30518 — Buford / Sugar Hill
Buford/Sugar Hill, Gwinnett County, Georgia • North Metro
Buford and Sugar Hill 30518 offer family-friendly living near Lake Lanier and the Mall of Georgia.
What is zip code 30518?
30518 is a zip code in Buford / Sugar Hill, Buford/Sugar Hill, Georgia, located in Gwinnett County (North Metro). It has a population of 57,912 and is known for its lake living, shopping, family-friendly character.
Who Is 30518 Best For?
Buford / Sugar Hill offers a diverse community, low crime rates, a strong family presence.
Living in Buford / Sugar Hill (30518)
Buford / Sugar Hill is located in the North Metro area of metro Atlanta within Gwinnett County. With a population of 57,912 residents, it's a larger-than-average community that's known for its lake living, shopping, family-friendly character.
The median household income here is $96,936, which is close to the metro Atlanta average of $94,791. The area has lower-than-average crime rates, making it one of the safer areas in the metro.
Day-to-day, 30518 is car-dependent — most errands require a vehicle, which is typical of suburban Atlanta. The average commute time is 35 minutes, longer than the metro average of 31 minutes. Residents describe the vibe as lake living, shopping, family-friendly.
30518 Demographics & Statistics
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates. Comparisons vs. metro Atlanta averages.
57,912
$96,936
$405,000
$1,735/mo
36 years
62%
52%
35 min
2.8
Racial & Age Demographics in 30518
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates (Tables B03002, B01001).
Race & Ethnicity in Buford / Sugar Hill
Age Distribution
Who Lives in 30518?
Buford / Sugar Hill (30518) is a highly diverse community of 57,912 residents. The population is 49.7% White and 22.6% Hispanic/Latino, with 12.6% Black.
The area shows a strong family orientation with many children. The largest age cohort is 35–54 (29.8%), followed by under 18 (29.5%). With 29.5% of the population under 18, school quality and family amenities are key factors for residents here.
5-Year Trends in 30518 (2019–2024)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2019 & 2024 5-Year Estimates. Income in nominal dollars.
2019
53,780
2024
57,912
2019
$80,839
2024
$96,936
2019
$244,500
2024
$405,000
Over the past five years, Buford / Sugar Hill has seen significant population growth (+8%), with median incomes rising 20%. Home values have surged 66%, reflecting strong demand in the area.
Real Estate & Cost of Living in 30518
The median home value in Buford / Sugar Hill is $405,000, making the area moderately affordable relative to local incomes (home price-to-income ratio of 4.2x). Home values are close to the metro Atlanta average of $428,660.
Renters pay a median of $1,735 per month. The homeownership rate is 62%, indicating a predominantly owner-occupied community. The average household size is 2.8 people.
Home Value
$405,000
Monthly Rent
$1,735
Ownership Rate
62%
Price-to-Income
4.2x
Transportation & Walkability
22
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
5
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
35 min
Avg Commute
Average Commute
Buford / Sugar Hill has a walk score of 22/100 and transit score of 5/100. Public transit options are limited — most residents rely on personal vehicles. The average commute time of 35 minutes is above the metro Atlanta average.
Employment & Education
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
27% below avgCollege Educated
52%
8% above avgMedian Income
$96,936
Near avgAbout 52% of adults in Buford / Sugar Hill hold a college degree, close to the metro Atlanta average. The unemployment rate is 3.2%, below the metro average, indicating a strong local job market.
Safety & Crime in 30518
Zip code 30518 has lower-than-average crime rates, making it one of the safer areas in the metro. Residents generally report feeling safe walking in the neighborhood during the day and evening. Crime data is an editorial estimate based on local police reports and community surveys.
Neighborhoods in 30518
The 30518 zip code encompasses 3 distinct neighborhoods, each contributing to the area's lake living, shopping, family-friendly identity. Key neighborhoods include Buford, Sugar Hill, and Lake Lanier area.
Landmarks & Points of Interest
- Mall of Georgia
- Lake Lanier
- Sugar Hill Greenway
- E Center
Buford / Sugar Hill is home to 4 notable landmarks and attractions, including Mall of Georgia and Lake Lanier. These destinations contribute to the area's local character and draw visitors from across metro Atlanta.
Schools in 30518 — Ratings & Enrollment
Ratings on a 1–10 scale based on test scores, student progress, and equity metrics.
- Buford High School
- Lanier High School
Gwinnett County Schools — District Overview
8/10
District Rating
180,000
Students
85%
Grad Rate
$10,800
Per Pupil
Strengths: Largest district in GA, strong academics, diverse programs
Families in 30518 have access to 2 schools in and around the area. The Gwinnett County School District serves this zip code.
Restaurants & Dining in Buford / Sugar Hill
- Mall of Georgia dining
- Downtown Sugar Hill
The dining scene in Buford / Sugar Hill reflects its lake living, shopping, family-friendly character. Local favorites include Mall of Georgia dining and Downtown Sugar Hill, among others.
Parks & Recreation in 30518
- Sugar Hill Greenway
- Gary Pirkle Park
- Lake Lanier
Outdoor enthusiasts in 30518 enjoy 3 parks and green spaces.Sugar Hill Greenway 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 |
Related Zip Codes Near 30518
Explore neighboring zip codes in the North Metro area — compare demographics, housing, and lifestyle at a glance.
Frequently Asked Questions About 30518
What is the population of zip 30518 Atlanta?
The population of zip code 30518 (Buford / Sugar Hill) in Atlanta, GA is 57,912 according to ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Atlanta zip 30518?
The median household income in zip code 30518 (Buford / Sugar Hill) is $96,936 per year.
What are home prices in zip 30518?
The median home value in zip code 30518 (Buford / Sugar Hill) is $405,000. Median rent is $1,735/month.
What schools serve zip 30518?
Schools serving zip code 30518 include Buford High School, Lanier High School. The area is part of the Gwinnett County school system.
What neighborhoods are in Atlanta zip 30518?
Zip code 30518 includes the neighborhoods of Buford, Sugar Hill, Lake Lanier area in the North Metro area of metro Atlanta.
What is the Mall of Georgia?
One of Georgia's largest shopping centers with 200+ stores.
Is Sugar Hill a good place to live?
Popular for parks, E Center, and Lake Lanier proximity.
How far is Lake Lanier?
Just minutes north of 30518.
Related Zip Codes Near 30518
Explore neighboring zip codes and areas similar to Buford / Sugar Hill in metro Atlanta.
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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.