Air Density: Atlanta vs. Colorado – Which Is Greater?

Air density is greater in Atlanta than in Colorado. Air density decreases with altitude because there is less atmospheric mass above a given volume at higher elevations.

• Atlanta, GA: Elevation ~1,050 ft (320 m) above sea level.
• Colorado (e.g., Denver): Elevation ~5,280 ft (1,609 m) above sea level.

Since Atlanta is significantly lower in elevation, its air is denser—containing more oxygen molecules per breath—which is why athletes often train at high altitude (like Colorado) to adapt to thinner air, then compete at lower altitudes for a performance advantage.