Heard County
countyHeard 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
- Classification
- County
- Country
- United States
- County
- Heard County
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- Unemployment Rate
- 3%
- Economic Profile
- Rural · Forestry · Manufacturing
- Employment Sectors
- Construction · Manufacturing · Retail Trade
- Schools
- 5
- Students
- 2,220
- Teachers
- 159
- School Districts
- Heard County School District
- Colleges & Universities
- West Georgia Technical College (satellite campus)
- 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
- 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
- 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)
