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Franklin County, Georgia

Coordinates: 34°22′N 83°14′W / 34.37°N 83.23°W / 34.37; -83.23
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Franklin County
Franklin County Courthouse in Carnesville
Franklin County Courthouse in Carnesville
Map of Georgia highlighting Franklin County
Location within the U.S. state of Georgia
Map of the United States highlighting Georgia
Georgia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 34°22′N 83°14′W / 34.37°N 83.23°W / 34.37; -83.23
Country United States
State Georgia
FoundedFebruary 25, 1784; 240 years ago (1784)
Named forBenjamin Franklin
SeatCarnesville
Largest cityLavonia
Area
 • Total
266 sq mi (690 km2)
 • Land261 sq mi (680 km2)
 • Water5.0 sq mi (13 km2)  1.15%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
23,424
 • Estimate 
(2023)
24,782 Increase
 • Density88/sq mi (34/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district9th
Websitewww.franklincountyga.gov

Franklin County is a county in the Northeast region 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]

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

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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

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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

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Education

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Franklin County School system

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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

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Colleges

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Attractions

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Transportation

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Major highways

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Airports

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Infrastructure

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Railroad

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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

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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

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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

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note
17901,041
18006,859558.9%
181010,81557.7%
18209,040−16.4%
183010,10711.8%
18409,886−2.2%
185011,51316.5%
18607,393−35.8%
18707,8936.8%
188011,45345.1%
189014,67028.1%
190017,70020.7%
191017,8941.1%
192019,95711.5%
193015,902−20.3%
194015,612−1.8%
195014,446−7.5%
196013,274−8.1%
197012,784−3.7%
198015,18518.8%
199016,6509.6%
200020,28521.8%
201022,0848.9%
202023,4246.1%
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]

2020 census

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Franklin County Racial Composition[23]
Race Num. Perc.
White 19,262 82.23%
Black or African American 1,888 8.06%
Native American 34 0.15%
Asian 261 1.11%
Pacific Islander 3 0.01%
Other/Mixed 855 3.65%
Hispanic or Latino 1,121 4.79%

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

2010 census

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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]

2000 census

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As of the census[28] 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.

Government

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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

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Cities

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Town

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Census-designated place

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Notable people

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Politics

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United States presidential election results for Franklin County, Georgia[29]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 10,459 86.15% 1,647 13.57% 34 0.28%
2020 9,069 84.23% 1,593 14.80% 105 0.98%
2016 7,054 82.50% 1,243 14.54% 253 2.96%
2012 6,114 78.62% 1,499 19.27% 164 2.11%
2008 6,069 74.90% 1,914 23.62% 120 1.48%
2004 5,218 69.43% 2,245 29.87% 52 0.69%
2000 3,659 63.50% 2,040 35.40% 63 1.09%
1996 2,364 43.79% 2,338 43.30% 697 12.91%
1992 2,391 40.37% 2,505 42.29% 1,027 17.34%
1988 2,615 58.57% 1,842 41.25% 8 0.18%
1984 2,549 58.10% 1,838 41.90% 0 0.00%
1980 1,387 27.96% 3,528 71.13% 45 0.91%
1976 687 14.08% 4,192 85.92% 0 0.00%
1972 2,022 82.30% 435 17.70% 0 0.00%
1968 716 17.16% 766 18.36% 2,691 64.49%
1964 864 23.84% 2,758 76.10% 2 0.06%
1960 308 8.76% 3,209 91.24% 0 0.00%
1956 253 7.85% 2,968 92.15% 0 0.00%
1952 373 11.39% 2,902 88.61% 0 0.00%
1948 138 10.38% 1,036 77.95% 155 11.66%
1944 328 19.24% 1,377 80.76% 0 0.00%
1940 222 12.18% 1,579 86.66% 21 1.15%
1936 238 12.73% 1,621 86.73% 10 0.54%
1932 78 5.34% 1,361 93.16% 22 1.51%
1928 801 50.99% 770 49.01% 0 0.00%
1924 109 12.93% 618 73.31% 116 13.76%
1920 447 33.46% 889 66.54% 0 0.00%
1916 44 2.46% 1,540 86.03% 206 11.51%
1912 26 2.47% 694 66.03% 331 31.49%

See also

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References

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  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. Archived from the original on March 31, 2012. 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. Archived from the original on January 10, 2015. 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. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
  9. ^ "Georgia School Reports | Georgia School Reports". schoolgrades.georgia.gov. Archived from the original on July 13, 2020. 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)[permanent dead link][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. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  24. ^ a b c "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. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  29. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
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34°22′N 83°14′W / 34.37°N 83.23°W / 34.37; -83.23