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Sylvester

city

Sylvester, Georgia, the county seat of Worth County, is located in the southwestern part of the state. Known as the "Peanut Capital of the World" due to its significant role in peanut production, the city had a population of approximately 5,557 in 2023. Sylvester offers a small-town atmosphere with a strong connection to its agricultural roots. Sylvester's economy is centered around agriculture, particularly peanut farming, which contributes significantly to the local economy. Other key industries include retail trade, healthcare, and social assistance. The city provides essential municipal services such as police, fire, and public works, and is served by the Worth County School District. Founded as Isabella Station in 1893 and later renamed in 1894, Sylvester officially incorporated in 1898. The city's historical landmarks and annual Georgia Peanut Festival reflect its heritage and community spirit. Sylvester's location along U.S. Highway 82 makes it an accessible hub in the region.

Sylvester, Georgia

Overview
Classification
City
FIPS Code
13-75188
Country
United States
County
Worth County
Geography
Region
Southwest Georgia
Elevation
387 ft
Total Area
6.6 sq mi
Land Area
6.56 sq mi
Water Area
0.039 sq mi
Latitude
31.53139
Longitude
-83.83611
Climate
Humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
Notable Features
Flint River (nearby) · Lake Blackshear (nearby)
Neighboring Areas
Poulan · Sumner · Warwick
Demographics
Population (2020)
5,644
Est. Population (2025)
5,497
Median Age
42.2
Median Income
$59,808
Poverty Rate
24.9%
Family Households
70.3%
Owner-Occupied
58.6%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
The racial makeup of Sylvester is approximately 58.5% Black or African American, 35.8% White, 3.9% Two or More Races, 1.0% Asian, and 0.68% Other.
Governance
Government Type
Council-Manager
Governing Body
City Council
Body Size
4 members
School District
Worth County School District
Municipal Services
Police · Fire · Public Works · Administration
Economy
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
Economic Profile
Agricultural · Commercial
Employment Sectors
Retail Trade · Health Care & Social Assistance · Construction · Agriculture · Food Processing
Major Employers
Peter Pan Peanut Butter (manufacturing in Sylvester)
Education
Schools
4
Students
4,354
Teachers
296
School Districts
Worth County School District
Colleges & Universities
Southern Regional Technical College (nearby in Sumner)
Infrastructure
Transportation
U.S. Highway 82 · Georgia State Route 33 · Georgia State Route 256
Utilities
Electric power (Georgia Power Company) · Municipal water · Sanitary sewerage system
Major Facilities
Worth County Hospital
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Jeffords Park · Grave's Lahorn Park
Parks & Trails
City Park
History
Founded
1893
Incorporated
1898
Named After
A prominent local family
Historical Significance
Sylvester is significant as the 'Peanut Capital of the World,' a major agricultural hub in Georgia, and the county seat of Worth County.
Key Events
Established as Isabella Station in 1893 · Renamed Sylvester in 1894 · County seat of Worth County in 1904 · Home to Peter Pan Peanut Butter manufacturing