Discover the wonders of this vibrant Atlanta suburb — where history, culture, and community come together.
A thriving community in the heart of Gwinnett County
Duluth (/dəˈluːθ/ də-LOOTH) is a city in Gwinnett County, Georgia, United States. Located north of Interstate 85, it is approximately 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Atlanta. As of the 2020 census, Duluth had a population of 31,873.
This Atlanta suburb is home to Gwinnett Place Mall, the Gwinnett Civic and Cultural Center, Gas South Arena, the Hudgens Center for the Arts, and the Red Clay Theater. It is also home to Northside Hospital–Duluth, an 81-bed hospital constructed in 2006.
From Cherokee territory to a thriving modern suburb
Duluth was originally Cherokee territory. When established in the early 19th century, it was primarily forested land occupied by tribespeople. An Indian trail, called Old Peachtree Road by the settlers, was extended through the area during the War of 1812 to connect Fort Peachtree in present-day Atlanta with Fort Daniel near present-day Dacula.
Cotton merchant Evan Howell constructed a road creating Howell's Cross Roads. He was the grandfather of Atlanta Mayor Evan P. Howell and great-grandfather of Atlanta Constitution publisher Clark Howell.
Gwinnett County was established, accelerating white settlement of the area. The region around Howell's Crossing began to grow.
Howell's Crossing was renamed "Duluth" after Congress funded a north–south railroad line. Named after Duluth, Minnesota, which had recently gotten its own railroad, inspiring a famous mocking speech by Rep. J. Proctor Knott.
The first Baptist congregation formed. A schoolhouse (now Coleman Middle School) was built in 1871, and the first Methodist church organized the same year.
The Bank of Duluth was chartered (1904), followed by Farmers and Merchants Bank (1911). Neither survived the Great Depression.
Duluth elected Georgia's first female mayor, Alice Harrell Strickland. She donated 1 acre of land for a "community forest" and began land conservation efforts.
Rapid growth along with the rest of Gwinnett County. Governor George Busbee became a Duluth resident in 1983, moving to the Sweet Bottom Plantation subdivision.
Major revitalization of downtown. Gas South Arena opened near the Gwinnett Convention Center. Northside Hospital–Duluth opened in 2006.
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Atlanta metro area
Duluth is located in the northeastern section of the Atlanta metropolitan area, approximately 25 miles from Downtown Atlanta. The city lies in the west-central section of Gwinnett County, bounded to the north by the Chattahoochee River, northeast by Suwanee, south by unincorporated land, and west by Berkeley Lake.
Duluth has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa). Monthly averages range from 41.0 °F in January to 78.3 °F in July. The local hardiness zone is 7b — ideal for a wide variety of plants and trees.
From performing arts to professional sports
Duluth's downtown area is home to a variety of attractions that add to its vibrant atmosphere. The Red Clay Theater stands out as a premier performing arts venue with exceptional acoustics, hosting a range of live performances.
The city hosts an annual Fall Festival on the last weekend of every September. Duluth is home to the Atlanta Gladiators (ECHL) and the Georgia Swarm (National Lacrosse League), both playing at Gas South Arena. The Sugarloaf Country Club hosted the AT&T Classic PGA Tour tournament from 1997 to 2008.
Duluth serves as headquarters and major office location for numerous companies.
A vibrant community with arts, parks, and family-friendly activities
Duluth boasts a rich cultural scene with numerous venues and activities for residents and visitors alike. The Hudgens Center for the Arts and Red Clay Theater provide exceptional cultural experiences. The city maintains 7 parks as well as the Festival Center, offering activities like tennis, soccer, ballet, and Zumba.
Gwinnett County Public Schools operates public schools serving residents, including Duluth High School and Peachtree Ridge High School. Private schools include Atlanta Adventist Academy, Notre Dame Academy, and Duluth Montessori School. The Gwinnett County Public Library operates the Duluth Branch.
The Western Gwinnett Bikeway is a multi-use trail under construction connecting Duluth to Berkeley Lake, Norcross, and Suwanee. The Rogers Bridge Project will reconstruct a bike/pedestrian bridge across the Chattahoochee River, connecting to Johns Creek and 133 acres of planned parkland. Key roads include Buford Highway, Duluth Highway, Sugarloaf Parkway, and Pleasant Hill Road, connecting to I-85 and central Atlanta.
A diverse and growing community
Duluth has experienced remarkable growth, evolving from a small settlement of 242 in 1880 to a thriving suburb of over 31,000 today. As of the 2020 United States census, there were 31,873 people, 11,202 households, and 7,634 families residing in the city.
Duluth's population grew by an extraordinary 205.4% between 1980 and 1990, and another 145.0% between 1990 and 2000, reflecting the massive suburban expansion of the Atlanta metro area. The city continues steady growth of approximately 20% per decade.
Famous residents and natives of Duluth, Georgia
First woman elected mayor in Georgia (1922)
1980 Heisman Trophy winner, Duluth High School graduate
MLB catcher (Atlanta Braves), Duluth High School graduate
Actress and entertainer
Reality TV personality and actress
Professional golfer, PGA Tour winner
WWE Hall of Fame wrestler
Viral YouTube musician
Actor, podcaster, TV host, 2x GA cheerleading champ
Professional soccer player
American-Israeli basketball player
Poet and former president of Louisiana College