COMMUNITY OVERVIEW & RESOURCES

Demographics

Banks County (2006)

Population:  16,989

Average Household Income:  $53,784

Per Capita Income:  $20,081

Labor (2006)

County Labor Force: 9,953

Employed: 9,598

Unemployment Rate:3.6

Geography

County land area (sq. miles)234         
Persons per square mile: 61.6

Tax Information
(Incorporated)

Effective Property Tax: 7.86 per $1000 of fair market value Millage Rate: 19.7
Freeport Tax Exemption 0%

Tax Information (Unincorporated)

Effective Property Tax: 7.58 per $1000 of fair market value
Millage Rate: 19.7
Freeport Tax Exemption: 100% Local Sales Tax: 3%
State Sales Tax: 4%
Job Tax Credit: $500
Investment Tax Credit: 3%

Economy

2006 Median Household Income $45,115
2006 Persons Below Poverty Level 15.1%
2006 Employed Population 16+ by Industry                                                                                                                                1998 Private Non-Farm Establishments With Paid Employees 210
1990 -- 1998 Private Non-Farm Employment Increase 52%
1997 Retail Sales ($1,000) $75,652
1997 Retail Sales Per Capita $6,064
1997 Local Government Employment Full Time 337

Mount Vernon Mills, Inc. 693
Craven Pottery, Inc. 300
Wal-Mart Super Center 300
Fieldale Farms 200
Cracker Barrel Restaurant 120

Education

Banks County School System
706-677-2224
Banks County High School - Homer
706-677-2221
Banks County Elementary School - Homer
706-677-2308
Banks County Middle School - Homer
706-677-2277
Banks County Primary School - Homer
706-677-2241
Maysville Elementary School - Maysville
706-652-2241

Extended Education (Miles from Homer)

Gainesville College 25 miles
Brenau University 25 miles
Lanier Technical Institute 25 miles
Piedmont College 20 miles
Emmanuel College 30 miles
University of Georgia 31 miles
Athens Technical Institute 31 miles

If you are looking for a place to grow your business, Banks County is the right place. Located in the hottest growth corridor of the Southeast, Banks County is well situated for economic prosperity. With U.S. Highway 441, Interstate 85, and Norfolk Southern Railroad running through the county and Interstate 985 very close to the western side of the county, transportation is a very important asset to the future of Banks County. With a progressive county government, the business climate is very favorable for commercial and industrial growth.

Banks county has two exits off I-85:

U.S. Highway 441 at exit 149 (Banks Crossing) - This exit will take you to the Banks County Business Park which has over 30 acres of privately owned land with water, sewer, gas and electric infrastructure in place. The exit is also the location of one of the most visited outlet centers in the South, over 150 outlet stores, 750 hotel rooms, 30 restaurants, pottery, racing and golf.

GA Highway 63 at exit 154 (Martin Bridge Road) - A Land Use Plan outlining the best development recommendations for this exit is currently being implemented for over 3,000 acres of prime land. The plan recommends a mixed-use area accommodating commercial, industrial and residential in a compatible environment. A 12 inch water line is in place, and a land application sewer system is underway which will provide all of the infrastructure for this area. Preserving the environment, trees, streams and rivers is a key goal of this plan.

Historically, the county has had an agribusiness economy based on poultry and cattle production. The efforts of the county leaders will be to protect this agriculture-based economy while at the same time supporting quality, controlled growth to provide Banks County citizens with jobs and secure a bright future for generations to come.