Sylvester
citySylvester, 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
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 13-75188
- Country
- United States
- County
- Worth County
- 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
- 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.
- 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















- 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)
- Schools
- 4
- Students
- 4,354
- Teachers
- 296
- School Districts
- Worth County School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Southern Regional Technical College (nearby in Sumner)
- 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
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Jeffords Park · Grave's Lahorn Park
- Parks & Trails
- City Park
- 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
