Are you looking for a laid-back city with a rich history and thriving arts scene? Then, you’ll love Dalton, Georgia. Dalton is a city in northwestern Georgia in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Living in Dalton, GA offers a blend of small-town charm and vibrant community life. Known as the Carpet Capital of the World, Dalton boasts affordable housing, excellent schools, and numerous parks. The city provides a rich cultural scene, diverse dining options, and easy access to the scenic beauty of the Appalachian foothills.
Originally known as Cross Plains, the city was renamed by the Georgia Legislature in 1847 in honor of Mary Dalton White, the mother of a prominent citizen, Edward White. Throughout the late 19th and early 20th century, Dalton became a major hub for trade, most notably carpet manufacturing, which is how it earned its nickname.
Today, Dalton is known for its civil war sites, robust manufacturing sector, and arts community. It is a good place to live for families and young professionals in search of a safe city with a small-town feel and convenient location. Before moving to Dalton, here is everything you need to know to determine if it’s the right place for you.
Where Is Dalton, GA?
Dalton, Georgia is in Whitfield County, which is also the county seat. Situated off I-75, Dalton is in the northwest region of Georgia within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s the principal city of the Dalton metropolitan area and the second most populous in northwest Georgia after Rome.
It’s about 30 miles south of the Tennessee border and 60 miles from the Alabama border. Cities near Dalton, GA, include Chatsworth, Tunnel Hill, Varnell, Ringgold, and Lafayette. Whitfield County offers public transportation in the form of a transit service.
It’s 32 miles, or 36 minutes, from Dalton, Georgia, to Chattanooga, Tennessee. In comparison, it’s about 90 miles, or 1 hour 30 minutes, from Dalton, Georgia, to Atlanta, Georgia.
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Dalton Population & Demographics
The population of Dalton GA is 34,417 residents. The number of residents living in Dalton, GA has remained relatively stable over the years and only increased by 3.8% between 2010 and 2020. It has a fairly spacious, rural atmosphere, and the Dalton GA population density is 1,615 residents per square mile.
Dalton is a relatively young, diverse community full of growing families. In Dalton, 26% of residents are under 18, and the median age is 34, which is 10% lower than the rest of Georgia.
The racial and ethnic breakdown is 63.2% White (38.6% White, non-Hispanic), 51.5% Hispanic or Latino, 5.2% Black or African American, 4.4% American Indian or Alaskan Native, 2.7% Asian and 10% two or more races.
Other Dalton GA demographics
- The median household income is $57,163, which is 20% lower than the rest of Georgia
- The Dalton population is exactly 50% female and 50% male
- 70% of residents living in Dalton have a high school diploma, and 23.2% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The foreign-born population is 26.2%
Dalton, GA, is safe. However, the city does suffer from minor property crime. The total Dalton, GA crime rate is 2,836 crimes per 100,000 people, which is 22% higher than the rest of the US and 37% higher than the rest of Georgia. However, the violent crime rate in Dalton, GA is on par with the national average and only 1% higher than the rest of Georgia. The property crime rate is 26% higher than the rest of the US. Make sure to lock your doors if you’re considering moving to Dalton, but otherwise you shouldn’t have an issue.
The Dalton Police Department handles crime in the city with the assistance of 89 sworn officers and 12 civilian employees.
Cost of Living in Dalton
One of the major benefits of living in Dalton is the affordable cost of living. A good way to assess the Dalton GA cost of living compared to the rest of the country is to look at the cost of living index (COLI). With the national number representing 100, the COLI compares the average cost of consumer goods to other cities across the country.
The COLI for the Dalton metro area is 86, meaning it’s about 14% less expensive than the average US city. The Family Budget Calculator developed by the Economic Policy Institute indicates that the average family of four (two kids and two parents) must make $84,628 per year to afford the cost of living in Dalton, GA.
Typical cost of goods in Dalton
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: $17.50
- 12-ounce bottle of water: $0.95
- 1 gallon of milk: $3.73
- Cappuccino: $5.00
- 1 dozen regular eggs: $3.31
- 1 pound of chicken filets: $5.00
- 1 gallon of gas: $3.09
- Average Dalton monthly utility bill: $186.00
Source: Numbeo
Dalton GA real estate is especially affordable, and housing costs are significantly lower than the national average. Redfin reveals that the median price of homes for sale in Dalton GA is $306,500. The median price per square foot of Dalton real estate is $152.
Tenants moving to Dalton will find a range of options as well, and 53% of homes are owner-occupied, while 47% are rented out. Rentcafe reveals that the average rent in Dalton GA is $1,122.
The majority of rentals are small-scale buildings, and only 3% are buildings with more than 50 units, while 23% are single-family homes. The average age of an apartment building in Dalton is 36 years old. Rent prices start around $900 for a one-bedroom and go up to $2500 for a three-bedroom.
Dalton Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Dalton
Dalton is full of wonderful neighborhoods offering low crime, friendly residents, and affordable homes. While anywhere you look, you’ll find peace and serenity, certain areas are more sought-after than others. So, to help make your decision easy, here are a few of the best places to live in Dalton.
McCarty Subdivision Historic District | A Historic Subdivision with a Range of Architectural Styles
One of the earliest planned communities in Dalton, the McCarthy subdivision is a historic residential neighborhood full of bungalows, English cottages, Queen Anne houses, Georgian houses, and side-gabled cottages.
The Coahulla Cliffs | A New Development with Modern, Farmhouse-Style Homes
The Coahulla Cliffs is a beautiful new home community with customizable, farmhouse-style homes priced from $400,000 to $500,000.
Orchard Place | A Picturesque, Gated Condominium Community with State-of-the-Art-Amenities
Orchard Place is a gated, new-construction community featuring 127 condominiums surrounded by mature trees, walking trails, clubhouses, and other shared amenities.
Dalton Georgia Weather & Climate
According to the Koppen classification system, Dalton has a humid subtropical climate with hot, damp summers and moderate winters. The temperature in Dalton, GA, typically stays between 32°F and 88°F, although it can get as low as 19°F and as high as 95°F. The best time to visit is in the spring or fall.
It snows in Dalton, GA, and the city averages about 2 inches of snowfall every year. It also gets about 53 inches of annual rainfall. So, if you’re planning to move there, make sure to properly prepare for the Dalton Georgia weather.
Things to Do in Dalton
For a small city, you’ll find plenty of fun things to do in Dalton, GA, from parks to museums. You’ll find plenty of retailers, local businesses, and big-brand stores at the Dalton Mall, Dalton Shopping Center, or the Dalton Factory Stores. Other than shopping, here are a few of the top Dalton attractions.
Haig Mill Lake Park
Outdoor enthusiasts looking for things to do in Dalton, GA, should check out Haig Mill Lake Park. It offers a 3.5-mile hiking trail, fishing piers, boating docks, picnic areas, and a nature-themed playground.
652 Haig Mill Lake Rd, Dalton, GA 30721 (706) 529-8622
Dalton Falls Fun Center
The Dalton Falls Fun Center is one of the best things to do in Dalton, GA, with kids. It features a 27-hole mini golf course, laser tag, bumper cars, a VR arcade, and other fun attractions.
2817 Airport Rd, Dalton, GA 30721 (706) 272-3574
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Dalton Freight Depot and Visitors Center
The Dalton Freight Depot is a restored Greek Revival train station built in 1911. It now features a viewing platform and exhibits on the development of the railroad and the Civil War.
305 S Depot St, Dalton, GA 30720 (800) 331-3258
Additional Dalton GA Attractions
If you’re looking for more fun in Dalton, the Parks and Recreation Department manages 16 public parks covering over 1400 acres and has a list of community events on its website.
Dalton Restaurants
Residents living in Dalton, GA will also find a delicious assortment of restaurants in Dalton, GA, serving everything from Mexican food to fine dining. Here are some of the best places to eat in Dalton, GA.
Mariscos El Cuhhhmaron
If you’re in the mood for Mexican, Mariscos El Cuhhhmaron is one of the best restaurants in Dalton, GA, with a wide assortment of appetizers, ceviche plates, and other healthy entrees.
229 N Hamilton St, Dalton, GA 30720 (706) 529-9274
Cyra’s – Simple Goodness
Cyra’s Simple Goodness is a hip Dalton restaurant serving seasonal southern-inspired cuisine with fresh ingredients and plates like bison filet and wild-caught coho salmon.
208 N Pentz St, Dalton, GA 30720 (706) 370-7305
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Cafe Ostro
Cafe Ostro is a delicious Mediterranean eatery and one of the best Dalton GA restaurants if you want fresh hummus or falafel made with secret family recipes.
240 N Hamilton St, Dalton, GA 30720 (706) 529-7538
Jobs in Dalton
Living in Dalton, GA also offers access to a robust job market. The city is famous for being a prominent carpet manufacturer and production center. Although significant efforts have been made to diversify its industrial base and attract new businesses, much of the economy is still reliant on the floor-covering industry.
Some of the world’s largest carpet manufacturers, including Shaw and Mohawk Industries, have a presence in the city and provide a variety of Dalton jobs. The Carbondale Business Park in Dalton is also home to several major companies, including Korean solar technology company Hanwha Q Cells, German Automotive manufacturer GEDIA, and food manufacturer Essentia Proteins.
The largest employers in Dalton are:
- Shaw Industries: 6,133 employees
- Mohawk Industries: 4,172 employees
- Engineered Floors: 3,600 employees
- Q Cells: 1,800 employees
- Tarkett: 1,182 employees
Payscale reveals that the average hourly wage earned by jobs in Dalton, GA, is $17.57. Employment hunters will find many interesting Dalton GA jobs, ranging from plumber’s apprentice to data entry clerk. City of Dalton GA jobs are also available in roles such as police officer or golf course cashier.
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Dalton Schools
Dalton City Schools serves students living in Dalton, GA. It consists of six elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one alternative school. Blue Ridge, Brookwood, City Park, Park Creek Roan, and Westwood are the six elementary schools in Dalton, GA. Park Creek is generally considered the best, with an 11:1 student-teacher ratio.
Dalton High School is the only high school in Dalton, GA. It ranks #139 out of all high schools in Georgia, with a 91% graduation rate and 37% AP participation rate. Christian Heritage School and Relentless Christian Academy are also two notable private schools in Dalton, GA.
For higher education, Dalton State College, a public four institution in the University System of Georgia, is in town. The Whitfield-Murray campus of Georgia Northwestern Technical College is also in Dalton. Residents also have the opportunity to stop by the Dalton-Whitfield branch of the Northwest Georgia Regional Library system for books and other media.
Dalton Statistics & Information
- Dalton County: Whitfield County
- Dalton area: 21.16 square miles
- Dalton, GA zip code: 30719-30722
- Dalton GA area code(s): 706/762
- Elevation of Dalton, GA: 761 ft
- Dalton time zone: Eastern Time Zone (UTC-4 and -5)
- The closest airport to Dalton: The Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA) is 30 miles away.
Dalton, GA Map
Explore more fun things to do, such as restaurants and attractions, with this map of Dalton, GA.
Ready to relocate to this laidback city? Count on the expert Chattanooga movers at All Out Movers to make your upcoming move easy and affordable. Call (423) 716-3025 today for a free, moving quote.
