Demographics & Context
Georgia Incarceration Trends: Population, Demographics & National Context
This research compilation provides a comprehensive overview of Georgia's incarceration trends and population data from multiple authoritative sources, revealing a system holding approximately 53,000 people in state prisons and 528,000 under total criminal justice supervision. Key findings include stark racial disparities (Black Georgians are 31% of the state population but 61% of the prison population), a 42% drop in parole releases over five years driving longer stays, an aging prison population with over 10,000 individuals aged 50+, and a corrections budget that has increased 44% to $1.62 billion. The Vera Institute data contextualizes these trends historically, showing a 222% increase in prison population since 1983 and dramatic increases in women's incarceration.
Where this research is used
This page is a research collection: individual facts drawn from the sources listed further down, each traced to where it came from. A research topic brings many collections together into one overview of an issue. The facts on this page feed these 8 topics; open one to see how they fit with the rest of the evidence.
Budget & Spending
Georgia's prison budget rose from $1.53 billion in fiscal 2024 to an all-time peak of $1.91 billion in fiscal 2025, then settled near $1.79 billion for fiscal 2027. Across that arc the money moved toward health contracts, private beds and surveillance technology while the state-operated prison program, food service and education shrank. GPS's own budget series has since corrected several of its earlier headline claims, and the gap between what the state appropriates and what it can show for it remains the central accountability problem.
11,375 data points
Historical Context
Georgia's prison system was not built on a theory of rehabilitation. It began in 1866 as a leasing scheme that sold state prisoners to railroads, coal mines and plantations, and it has been shaped ever since by the same three forces: the extraction of unpaid labor, a legal architecture that permits it, and a record-keeping apparatus that obscures its costs. This page traces that line from the convict lease through the chain gangs, the 1937 opening of Georgia State Prison, the federal court takeover in Guthrie v. Evans, the four-decade buildup to a peak population of 54,463, and the present order, in which the state pays most working prisoners nothing, parole releases have fallen 42 percent in five years, and the federal government found in 2024 that conditions violate the Eighth Amendment.
2,070 data points
Parole & Sentencing
Parole in Georgia is a discretionary act of executive clemency, and the record shows that discretion narrowing to the point of near-refusal: parole releases fell from 16,772 in fiscal 1991 to 5,588 in fiscal 2025, the overall grant rate dropped from 38 percent in 2019 to 28 percent in 2024, and the life-sentence grant rate sits between 4.5 and 5.4 percent. Over the same decades the average time served before release on a life sentence rose from under nine years in 1973 to 29.6 years in fiscal 2025. The Board's own reports also leave contradictions unresolved — year-shifted tables, a fluctuating time-served series, and a life-decision volume that tripled while grants fell.
11,852 data points
Policy & Advocacy
Georgia's policy and advocacy landscape is defined by a paradox: a decade of bipartisan sentencing reform that measurably reduced incarceration and racial disparity, followed by a sharp reversal toward prison construction, surveillance technology, and record spending attached to no independent oversight. Legislative victories on wrongful conviction compensation, survivor justice, and out-of-time appeals sit alongside bills that died in the last minutes of session — an independent prison ombudsman, restrictive housing limits, parole transparency — and a post-conviction system the Chief Justice of Georgia calls 'a mess' that only the legislature can fix. The 2026 statewide elections and an unresolved federal investigation are the two live pressure points advocates are organizing around.
7,412 data points
Population & Demographics
Georgia's prison population has travelled from roughly 3,000 people in 1925 to a peak above 54,000, and now sits somewhere between 47,000 and 53,000 depending on which counting rule is used. That population is about 60 percent Black in a state that is about 33 percent Black, is aging faster than the national average, and holds a life-sentenced population that grew while the rest of the country's shrank. This page assembles the trend lines, the demographic splits, and the definitional disagreements that make Georgia's population numbers hard to pin down.
7,570 data points
Racial Disparities
Black Georgians are roughly a third of the state's population and roughly 60 percent of its prisoners, a gap that widens at every deeper point in the system — arrest, conviction, life sentences, solitary confinement, and exoneration. This page assembles the measured disparity across 23 GPS research collections, from the Black Codes and convict leasing to 2025 prison admissions data, and flags where Georgia's own reporting stops short of what the numbers would require.
2,134 data points
Recidivism & Reentry
Georgia reports one of the lowest recidivism rates in the nation — a 25 to 27 percent three-year felony reconviction rate — but that figure counts only new felony convictions, only within three years, and only among people who survive the window. Georgia's own reconviction rate has climbed every year since 2019, reaching 30.7 percent for the 2022 release cohort even as the state spends more than a billion dollars a year on corrections, releases 12,000 to 16,000 people annually with almost no preparation, and funds vocational education at $172,000 statewide. The evidence on what works is unusually clear — education, vocational training, cognitive-behavioral programming, and transitional beds all correlate with substantially lower recidivism — and Georgia has systematized almost none of it at scale.
12,548 data points
Women's Incarceration
Georgia holds about 3,850 women in its prisons — 7.46% of the state prison population and a sevenfold increase since 1978 — at a rate of 177 per 100,000 female residents, far above the national state-prison average of roughly 51. Five state prisons and a single 64-bed medical unit hold them, and the system is simultaneously over capacity at Emanuel and Whitworth and more than half empty at McRae, a $130 million former private prison. The documented record on health care, mental health, deaths, motherhood and domestic-violence survivorship shows a system that has added beds and contracts far faster than it has added care, and that still does not publish the data needed to measure the difference.
2,325 data points
Key Findings
The most impactful data from this research collection. Tap a card for the full finding, GPS commentary on why it matters, and its source.
The finding
528,000 Georgia residents are under criminal justice supervision total.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Prison walls account for only about one in ten Georgians under criminal justice control. The far larger share is supervised in the community through probation or parole, so the system reaches much further than prison counts alone show.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
The finding
Black individuals constitute 61% of the Georgia prison population while comprising only 31% of the state's overall population.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Black Georgians are held in state prisons at roughly twice their share of the state's population, a gap consistent with the collection's finding that the Black incarceration rate is 2.7 times the white rate.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
The finding
In CY 2025, 301 deaths in custody were recorded, comprising 2.19% of total releases.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Georgia's CY 2025 release total of 13,724 counts deaths in custody, so not every release was a return to the community; the deaths sit in the same total as 4,283 parole releases and the 54.55% who maxed out their sentences.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
The finding
Parole releases dropped 42% over 5 years, from 9,455 granted from 24,738 cases (38%) in 2019 to 5,443 granted from 19,328 cases (28%) in 2024.
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Fewer people are leaving prison early through the parole board, so more serve their full terms. In 2025, over half of all releases came from people maxing out their sentences rather than through parole.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles Data (FY2019-FY2024)
The finding
59% of people in Georgia jails are legally innocent (unconvicted, pretrial).
Why it matters · GPS commentary
Most people held in Georgia jails are awaiting trial rather than serving a sentence, so jail populations largely reflect detention before any conviction. The share compares with 56% pretrial recorded in 2015.
Our reading of the finding above. It is not part of the source.Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Annual Survey of Jails
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Census of Jails
- Prison Policy Initiative - Georgia Profile
All Data Points
77 verified data points extracted from primary sources.
Current Georgia state prison population (2025) Statistic
Approximately 53,000 people are currently incarcerated in Georgia state prisons as of 2025.
53,000 people
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Total people behind bars in Georgia (all facility types) Statistic
95,000 people are behind bars in Georgia across all facility types.
95,000 people
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Total Georgia residents locked up across all systems Statistic
102,000 Georgia residents are locked up across federal, state, local, and other facilities.
102,000 people
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Annual Georgia local jail bookings Statistic
More than 236,000 different people are booked into Georgia local jails annually.
236,000 people booked annually
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
People on probation or parole in Georgia Statistic
356,000 people are on probation or parole in Georgia.
356,000 people
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Total Georgia residents under criminal justice supervision Statistic
528,000 Georgia residents are under criminal justice supervision total.
528,000 people
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Georgia incarceration rate per 100,000 Statistic
Georgia's incarceration rate is 881 per 100,000 people, including prisons, jails, immigration detention, and juvenile facilities.
881 per 100,000 people
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Prison Policy Initiative - Georgia Profile
Georgia ranks among top states for incarceration Finding
Georgia ranks among the top states for incarceration nationally.
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Black Georgians: 61% of prison population, 31% of state population Statistic
Black individuals constitute 61% of the Georgia prison population while comprising only 31% of the state's overall population.
61% vs. 31 percent of state population
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
White Georgians: ~35% of prison population Statistic
White individuals constitute approximately 35% of Georgia's prison population.
35%
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Hispanic Georgians: ~4% of prison population Statistic
Hispanic individuals constitute approximately 4% of Georgia's prison population.
4%
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Black incarceration rate 2.7x white rate in Georgia Statistic
Black individuals are incarcerated at 2.7 times the rate of white individuals in Georgia.
2.7x times the rate of white individuals
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Georgia among 12 states where >50% of prison population is Black Finding
Georgia is among 12 states where more than 50% of the prison population is Black.
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Over 20% of prison population aged 50+ Statistic
Over 20% of Georgia's prison population is aged 50 or older.
20%
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
13% of prison population over age 55 Statistic
13% of Georgia's prison population is over age 55.
13%
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Approximately 10,000 individuals aged 50+ in Georgia prisons Statistic
Approximately 10,000 individuals aged 50 or older are in Georgia's prison system.
10,000 people aged 50+
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Aging prison population driven by declining parole and longer sentences Finding
The aging prison population in Georgia is driven by declining parole rates and longer sentences.
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Women's incarceration rate in Georgia: 177 per 100,000 Statistic
The women's incarceration rate in Georgia is 177 per 100,000.
177 per 100,000
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
82,206 women on probation or parole in Georgia Statistic
82,206 women are on probation or parole in Georgia.
82,206 women
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Prison Policy Initiative - Georgia Profile
CY 2025 total releases: 13,724 Statistic
In calendar year 2025, there were 13,724 total releases from Georgia state prisons.
13,724 releases
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
54.55% of CY 2025 releases maxed out their sentences Statistic
Of the 13,724 total releases in CY 2025, 7,486 (54.55%) maxed out their full sentences.
54.6%
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Georgia Department of Corrections Population and Release Data (2024-2025)
CY 2025 parole releases: 4,283 (31.21%) Statistic
In CY 2025, 4,283 people (31.21% of total releases) were released on parole from Georgia state prisons.
4,283 parole releases
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
CY 2025 deaths in custody: 301 (2.19% of releases) Statistic
In CY 2025, 301 deaths in custody were recorded, comprising 2.19% of total releases.
301 deaths
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
42% drop in parole releases over 5 years (2019-2024) Trend
Parole releases dropped 42% over 5 years, from 9,455 granted from 24,738 cases (38%) in 2019 to 5,443 granted from 19,328 cases (28%) in 2024.
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles Data (FY2019-FY2024)
2019 parole approval: 9,455 from 24,738 cases (38%) Statistic
In 2019, 9,455 parole grants were made from 24,738 cases considered, a 38% approval rate.
9,455 parole grants vs. 38 percent approval rate
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
2024 parole approval: 5,443 from 19,328 cases (28%) Statistic
In 2024, 5,443 parole grants were made from 19,328 cases considered, a 28% approval rate.
5,443 parole grants vs. 28 percent approval rate
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Life sentence parole approval rate: 4.5% in FY2024 Statistic
The life sentence parole approval rate was 4.5%, with only 93 approvals from 2,046 cases considered in FY2024.
4.5%
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Average time served increased 27% from 2014 to 2023 Trend
Average time served in Georgia prisons increased 27%, from 3.94 years in 2014 to 5.00 years in 2023.
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Georgia Incarceration Length of Stay Data (2014-2023)
10-15 year sentences: 45% jump in time served (2014-2023) Trend
For 10-15 year sentences, average time served jumped 45% from 4.67 years in 2014 to 6.77 years in 2023.
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
COVID spike in average time served never returned to baseline Trend
Average time served spiked from 4.45 years in 2019 to 5.55 years in 2021 due to COVID disruptions, and never returned to pre-pandemic baseline.
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Average life sentence time before release: 31.1 years (2025) Statistic
The average time served for a life sentence before release is 31.1 years as of 2025.
31.1 years
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Jail population increased 1,562% since 1970 in Georgia Trend
Since 1970, the total jail population in Georgia has increased 1,562%.
Sources
- Vera Institute of Justice: Incarceration Trends in Georgia
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Annual Survey of Jails
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Census of Jails
Jail population increased 26% since 2000 Trend
Since 2000, the total jail population in Georgia has increased 26%.
Sources
- Vera Institute of Justice: Incarceration Trends in Georgia
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Annual Survey of Jails
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Census of Jails
Pretrial detainees constituted 56% of Georgia jail population in 2015 Statistic
In 2015, pretrial detainees constituted 56% of the total jail population in Georgia.
56%
Sources
- Vera Institute of Justice: Incarceration Trends in Georgia
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Annual Survey of Jails
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Census of Jails
Prison custody population increased 222% since 1983 Trend
Since 1983, the prison custody population in Georgia has increased 222%.
Prison population increased 12% since 2000 Trend
Since 2000, the prison population in Georgia has increased 12%.
49,488 people in Georgia prison system in 2018 Statistic
In 2018, there were 49,488 people in the Georgia prison system.
49,488 people
Women in jail increased 1,107% since 1980 in Georgia Trend
Since 1980, the number of women in jail in Georgia has increased 1,107%.
Women in prison increased 600% since 1980 in Georgia Trend
Since 1980, the number of women in prison in Georgia has increased 600%.
Women in Georgia prisons: from 497 (1978) to 3,779 (2017) Trend
The number of women in Georgia's prisons increased more than sevenfold, from 497 in 1978 to 3,779 in 2017.
Women in Georgia jails: from 227 (1970) to 5,228 (2015) Trend
The number of women in Georgia's jails increased more than 23-fold, from 227 in 1970 to 5,228 in 2015.
Black jail incarceration rate decreased 28% since 1990 Trend
Since 1990, the Black jail incarceration rate in Georgia has decreased 28 percent. In 2015, Black people were incarcerated in jail at 2.1 times the rate of white people.
Black prison incarceration rate increased 79% since 1978 Trend
Since 1978, the Black prison incarceration rate in Georgia has increased 79 percent. In 2017, Black people were incarcerated in prison at 2.7 times the rate of white people.
Black people: 51% of jail population, 32% of state population Statistic
In Georgia, Black people constituted 32% of state residents, but 51% of people in jail and 60% of people in prison.
51% vs. 32 percent of state population
Sources
- Vera Institute of Justice: Incarceration Trends in Georgia
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Annual Survey of Jails
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Census of Jails
Highest prison admission rates are in rural counties Finding
On a per capita basis, the most rural places in Georgia often lock up the most people in jail and send the most people to prison. Today, the highest rates of prison admissions are in rural counties.
Pretrial incarceration increased 33% in rural counties since 2000 Trend
Since 2000, the pretrial incarceration rate has increased 33% in Georgia's 85 rural counties, 9% in 45 small/medium counties, decreased 46% in the one urban county, and decreased 1% in 28 suburban counties.
84,556 total people locked up in Georgia (Vera state total) Statistic
Vera Institute reported a state total of 84,556 people locked up in Georgia.
84,556 people
Georgia's total incarceration increased 329% Trend
Georgia's total incarceration has increased 329% over the historical period studied.
Georgia ranked 3rd regionally in total incarceration Statistic
Georgia ranked 3rd of 7 in regional ranking for total incarceration.
3 regional rank of 7
Latinx incarceration data distorted by misclassification Data gap
Nationally, common data misclassification leads to distorted, lower estimates of Latinx incarceration rates and distorted, higher estimates of white incarceration rates. Smaller and inconsistent data reporting make it difficult to measure the effects of racism for incarcerated people of other racial groups.
One in five Black Americans born in 2001 likely to be incarcerated Statistic
One in five Black people born in 2001 is likely to be incarcerated in their lifetime, compared to one in 10 Latinx people and one in 29 white people.
Men's jail admissions declined 26% since 2008 nationally Trend
Although men's jail admissions have declined by 26 percent since 2008, women's admissions have increased both as a total number and as a proportion of all jail admissions nationally.
Sources
- Vera Institute of Justice: Incarceration Trends in Georgia
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Annual Survey of Jails
Women now make up almost 1 in 4 jail admissions nationally Trend
Women now make up almost one out of every four jail admissions nationally, up from fewer than one in 10 in 1983.
Sources
- Vera Institute of Justice: Incarceration Trends in Georgia
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Annual Survey of Jails
59% of Georgia jail population is legally innocent (pretrial) Statistic
59% of people in Georgia jails are legally innocent (unconvicted, pretrial).
59%
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Annual Survey of Jails
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - Census of Jails
- Prison Policy Initiative - Georgia Profile
1 in 8 Atlanta city jail bookings involve homeless individuals Statistic
1 in 8 Atlanta city jail bookings involve homeless individuals.
12.5%
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Prison Policy Initiative - Georgia Profile
Georgia jails serve as de facto mental health facilities Finding
Jails in Georgia serve as de facto mental health facilities.
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Prison Policy Initiative - Georgia Profile
Georgia prison population increased 7% between 2021-2023 Trend
Georgia prison population increased 7% between 2021 and 2023, as state prison populations nationally were rebounding post-COVID.
Sources
- BJS 2023 Report
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - 2023 National Context Data
Southern states incarcerate at higher rates than other regions Finding
Southern states collectively incarcerate at higher rates than other regions of the United States.
Sources
- BJS 2023 Report
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - 2023 National Context Data
~10,000 inmates serving life sentences in Georgia Statistic
Approximately 10,000 inmates are serving life sentences in Georgia state prisons.
10,000 inmates
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Georgia Department of Corrections Population and Release Data (2024-2025)
Average life sentence: 26 years served Statistic
The average time served for a life sentence in Georgia is 26 years.
26 years
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
15,000 verified gang members in GDC custody Statistic
There are 15,000 verified gang members in Georgia Department of Corrections custody.
15,000 verified gang members
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Georgia Department of Corrections Population and Release Data (2024-2025)
14,000 inmates receiving mental health treatment Statistic
14,000 inmates in Georgia state prisons are receiving mental health treatment.
14,000 inmates
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
19,000 inmates with chronic illness treatment Statistic
19,000 inmates in Georgia state prisons are receiving treatment for chronic illness.
19,000 inmates
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
99,000+ monthly prescriptions in Georgia prisons Statistic
More than 99,000 prescriptions are filled monthly in Georgia state prisons.
99,000 monthly prescriptions
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Georgia Department of Corrections Population and Release Data (2024-2025)
General recidivism rate: 26% Statistic
The general recidivism rate for Georgia state prisons is 26%.
26%
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Vocational program completers: 13.64% recidivism Statistic
The recidivism rate for vocational program completers in Georgia is 13.64%, roughly half the general rate of 26%.
13.6% vs. 26 percent general recidivism
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Parole completion rate: 73% (exceeds national average) Statistic
Georgia's parole completion rate is 73%, exceeding the 60% national average.
73% vs. 60 percent national average
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- Bureau of Justice Statistics - 2023 National Context Data
- Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles Data (FY2019-FY2024)
Daily incarceration cost: $86.61 per person Statistic
The daily cost of incarcerating one person in a Georgia state prison is $86.61.
$86.61
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Annual cost per inmate: $31,612 Statistic
The annual cost per inmate in Georgia state prisons is $31,612.
$31,612
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Daily parole supervision cost: $3.13 per person Statistic
The daily cost of parole supervision in Georgia is $3.13 per person, compared to $86.61 per day for incarceration.
$3.13 vs. 86.6 daily incarceration cost
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Total GDC budget: $1.62 billion (FY2026) Statistic
The total Georgia Department of Corrections budget for FY2026 is $1.62 billion.
$1.6B
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Corrections budget increased 44% from FY2022-FY2026 Trend
The Georgia corrections budget increased 44% from FY2022 to FY2026, an increase of approximately $500 million.
Sources
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
- GDC FY2026 Budget
Peak Georgia prison population: 54,463 in 2007 Statistic
Georgia's prison population peaked at 54,463 in 2007.
54,463 inmates
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
COVID low: ~47,000 in 2021 Statistic
Georgia's prison population dropped to approximately 47,000 in 2021, the lowest point during the COVID period.
47,000 people
Source
- Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Pretrial incarceration decreased 46% in urban county since 2000 Trend
The pretrial incarceration rate decreased 46% in Georgia's one urban county since 2000, while increasing 33% in rural counties.
Black men are 13% of male population but 35% of incarcerated nationally Statistic
Black men constitute about 13 percent of the male population, but about 35 percent of those incarcerated nationally.
35% vs. 13 percent of male population
Number of women in U.S. jails increased 14-fold since 1970 Trend
Since 1970, the number of women in U.S. jails has increased 14-fold—from fewer than 8,000 to nearly 110,000 in 2013.
Sources
17 cited sources backing this research.
Primary
Official report
BJS 2023 Report
Primary
Data portal
Bureau of Justice Statistics - 2023 National Context Data
Primary
Data portal
Bureau of Justice Statistics - Annual Survey of Jails
Primary
Data portal
Bureau of Justice Statistics - Census of Jails
Primary
Data portal
Bureau of Justice Statistics - National Corrections Reporting Program
Primary
Data portal
Bureau of Justice Statistics - National Prisoner Statistics Program
Primary
Official report
GDC FY2026 Budget
Primary
Official report
GDC Recidivism Data
Primary
Official report
Georgia Department of Corrections Population and Release Data (2024-2025)
Primary
Official report
Georgia Incarceration Length of Stay Data (2014-2023)
Primary
Official report
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles Data (FY2019-FY2024)
Primary
Official report
National Center for Health Statistics Urban-Rural Classification Scheme for Counties
Secondary
Official report
Prison Policy Initiative - Georgia Profile
Tertiary
Gps original
Research Compilation: Georgia Incarceration Trends & Population Data
Primary
Data portal
Secondary
Official report
Secondary
Academic
Key Entities
Organizations, people, facilities, and other named entities referenced in this research.
Arnold Ventures
[organization]
Bureau of Justice Statistics
[organization]
Georgia Department of Corrections
[organization]
Georgia State Board of Pardons and Paroles
[organization]
Jacob Kang-Brown
[person]
Vera Institute of Justice
[organization]