Franklin County, Georgia

Last updated

Franklin County
FRANKLIN COUNTY COURTHOUSE.jpg
Franklin County Courthouse in Carnesville
Map of Georgia highlighting Franklin County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Georgia
Georgia in United States.svg
Georgia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 34°22′N83°14′W / 34.37°N 83.23°W / 34.37; -83.23
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Georgia (U.S. state).svg  Georgia
FoundedFebruary 25, 1784;240 years ago (1784)
Named for Benjamin Franklin
Seat Carnesville
Largest city Lavonia
Area
  Total266 sq mi (690 km2)
  Land261 sq mi (680 km2)
  Water5.0 sq mi (13 km2)  1.15%
Population
 (2020)
  Total23,424
  Density90/sq mi (30/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
  Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district 9th
Website www.franklincountyga.gov

Franklin County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,424. [1] The county seat is Carnesville. [2] On February 25, 1784, Franklin and Washington became Georgia's eighth and ninth counties, [3] with Franklin named in honor of patriot Benjamin Franklin. [4]

Contents

In its original form, Franklin County included all of the territory now in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Oconee, and Stephens counties, and parts of the modern-day Gwinnett, Hall, Hart, and Madison counties, as well as three counties that are now part of South Carolina. Franklin County has several miles of shoreline on Lake Hartwell.

Economic development

The Franklin County Industrial Building Authority, one of only seven created by a Georgia constitutional amendment, [5] actively seeks and recruits new industries to the county. The Authority consists of seven members: each of the five mayors from the cities within Franklin County, and two at-large members selected by the Board of Commissioners. [6]

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 266 square miles (690 km2), of which 261 square miles (680 km2) is land and 5.0 square miles (13 km2) (1.9%) is water. [7] The county is located in the Piedmont region of the state.

The majority of Franklin County is located in the Broad River sub-basin of the Savannah River basin, with just the northeastern corner, north of Lavonia, located in the Tugaloo River sub-basin of the same Savannah River basin. [8] Franklin County is also located on Lake Hartwell.

Adjacent counties

Education

Franklin County School system

The Franklin County School District (Georgia) supports grades from kindergarten to grade twelve. The system consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one alternative school. The Franklin County School System has a staff of over 600 and an enrollment of 3570 as of 2020. The system boasts a 90.7% graduation rate. [9] FCSS is the largest employer in Franklin County. [10]

Private schools

Colleges

Attractions

Transportation

Major highways

Airports

Infrastructure

Railroad

The Hartwell Railroad operates freight service through the eastern portion of Franklin County throughout the Martin, Lavonia, Canon, and Royston areas on the former Norfolk Southern line from Toccoa to Elberton. [11]

Utilities

Electric service in Franklin County is provided by two customer-owned electric cooperatives, Hart EMC and Jackson EMC, as well as by Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company. Water utilities are provided by the cities of Lavonia, Martin, Royston, and Carnesville as well as by Franklin County in rural areas. Natural gas is supplied by the cities of Toccoa and Royston.

Hospital

St. Mary's Healthcare System operates St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia which is the only hospital in Franklin County. The hospital features 56 inpatient beds, a 24/7 Emergency Department, a Critical Care Unit, 4 surgical suites, and an open to the public gym. [12]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1790 1,041
1800 6,859558.9%
1810 10,81557.7%
1820 9,040−16.4%
1830 10,10711.8%
1840 9,886−2.2%
1850 11,51316.5%
1860 7,393−35.8%
1870 7,8936.8%
1880 11,45345.1%
1890 14,67028.1%
1900 17,70020.7%
1910 17,8941.1%
1920 19,95711.5%
1930 15,902−20.3%
1940 15,612−1.8%
1950 14,446−7.5%
1960 13,274−8.1%
1970 12,784−3.7%
1980 15,18518.8%
1990 16,6509.6%
2000 20,28521.8%
2010 22,0848.9%
2020 23,4246.1%
2023 (est.)24,782 [13] 5.8%
U.S. Decennial Census [14]
1790-1880 [15] 1890-1910 [16]
1920-1930 [17] 1930-1940 [18]
1940-1950 [19] 1960-1980 [20]
1980-2000 [21] 2010 [22]

2000 census

As of the census [23] of 2000, there were 20,285 people, 7,888 households, and 5,695 families living in the county. The population density was 77 people per square mile (30 people/km2). There were 9,303 housing units at an average density of 35 units per square mile (14 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 89.49% White, 8.83% Black or African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.41% from other races, and 0.78% from two or more races. 0.92% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 7,888 households, out of which 31.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.20% were married couples living together, 10.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were non-families. 24.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.90% under the age of 18, 9.60% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 15.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 94.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,134, and the median income for a family was $38,463. Males had a median income of $29,474 versus $21,051 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,767. About 11.00% of families and 13.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.80% of those under age 18 and 18.50% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 22,084 people, 8,540 households, and 5,979 families living in the county. [24] The population density was 84.5 inhabitants per square mile (32.6/km2). There were 10,553 housing units at an average density of 40.4 units per square mile (15.6 units/km2). [25] The racial makeup of the county was 87.3% white, 8.4% black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 1.9% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.9% of the population. [24] In terms of ancestry, 17.6% were American, 9.7% were Irish, 9.7% were English, and 8.0% were German. [26]

Of the 8,540 households, 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.6% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.0% were non-families, and 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.00. The median age was 40.9 years. [24]

The median income for a household in the county was $36,739 and the median income for a family was $44,667. Males had a median income of $33,718 versus $28,713 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,276. About 14.3% of families and 17.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.5% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over. [27]

2020 census

Franklin County Racial Composition [28]
RaceNum.Perc.
White 19,26282.23%
Black or African American 1,8888.06%
Native American 340.15%
Asian 2611.11%
Pacific Islander 30.01%
Other/Mixed 8553.65%
Hispanic or Latino 1,1214.79%

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 23,424 people, 8,460 households, and 6,123 families residing in the county.

Government

Franklin County is governed by a five-member board of commissioners, whose members are elected from multi-member districts. They serve alternating four-year terms. The county has a county manager system of government, in which day-to-day operation of the county is handled by a manager appointed by the board. The chairman of the Board of Commissioners is elected by the citizens of the county.

Communities

Cities

Town

Census-designated place

Notable people

Politics

United States presidential election results for Franklin County, Georgia [29]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No.%No.%No.%
2020 9,06984.23%1,59314.80%1050.98%
2016 7,05482.50%1,24314.54%2532.96%
2012 6,11478.62%1,49919.27%1642.11%
2008 6,06974.90%1,91423.62%1201.48%
2004 5,21869.43%2,24529.87%520.69%
2000 3,65963.50%2,04035.40%631.09%
1996 2,36443.79%2,33843.30%69712.91%
1992 2,39140.37%2,50542.29%1,02717.34%
1988 2,61558.57%1,84241.25%80.18%
1984 2,54958.10%1,83841.90%00.00%
1980 1,38727.96%3,52871.13%450.91%
1976 68714.08%4,19285.92%00.00%
1972 2,02282.30%43517.70%00.00%
1968 71617.16%76618.36%2,69164.49%
1964 86423.84%2,75876.10%20.06%
1960 3088.76%3,20991.24%00.00%
1956 2537.85%2,96892.15%00.00%
1952 37311.39%2,90288.61%00.00%
1948 13810.38%1,03677.95%15511.66%
1944 32819.24%1,37780.76%00.00%
1940 22212.18%1,57986.66%211.15%
1936 23812.73%1,62186.73%100.54%
1932 785.34%1,36193.16%221.51%
1928 80150.99%77049.01%00.00%
1924 10912.93%61873.31%11613.76%
1920 44733.46%88966.54%00.00%
1916 442.46%1,54086.03%20611.51%
1912 262.47%69466.03%33131.49%

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franklin County, Alabama</span> County in Alabama, United States

Franklin County is a county located in the U.S. state of Alabama. As of the 2020 census, the population was 32,113. Its county seat is Russellville. Its name is in honor of Benjamin Franklin, famous statesman, scientist, and printer. It is a dry county, although the city of Russellville is wet.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Whitfield County, Georgia</span> County in Georgia, United States

Whitfield County is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census shows a population of 102,864. The county seat is Dalton. The county was created on December 30, 1851, and named after George Whitefield, Methodist evangelist. The "e" was omitted to reflect the pronunciation of his name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White County, Georgia</span> County in Georgia, United States

White County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,003. The county seat is Cleveland. The county was created on December 22, 1857, formerly a part of Habersham County and most likely was named for Newton County Representative David T. White, who helped a Habersham representative successfully attain passage of an act creating the new county.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stephens County, Georgia</span> County in Georgia, United States

Stephens County is a county in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia, in the Piedmont and near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is bounded by the Tugaloo River and Lake Hartwell on the east. As of the 2020 census, the population was 26,784. The county seat is Toccoa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polk County, Georgia</span> County in Georgia, United States

Polk County is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 42,853. The county seat is Cedartown. The county was created on December 20, 1851, by an act of the Georgia General Assembly and named after James K. Polk, the eleventh President of the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hart County, Georgia</span> County in Georgia, United States

Hart County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,828. The county seat is Hartwell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fannin County, Georgia</span> County in Georgia, United States

Fannin County is a county located in the north central portion of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,319. It is one of the most rural counties in Georgia due its location in the Appalachian Mountain Range, with about 90% of the population of Fannin County living in unincorporated lands. The county seat and largest city is Blue Ridge. The county was created on January 21, 1854, and is named after James Fannin, a veteran who fought in the Texas Revolution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Catoosa County, Georgia</span> County in Georgia, United States

Catoosa County is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 67,872. The county seat is Ringgold. The county was created on December 5, 1853. The meaning of the Cherokee language name "Catoosa" is obscure: "Catoosa" may come from the Cherokee words gatusi or gatu'gitse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Banks County, Georgia</span> County in Georgia, United States

Banks County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,035, down from 18,395 in 2010. The county seat is Homer. The Old Banks County Courthouse is located in Homer and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A new county courthouse was constructed adjacent to the old one in 1983.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bowman, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Bowman is a city in Elbert County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the city had a population of 872.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canon, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Canon is a city in Franklin and Hart counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. The population was 804 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carnesville, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Carnesville is a city in Franklin County, Georgia, United States, and the county seat. Located in the center of Franklin County in northeastern Georgia, approximately 85 miles (137 km) from Atlanta, Carnesville had a population of 713 as of 2020. It is the fourth most populous city in the county.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Franklin Springs, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Franklin Springs is a city in Franklin County, Georgia, United States. The population was 952 at the 2010 census, up from 762 in 2000. Emmanuel University is located here.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gumlog, Georgia</span> Place in Georgia, United States

Gumlog is an unincorporated lakeside community and census-designated place in Franklin County, Georgia, United States. The population was 2,146 at the 2010 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lavonia, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Lavonia is a city in Franklin and Hart Counties, Georgia, United States. The population was 2,156 at the 2010 census, up from 1,827 at the 2000 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Martin, Georgia</span> Town in Georgia, United States

Martin is a town in Stephens and Franklin counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. The population was 381 at the 2010 census, up from 311 in 2000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Royston, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Royston is a city in Franklin, Hart, and Madison counties in the U.S. state of Georgia. The population was 2,649 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bowersville, Georgia</span> Town in Georgia, United States

Bowersville is a town in Hart County, Georgia, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town had a population of 444.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hartwell, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Hartwell is a city in Hart County, Georgia, United States. The population was 4,469 at the 2010 census. The city is the county seat of Hart County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ila, Georgia</span> City in Georgia, United States

Ila is a city in Madison County, Georgia, United States. The population was 350 at the 2020 census.

References

  1. "Census - Geography Profile: Franklin County, Georgia". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved December 27, 2022.
  2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. "Franklin County : County Profile". Georgia State Government. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
  4. Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp.  131.
  5. "Directory of Registered Local Government Authorities". www.dca.state.ga.us. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  6. "Franklin County Industrial Building Authority". Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Archived from the original on August 26, 2014. Retrieved August 24, 2014.
  7. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  8. "Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Interactive Mapping Experience". Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
  9. "Georgia School Reports | Georgia School Reports". schoolgrades.georgia.gov. Retrieved July 12, 2020.
  10. www.franklin.k12.ga.us http://www.franklin.k12.ga.us/about/fcss . Retrieved July 12, 2020.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)[ title missing ]
  11. "Hartwell Railroad Company".
  12. "St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital - Emergency | Lavonia, GA".
  13. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  14. "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". United States Census Bureau.
  15. "1880 Census Population by Counties 1790-1800" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1880.
  16. "1910 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1910.
  17. "1930 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1930.
  18. "1940 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1940.
  19. "1950 Census of Population - Georgia -" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1950.
  20. "1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1980.
  21. "2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 2000.
  22. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 7, 2011. Retrieved February 15, 2014.
  23. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  24. 1 2 3 "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  25. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  26. "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  27. "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
  28. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  29. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 19, 2018.

34°22′N83°14′W / 34.37°N 83.23°W / 34.37; -83.23