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Elbert County

county

Elbert County, located in the northeastern part of Georgia, had a population of 19,637 in 2020. The county seat is Elberton. Elbert County offers a blend of rural charm and historical significance, with a landscape characterized by rolling hills and bordered by the Savannah and Broad Rivers. The county is known as the 'Granite Capital of the World' due to its rich granite deposits and thriving granite industry. Elbert County's economy is rooted in the granite industry, which has been a major employer since the late 19th century. Other key sectors include manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. The county also benefits from its proximity to the Savannah River, with lakes such as Clarks Hill Lake and Russell Lake providing opportunities for water-based recreation. Elbert County's distinctiveness lies in its historical roots, tracing back to pre-Revolutionary War settlement and its role in the early development of Georgia. The county was named for Samuel Elbert, a Revolutionary War hero and former Georgia governor. The area is also known for its granite heritage, which has shaped its economy and culture, making it a unique part of the Georgia Piedmont.

Elbert County, Georgia

Overview
Classification
County
FIPS Code
13105
Country
United States
County
Elbert County
Geography
Region
northeast Georgia Piedmont
Total Area
374 sq mi
Land Area
351 sq mi
Water Area
23 sq mi
Latitude
34.11
Longitude
-82.84
Climate
The county is located in the Piedmont region of Georgia.
Notable Features
Clarks Hill Lake · Russell Lake · Savannah River · Broad River
Neighboring Areas
Hart County, GA · Lincoln County, GA · Madison County, GA · Oglethorpe County, GA · Wilkes County, GA · Abbeville County, SC · Anderson County, SC · McCormick County, SC
Demographics
Population (2020)
19,637
Est. Population (2024)
20,152
Median Age
42.4
Median Income
$49,727
Poverty Rate
20.6%
Owner-Occupied
68.6%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
In 2023, the racial makeup of the county was 62.8% White (Non-Hispanic), 25.6% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 3.39% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 2.01% White (Hispanic), and 1.92% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic).
Economy
Unemployment Rate
3%
Economic Profile
Rural, agricultural, granite industry
Employment Sectors
Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
Education
Schools
5
Students
3,076
Teachers
214
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
Graduation Rate
87%
School Districts
Elbert County School District
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Bobby Brown Park · Clarks Hill Lake · Russell Lake
Parks & Trails
McWilliams Playground
History
Founded
1790
Named After
Samuel Elbert
Historical Significance
Elbert County holds significance as one of Georgia's original counties, named after a Revolutionary War hero and former governor, and for its long-standing granite industry.
Key Events
Split from Wilkes County in 1790 · Early settlement in 1784 by pioneers from Virginia and the Carolinas · Establishment of Petersburg as a commercial center