Georgia cities Atlanta, Macon, Savannah, Columbus, and Augusta are among the areas where residents are most likely to rely on pawnshop loans for quick cash, according to a recent study by BadCredit.org.
What’s Happening: The study analyzed short-term loan reliance across U.S. cities, identifying the top locations where people lean heavily on options like pawnshop loans. Miami, Florida, ranked first overall, followed by Las Vegas. Atlanta was the highest-ranking city in Georgia, landing in third place nationwide.
Other Georgia cities—Macon (31st), Savannah (33rd), Columbus (94th), and Augusta (95th)—also stood out in the analysis.
Why It Matters: Economic pressures, including rising living costs for essentials such as groceries and fuel, are leaving many Georgians with few financial alternatives. Short-term loans, including pawnshop loans, provide immediate cash but can come with high interest rates or risks of forfeiting valuable items.
Why This Should Catch Your Attention: For many households, traditional financial safety nets are insufficient. The inclusion of several Georgia cities shows regional struggles with income disparity and affordability. Atlanta, for instance, has a significant wealth gap, which may contribute to its high ranking.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
