The Georgia Chamber Foundation published the 2026 Economic Competitiveness Redbook (Redbook), the most comprehensive collection of statewide economic data and the Foundation’s annual capstone project. Now in the fourth year of publication, the Redbook is a guide to Georgia's economic achievements and forecasted trends for informed business and legislative decision-making.

A digital copy of the Redbook is available on the Georgia Chamber’s website by clicking here.

The Georgia Chamber Foundation team prepared the Redbook by analyzing a broad array of economic data. Where applicable, the Redbook provides state-by-state comparisons and county-specific findings for each of Georgia’s 159 counties.

Georgia’s entrepreneurial activity is another indicator of the state’s dynamic business environment highlighted in the Redbook. Georgia ranks fifth nationally in the number of business applications filed, demonstrating strong interest in starting new ventures. However, the state ranks 45th in the share of applications expected to mature into operating businesses. These findings signal the importance of targeted, data-driven strategies to reinforce Georgia’s entrepreneurial pipeline and convert innovation into long-term economic growth across the state.

Chris Clark, CCE, President & CEO of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce said:

“The Georgia Chamber’s 2026 Redbook is one of the most important tools to understand where our state is today and our future direction. Thanks to the outstanding work of the Georgia Chamber Foundation, the report once again provides the data and insights leaders across Georgia rely on to make smart, strategic decisions, not just for tomorrow, but for the next generation of growth and economic opportunity in Georgia.”

Daniela Perry, Executive Director of the Georgia Chamber Foundation said:

“Evolving state and federal policy, rapidly changing technology, and new statewide elected leadership are just a few of the headwinds facing business and community leaders. As always, the Economic Competitiveness Redbook provides high-quality data to enable strategic decision-making by Georgia business and elected leaders to solve our most pressing current and future challenges. The Georgia Chamber Foundation remains committed to equipping our partners, members, and elected leaders with a blueprint for sustained economic growth through our work, including the Redbook.”

Some of the highlights of the 2026 Economic Competitiveness Redbook include:

• By 2050, Georgia is projected to increase its population by 2.2 million people. The fastest growing population group is those individuals over 65 years old.

• Georgia ranks eighth nationally for tax burden, meaning citizens pay some of the lowest taxes per person, on average.

• Georgia ranks 12th nationally for GDP growth.

• Only 42.5% of Georgians have an associate’s degree or above. Furthermore, only 61% of Georgia adults are engaged in the workforce. Strategic solutions and investments are needed to ensure Georgia remains the Top State for Talent.

• Georgia ranks 42nd for physicians per 100,000 residents. The state is projected to need 66,000 more healthcare workers and replace 173,000 workforce exits by 2032 meaning investments in Georgia’s healthcare workforce are paramount.

• Georgia has the second most affordable utility rates of top GDP producing states. The state’s vertically integrated, regulated market has provided affordable rates for consumers, while supporting strong economic growth over the long term.