Hall County, Georgia

Hall County
County
Hall County courthouse in Gainesville
Seal Logo
Location within the U.S. state of Georgia
Georgia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 34°19′N83°49′W / 34.32°N 83.82°W / 34.32; -83.82
Country	United States
State	Georgia
Founded	December 15, 1818;205 years ago (1818-12-15)
Named for	Lyman Hall
Seat	Gainesville
Largest city	Gainesville
Area
• Total	429 sq mi (1,110 km2)
• Land	393 sq mi (1,020 km2)
• Water	37 sq mi (100 km2)  8.5%
Population  (2020)
• Total	203,136
• Density	470/sq mi (180/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district	9th
Website	hallcounty.org

Hall County is a county in the Northeast region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 203,136, ^[1] up from 179,684 at the 2010 census. ^[2] The county seat is Gainesville. ^[3] The entirety of Hall County comprises the Gainesville, Georgia, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also part of the Atlanta-Athens-Clarke County-Sandy Springs, Combined Statistical Area.

History

Hall County was created on December 15, 1818, from Cherokee lands ceded by the Treaty of Cherokee Agency (1817) and Treaty of Washington (1819). ^[4]

The county is named for Lyman Hall, ^[5] a signer of the Declaration of Independence and governor of Georgia as both colony and state.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 429 square miles (1,110 km²), of which 393 square miles (1,020 km²) is land and 37 square miles (96 km²) (8.5%) is water. ^[6] The county is located in the upper Piedmont region of the state in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the north.

Slightly more than half of Hall County, the eastern portion of the county, is located in the Upper Oconee River sub-basin of the Altamaha River basin, while the western half of the county is located in the Upper Chattahoochee River sub-basin of the ACF River Basin (Apalachicola-Chattahoochee-Flint River Basin). ^[7]

The Chattahoochee River gathers strength in Hall County, as immortalized in Sidney Lanier's poem, "Song of the Chattahoochee":

OUT of the hills of Habersham,
Down the valleys of Hall,
I hurry amain to reach the plain,
Run the rapid and leap the fall,
Split at the rock and together again,

Adjacent counties

• White County – north
• Habersham County – northeast
• Banks County – east
• Jackson County – southeast
• Barrow County – south
• Gwinnett County – southwest
• Forsyth County – west
• Dawson County – northwest
• Lumpkin County – northwest

Attractions

• Atlanta Botanical Garden (Gainesville)
• Brenau Downtown Center (Gainesville)
• Don Carter State Park
• Elachee Nature Science Center (Gainesville)
• Falcons Complex (Flowery Branch)
• Gainesville Theatre Alliance ^[8] (Gainesville)
• Interactive Neighborhood for Kids (Gainesville)
• Lake Lanier Islands (Buford)
• Lake Sidney Lanier
• Quinlan Visual Arts Center
• Road Atlanta (Braselton)

Transportation

Major highways

• Interstate 985
• U.S. Route 23
• U.S. Route 129
• State Route 11
• State Route 11 Business
• State Route 13
• State Route 51
• State Route 52
• State Route 53
• State Route 53 Connector
• State Route 60
• State Route 82
• State Route 115
• State Route 136
• State Route 211
• State Route 254
• State Route 283
• State Route 284
• State Route 323
• State Route 332
• State Route 347
• State Route 365
• State Route 365 Business
• State Route 369
• State Route 419 (unsigned designation for I-985)

Mass transit

• The Gainesville AMTRAK station is situated at 116 Industrial Boulevard. Amtrak's Crescent train connects Gainesville with the cities of New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Greensboro, Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham and New Orleans.
• Gainesville has a bus transit system, the Gainesville Connection, with 130 stops along three routes through Gainesville. ^[9] The Hall Area Transit Transportation System began operations in January 2001 with three buses and four mini-buses. ^[10]

Pedestrians and cycling

• Chicopee Woods Bike Trail
• Wilshire Trail

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1820	5,086		—
1830	11,748		131.0%
1840	7,875		−33.0%
1850	8,713		10.6%
1860	9,366		7.5%
1870	9,607		2.6%
1880	15,298		59.2%
1890	18,047		18.0%
1900	20,752		15.0%
1910	25,730		24.0%
1920	26,822		4.2%
1930	30,313		13.0%
1940	34,822		14.9%
1950	40,113		15.2%
1960	49,739		24.0%
1970	59,405		19.4%
1980	75,649		27.3%
1990	95,428		26.1%
2000	139,277		45.9%
2010	179,684		29.0%
2020	203,136		13.1%
2023 (est.)	217,267	[11]	7.0%
U.S. Decennial Census [12] 1790-1880 [13] 1890-1910 [14] 1920-1930 [15] 1930-1940 [16] 1940-1950 [17] 1960-1980 [18] 1980-2000 [19] 2010 [2] 2020 [1]

Hall County remains extremely rural and many of its residents reside in unincorporated areas, accounting for more than half of the county's population.

2020 census

Hall County racial composition ^[20]

Race	Num.	Perc.
White (non-Hispanic)	120,418	59.28%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)	14,256	7.02%
Native American	341	0.17%
Asian	4,198	2.07%
Pacific Islander	85	0.04%
Other/mixed	6,828	3.36%
Hispanic or Latino	57,010	28.06%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 203,136 people, 65,625 households, and 48,776 families residing in the county.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 179,684 people, 60,691 households, and 45,275 families residing in the county. ^[21] The population density was 457.5 inhabitants per square mile (176.6/km²). There were 68,825 housing units at an average density of 175.2 per square mile (67.6/km²). ^[22] The racial makeup of the county was 74.1% white, 7.4% black or African American, 1.8% Asian, 0.5% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 13.9% from other races, and 2.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 26.1% of the population. ^[21] In terms of ancestry, 16.8% were American, 10.6% were Irish, 9.3% were English, and 8.9% were German. ^[23]

Of the 60,691 households, 40.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 12.4% had a female householder with no husband present, 25.4% were non-families, and 20.3% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 3.35. The median age was 34.5 years. ^[21]

The median income for a household in the county was $50,876 and the median income for a family was $57,774. Males had a median income of $38,671 versus $31,378 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,675. About 11.3% of families and 14.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.3% of those under age 18 and 11.6% of those age 65 or over. ^[24]

2000 census

At the 2000 census, ^[25] 139,277 people, 80,381 households and 80,009 families resided in the county. The population density was 354 inhabitants per square mile (137/km²). There were 51,046 housing units at an average density of 130 per square mile (50/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 80.75% White, 7.27% Black or African American, 0.34% Native American, 1.35% Asian, 0.17% Pacific Islander, 8.75% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. About 19.56% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 80,381 households, 37.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.20% were married couples living together, 10.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.00% were not families. About 19.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.89 and the average family size was 3.26.

Age distribution was 26.90% under the age of 18, 10.80% from 18 to 24, 32.30% from 25 to 44, 20.60% from 45 to 64, and 9.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.90 males.

The median household income was $44,908, and the median family income was $50,100. Males had a median income of $31,769 versus $24,550 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,690. About 8.50% of families and 12.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.20% of those under age 18 and 14.70% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Most of the county is in the Hall County School District. Portions in the city limits of Buford and Gainesville are in the Buford City School District and the Gainesville City School District, respectively. ^[26]

Colleges and universities

• Brenau University
• Lanier Technical College
• University of North Georgia, Gainesville Campus (formerly Gainesville State College)

High schools

• Cherokee Bluff High School
• Chestatee High School
• East Hall High School
• Flowery Branch High School
• Gainesville High School
• Johnson High School
• Lakeview Academy
• North Georgia Christian School ^[27]
• North Hall High School
• Riverside Military Academy
• West Hall High School

Middle schools

• Academies of Discovery at South Hall
• Alternative Learning Center/International Center
• C. W. Davis Middle School
• Cherokee Bluff Middle School
• Chestatee Middle School
• East Hall Middle School
• Gainesville Middle School
• Lanier Career Academy
• North Georgia Christian School ^[27]
• North Hall Middle School
• West Hall Middle School
• World Language Middle School (shares building with South Hall)

Communities

Cities

• Buford (mostly in Gwinnett County)
• Flowery Branch
• Gainesville
• Gillsville (partly in Banks County)
• Lula (partly in Banks County)
• Oakwood

Towns

• Braselton (partly in Jackson, Barrow, and Gwinnett Counties)
• Clermont

Unincorporated communities

• Belmont
• Candler
• Chestnut Mountain
• Murrayville (partly in Lumpkin and White Counties)
• Chicopee
• Rabbittown

Politics

Hall County had voting patterns similar to the Solid South, voting Democrat in all presidential elections until 1968, with the exception of narrowly supporting Herbert Hoover against Catholic Democrat Al Smith in 1928. Since then, it has been won by the GOP by landslide margins, in stark contrast to nearby inner suburban counties of Atlanta, with the exception of segregationist George Wallace in 1968 and favorite son Jimmy Carter in both of his campaigns. As a measure of how rapidly it turned to the GOP, Carter’s 21-point victory in 1980 is the last time a Democrat managed even 40 percent of the county's vote. However, conservative Democrats held most state and local offices as late as 2000.

In 2022, local media reported that Hall County Solicitor General Stephanie Woodard was under investigation for allegations of theft and misuse of public funds. ^{[28] [29]}

United States presidential election results for Hall County, Georgia ^[30]

Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party(ies)
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2024	72,991	71.20%	28,347	27.65%	1,172	1.14%
2020	64,183	70.84%	25,033	27.63%	1,386	1.53%
2016	51,733	72.72%	16,180	22.74%	3,229	4.54%
2012	47,481	77.19%	12,999	21.13%	1,032	1.68%
2008	44,962	74.77%	14,457	24.04%	711	1.18%
2004	38,883	78.09%	10,514	21.12%	395	0.79%
2000	26,841	70.36%	10,259	26.89%	1,050	2.75%
1996	19,280	59.84%	10,362	32.16%	2,577	8.00%
1992	16,108	49.67%	11,214	34.58%	5,111	15.76%
1988	17,415	68.71%	7,782	30.71%	147	0.58%
1984	15,076	67.01%	7,421	32.99%	0	0.00%
1980	7,760	37.81%	12,124	59.08%	637	3.10%
1976	5,093	28.46%	12,804	71.54%	0	0.00%
1972	10,686	81.41%	2,440	18.59%	0	0.00%
1968	4,923	36.08%	3,174	23.26%	5,546	40.65%
1964	4,296	34.90%	8,003	65.01%	11	0.09%
1960	2,903	31.53%	6,303	68.47%	0	0.00%
1956	2,752	31.48%	5,989	68.52%	0	0.00%
1952	1,845	23.16%	6,121	76.84%	0	0.00%
1948	606	14.57%	3,093	74.37%	460	11.06%
1944	796	20.61%	3,066	79.37%	1	0.03%
1940	513	14.73%	2,943	84.52%	26	0.75%
1936	444	13.96%	2,731	85.85%	6	0.19%
1932	120	4.32%	2,649	95.29%	11	0.40%
1928	1,573	50.81%	1,523	49.19%	0	0.00%
1924	290	15.57%	1,398	75.04%	175	9.39%
1920	852	36.61%	1,475	63.39%	0	0.00%
1916	141	6.50%	1,662	76.59%	367	16.91%
1912	116	7.55%	1,145	74.54%	275	17.90%
1908	634	42.81%	707	47.74%	140	9.45%
1904	190	9.61%	1,135	57.41%	652	32.98%
1900	262	21.72%	880	72.97%	64	5.31%
1896	582	31.49%	1,134	61.36%	132	7.14%
1892	237	9.51%	1,526	61.26%	728	29.23%
1888	274	11.02%	2,170	87.29%	42	1.69%
1884	259	17.26%	1,242	82.74%	0	0.00%
1880	269	13.36%	1,745	86.64%	0	0.00%

See also

• State of Georgia portal

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Hall County, Georgia
• Gainesville Police Department
• List of counties in Georgia

References

1. "QuickFacts - Hall County, Georgia". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 4, 2022.
2. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 3, 2011. Retrieved February 16, 2014.
3. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
4. Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 101. ISBN   0-915430-00-2. Archived (PDF) from the original on September 17, 2003.
5. Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp.  147.
6. "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
7. "Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Interactive Mapping Experience". Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
8. Gainesville Theatre Alliance
9. "Hall Area Transit Bus Services | City of Gainesville, Georgia". www.gainesville.org. Archived from the original on November 8, 2017. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
10. "History | City of Gainesville, Georgia". www.gainesville.org. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
11. "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
12. "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". United States Census Bureau.
13. "1880 Census Population by Counties 1790-1800" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1880.
14. "1910 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1910.
15. "1930 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1930.
16. "1940 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1940.
17. "1950 Census of Population - Georgia -" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1950.
18. "1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1980.
19. "2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 2000.
20. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 13, 2021.
21. "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.
22. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 29, 2015.
23. "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.
24. "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.
25. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved May 14, 2011.
26. "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Hall County, GA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau . Retrieved May 7, 2023. - Text list
27. North Georgia Christian School
28. Travis, Randy (February 22, 2023). "Search warrant: Hall County solicitor suspected of theft". FOX 5 Atlanta. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
29. Travis, Randy (October 27, 2022). "Hall County solicitor spent public money on herself while claiming it was for victims". FOX 5 Atlanta. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
30. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 20, 2018.

External links

• Hall County Government official site
• GaGEN Web Hall County section
• Lake Lanier Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Hall County (Archived October 14, 2002, at the Wayback Machine ) web site from Roadside Georgia
• "This Day in Georgia History: December 15", Ed Jackson and Charly Pou, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, The University of Georgia
• Documents from Hall County at the Digital Library of Georgia
• Hall County Sesquicentennial historical marker
• Historic Redwine historical marker