Categories: Georgia Business NewsGeorgia News

Atlanta’s Self-Storage Boom Amid Population Growth and Burglary Risks

The rise of self-storage facilities in Atlanta reflects the city's growth and the need for more space.

News Summary

Atlanta is experiencing rapid population growth, leading to an increase in self-storage facilities. With nearly 30% growth anticipated by 2050, the demand for storage units is surging. However, this has also attracted rising burglary concerns, prompting police to advise renters to safeguard their belongings. Atlanta now hosts 1,811 self-storage locations, with a significant portion catering to renters and homeowners. As the market expands, ensuring security has become a pressing issue for many renters in the city.

Atlanta’s Growing Storage Facility Scene: A Reflection of Population Surge and Rising Burglary Concerns

Atlanta is booming! With a steady population growth that is predicted to see nearly 30% increase by 2050, it’s no surprise that the number of self-storage facilities in the area is also climbing rapidly. Over the past few years, the state of Georgia has experienced nearly an 8% increase in these facilities, resulting in about 65 new self-storage spots cropping up in the Atlanta metro area alone. In total, Georgia now boasts an impressive 1,811 self-storage facilities, with 867 of them nestled right within the city limits.

The Reason Behind the Boom: More People, More Stuff!

With more folks moving to Atlanta, there’s a growing need for extra space to store all kinds of belongings. The Self Storage Association has pointed out that the rise in storage businesses is closely linked to the area’s population expansion. Self-storage units cater to a vibrant mix of clientele, including homeowners, renters, businesses, and even college students looking to stash their stuff away while studying in the city.

There are various types of storage units available—everything from climate-controlled units for sensitive items to space for your vehicle. For those considering a 10×10 storage unit, the average monthly cost in Atlanta is around $144, according to recent research. Interestingly, a whopping 40% of self-storage users cite having limited space at home as the primary reason for renting, while another 34% are simply relocating.

Atlanta: A Rental City

Did you know that over half of Atlanta’s residents are renters? This booming rental market only emphasizes the increasing demand for self-storage solutions. As population numbers grow, the Atlanta Regional Commission predicts that the city’s population will hit an astonishing 7.9 million by 2050.

Surge in Demand and Concerns of Theft

$44.3 billion and is expected to burgeon into $50 billion by 2029. Historically, about 9.5% to 11% of U.S. households use self-storage facilities each year. Despite the growing number of storage establishments, there’s more than just room that renters have to worry about—thieves have caught on to the expanding market too.

Recently, Atlanta has seen a concerning rise in burglaries targeting storage facilities. In Fulton and DeKalb counties, numerous break-ins have left families devastated and without valuable possessions. In one incident, an eye-popping amount of sneakers worth over $10,000 was stolen from a CubeSmart location. Other reports show that personal belongings with sentimental value have vanished while owners were away on vacation, adding to the unease. It’s worth noting that burglaries in the area have gone up by 3%.