30238 — Riverdale / Lake City
Riverdale, Clayton County, Georgia • South Metro
Riverdale 30238 offers some of metro Atlanta's most affordable housing in Clayton County south of the airport.
What is zip code 30238?
30238 is a zip code in Riverdale / Lake City, Riverdale, Georgia, located in Clayton County (South Metro). It has a population of 42,500 and is known for its very affordable, diverse, airport-accessible character.
Who Is 30238 Best For?
Riverdale / Lake City offers a moderately diverse area, a strong family presence.
Living in Riverdale / Lake City (30238)
Riverdale / Lake City is located in the South Metro area of metro Atlanta within Clayton County. With a population of 42,500 residents, it's a mid-sized community that's known for its very affordable, diverse, airport-accessible character.
The median household income here is $62,185, which is 34% below the metro Atlanta average of $94,791. The area has above-average crime rates, though conditions continue to evolve with ongoing development.
Day-to-day, 30238 is car-dependent — most errands require a vehicle, which is typical of suburban Atlanta. The average commute time is 32 minutes, longer than the metro average of 31 minutes. Residents describe the vibe as very affordable, diverse, airport-accessible.
30238 Demographics & Statistics
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates. Comparisons vs. metro Atlanta averages.
42,500
$62,185
$232,300
$1,588/mo
33 years
38%
22%
32 min
2.8
Racial & Age Demographics in 30238
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates (Tables B03002, B01001).
Race & Ethnicity in Riverdale / Lake City
Age Distribution
Who Lives in 30238?
Riverdale / Lake City (30238) is a predominantly Black community of 42,500 residents. The population is 72.3% Black and 15.8% Hispanic/Latino, with 7% White.
The area shows a strong family orientation with many children. The largest age cohort is under 18 (28.4%), followed by 35–54 (27.9%). With 28.4% of the population under 18, school quality and family amenities are key factors for residents here.
5-Year Trends in 30238 (2019–2024)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2019 & 2024 5-Year Estimates. Income in nominal dollars.
2019
39,084
2024
42,500
2019
$52,390
2024
$62,185
2019
$104,000
2024
$232,300
Over the past five years, Riverdale / Lake City has seen significant population growth (+9%), with median incomes rising 19%. Home values have surged 123%, reflecting strong demand in the area.
Real Estate & Cost of Living in 30238
The median home value in Riverdale / Lake City is $232,300, making the area affordable relative to local incomes (home price-to-income ratio of 3.7x). Homes here are about 46% less expensive than the metro average of $428,660.
Renters pay a median of $1,588 per month. The homeownership rate is 38%, showing a balanced mix of owners and renters. The average household size is 2.8 people.
Home Value
$232,300
Monthly Rent
$1,588
Ownership Rate
38%
Price-to-Income
3.7x
Transportation & Walkability
18
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
15
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
32 min
Avg Commute
Average Commute
Riverdale / Lake City has a walk score of 18/100 and transit score of 15/100. Public transit options are limited — most residents rely on personal vehicles. The average commute time of 32 minutes is above the metro Atlanta average.
Employment & Education
Unemployment Rate
7%
59% above avgCollege Educated
22%
54% below avgMedian Income
$62,185
34% below avgThe college-degree rate in Riverdale / Lake City is 22%, below the metro average of 48%. The unemployment rate is 7%, above the metro average.
Safety & Crime in 30238
Zip code 30238 has above-average crime rates, though conditions continue to evolve with ongoing development. Community policing and neighborhood watch programs are active in the area. Crime data is an editorial estimate based on local police reports and community surveys.
Neighborhoods in 30238
The 30238 zip code encompasses 3 distinct neighborhoods, each contributing to the area's very affordable, diverse, airport-accessible identity. Key neighborhoods include Riverdale, Lake City, and Morrow (border).
Landmarks & Points of Interest
- Riverdale Town Center
- Southern Regional Medical Center
Riverdale / Lake City is home to 2 notable landmarks and attractions, including Riverdale Town Center and Southern Regional Medical Center. These destinations contribute to the area's local character and draw visitors from across metro Atlanta.
Schools in 30238 — Ratings & Enrollment
Ratings on a 1–10 scale based on test scores, student progress, and equity metrics.
- Riverdale High School
- Morrow High School
Families in 30238 have access to 2 schools in and around the area. The Clayton County School District serves this zip code.
Restaurants & Dining in Riverdale / Lake City
- Riverdale corridor dining
The dining scene in Riverdale / Lake City reflects its very affordable, diverse, airport-accessible character. Local favorites include Riverdale corridor dining, among others.
Parks & Recreation in 30238
- Riverdale Recreational Park
- Reynolds Nature Preserve
Outdoor enthusiasts in 30238 enjoy 2 parks and green spaces.Riverdale Recreational Park is a local favorite for recreation, walking, and community events.
Atlanta vs. Other Sun Belt Metros
How Atlanta compares to Charlotte, Nashville, and Dallas on key metrics.
| Metro | Income | Home Value | Rent | Walk | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta ⭐ | $95K | $429K | $2K | 37 | 31 min |
| Charlotte | $68K | $395K | $1K | 35 | 27 min |
| Nashville | $72K | $445K | $2K | 30 | 28 min |
| Dallas | $65K | $380K | $1K | 28 | 30 min |
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Frequently Asked Questions About 30238
What is the population of zip 30238 Atlanta?
The population of zip code 30238 (Riverdale / Lake City) in Atlanta, GA is 42,500 according to ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Atlanta zip 30238?
The median household income in zip code 30238 (Riverdale / Lake City) is $62,185 per year.
What are home prices in zip 30238?
The median home value in zip code 30238 (Riverdale / Lake City) is $232,300. Median rent is $1,588/month.
What schools serve zip 30238?
Schools serving zip code 30238 include Riverdale High School, Morrow High School. The area is part of the Clayton County school system.
What neighborhoods are in Atlanta zip 30238?
Zip code 30238 includes the neighborhoods of Riverdale, Lake City, Morrow (border) in the South Metro area of metro Atlanta.
Is Riverdale affordable?
Median home value of $175,000, among metro Atlanta's most affordable.
What county is Riverdale in?
Clayton County.
Is Riverdale near the airport?
About 10 miles south of Hartsfield-Jackson Airport.
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About This Data
Demographics and housing statistics are sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 2024 5-Year Estimates. Walk Score and Transit Score are editorial estimates. Crime Index is based on local police department data and community surveys. All figures are approximations and may not reflect the most current conditions. Last updated March 2026.