the Continental Army. Administrative boundaries shifted several times through the 19th century while the population expanded during the 20th century.

The area holds Emory University and Agnes Scott College alongside the Fernbank Museum of Natural History with its natural science collections. At Stone Mountain Park, visitors can see a large granite outcrop with a sculpture carved into the rock.

The County School District runs numerous public schools throughout the region. MARTA offers public transport with connections along the major roadways I-20, I-85, and I-285.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention places its headquarters in this county and coordinates national health programs from there. The site holds research laboratories and federal agency administration buildings.

Location: Georgia

Inception: December 9, 1822

Capital city: Decatur

Shares border with: Gwinnett County, Clayton County, Rockdale County, Henry County, Fulton County

Website: https://dekalbcountyga.gov

GPS coordinates: 33.77000,-84.23000

Latest update: December 4, 2025 19:03