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Heard County

county

Heard County, located in west-central Georgia along the Alabama border, is a rural county known for its scenic beauty and tight-knit community. The county was established in 1830 and named after Stephen Heard, a Revolutionary War patriot and former Georgia governor. As of 2023, the population was around 11,616. Franklin, the county seat, serves as the central hub and is almost centrally located between Carrollton, Newnan, LaGrange, Hogansville and Roanoke, Alabama. The economy of Heard County is diverse, with key industries including construction, manufacturing, and retail trade. Forestry has also been a historically significant part of the economy. The county is home to a satellite campus of West Georgia Technical College, contributing to workforce development. Heard County's GDP was $2 billion in 2022, making up 0.2% of Georgia's overall GDP. Heard County offers a blend of historical charm and natural attractions. The Chattahoochee River runs through the county, providing recreational opportunities, and the Heard County Historical Society maintains a museum in Franklin. With its award-winning school system, low taxes, and abundant recreational opportunities, Heard County provides a high quality of life for its residents.

Heard County, Georgia

Overview
Classification
County
Country
United States
County
Heard County
Geography
Region
West Central
Total Area
301 sq mi
Land Area
296 sq mi
Water Area
5.1 sq mi
Latitude
33.3
Longitude
-85.13
Notable Features
Chattahoochee River · West Point Lake · Blackjack Mountain
Neighboring Areas
Carroll County · Coweta County · Troup County · Randolph County, Alabama
Demographics
Population (2020)
11,412
Est. Population (2026)
12,253
Median Age
41.2
Median Income
$62,907
Poverty Rate
18.7%
Owner-Occupied
72%
Racial & Ethnic Composition
84.5% White (Non-Hispanic), 7.91% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic), 4.12% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 1.58% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), and 0.758% Asian (Non-Hispanic)
Governance
Government Type
Board of Commissioners
Governing Body
Board of Commissioners
School District
Heard County School District
Municipal Services
911 Emergency Dispatch · Animal Control · Codes Enforcement · Emergency Services · Sheriff's Office · Public Library · Public Works · Transit
Economy
Unemployment Rate
3%
Economic Profile
Rural · Forestry · Manufacturing
Employment Sectors
Construction · Manufacturing · Retail Trade
Education
Schools
5
Students
2,220
Teachers
159
School Districts
Heard County School District
Colleges & Universities
West Georgia Technical College (satellite campus)
Infrastructure
Transportation
U.S. Route 27 · State Route 1 · State Route 34 · State Route 100 · State Route 219
Utilities
Water system serves many residents
Major Facilities
Heard County Courthouse
Recreation
Outdoor Access
Yes
Major Recreation Areas
Chattahoochee River · West Point Lake · Heard County Riverside Park
Parks & Trails
Walking trails · Chattahoochee Bend State Park · Bush Head Shoals State Park
History
Founded
1830
Named After
Stephen Heard
Historical Significance
Named for Stephen Heard, a patriot of the American Revolution and governor of Georgia. Originally inhabited by Creek Indians.
Key Events
Treaty of Indian Springs (1825) · Establishment of Heard County (1830)