CDFI Deserts Are Real & Found Across Georgia
A “CDFI desert” is defined by two key factors: a high concentration of census tracts experiencing economic distress and CDFI lending that falls short of the national per capita average. In Georgia, over half of the state’s counties have areas where more than 50% of the census tracts meet criteria for economic need, yet receive significantly less capital per person than the national benchmark. For instance, while the national average CDFI financing per capita stands at roughly $714, many parts of Georgia fall well below that level—indicating a deep and persistent shortfall in community investment. Even though Georgia is home to more than 30 certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), the distribution of their lending is highly uneven. A large portion of available federal funding and technical capital remains concentrated in the Atlanta metropolitan area, leaving rural, micropolitan, and some urban pockets with limited access.


Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta