Lyons
cityLyons, Georgia, is a city located in Toombs County, serving as its county seat. With a population of approximately 4,256 in 2026, Lyons offers a blend of small-town charm and strategic location, making it a hub for the surrounding agricultural and industrial activities. The city's history is rooted in the railroad expansion of the late 19th century, which spurred its initial growth and continues to influence its development. Lyons' economy has evolved from small-scale farming to include timber, naval stores, and manufacturing. Key sectors include manufacturing, retail trade, and educational services. The city is actively working to enhance its industrial capacity, supported by infrastructure grants and development initiatives. This focus aims to attract new businesses and foster economic growth in the region. Lyons is distinctive for its rich history, community spirit, and family-friendly events. The city hosts events like the Southeast Georgia Soap Box Derby and the Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival, drawing visitors and enhancing its quality of life. With parks like Partin Park offering recreational facilities and community gathering spaces, Lyons provides a welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Lyons, Georgia
- Classification
- City
- FIPS Code
- 13-48232
- Country
- United States
- County
- Toombs
- Region
- Southeast Georgia
- Elevation
- 240 ft
- Total Area
- 8.2 sq mi
- Land Area
- 8.01 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.19 sq mi
- Latitude
- 32.20417
- Longitude
- -82.32278
- Climate
- Humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
- Notable Features
- Altamaha River · Oconee River · Ohoopee River
- Neighboring Areas
- Vidalia · Oak Park
- Population (2020)
- 4,239
- Est. Population (2026)
- 4,256
- Median Age
- 32.5
- Median Income
- $42,059
- Poverty Rate
- 33.54%
- Owner-Occupied
- 57.9%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial composition of Lyons includes approximately 48.87% White, 35.98% Black or African American, and 5.55% Other Race. There is also a Hispanic population comprising 5.85%.
- Government Type
- Weak Mayor-Council with a full-time city manager
- Governing Body
- City Council
- School District
- Toombs County School District
- Municipal Services
- Police · Fire · Public Works · Recreation
- Unemployment Rate
- 4.4%
- Economic Profile
- Industrial · Agricultural · Commercial
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Educational Services
- Major Employers
- Tumi · Oxford Industries · Fillamon · Chicken of the Sea · Dot Foods · East Jordan Plastics
- Schools
- 5
- Students
- 3,076
- Teachers
- 177
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 16:1
- School Districts
- Toombs County School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Southeastern Technical College
- Transportation
- U.S. Routes 1 and 280 · Georgia State Routes 152, 178, and 292 · Proximity to I-16
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Municipal power · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Toombs Regional Medical Center (in Vidalia) · Southeastern Technical College
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Partin Park · Altamaha River · Oconee River · Ohoopee River
- Parks & Trails
- Partin Park with walking trails, skate park and playgrounds · BMX bike trail at Partin Park
- Founded
- 1890
- Incorporated
- 1897
- Named After
- Mr. Lyons, a railroad official
- Historical Significance
- Lyons played a crucial role in the development of Toombs County, serving as a center for trade, government, and community life since its founding.
- Key Events
- Founded as a depot on the Central of Georgia Railway · Designated seat of Toombs County in 1905 · Construction of the Elberta Hotel in 1905, a social center · U.S. Highway 1 brought a tourist boom in the 1920s · Seaboard Air Line Railway Depot built in 1930, now a community center