Banks County, Georgia

Banks County, Georgia
County
Location in the state of Georgia
Country	United States
State	Georgia
Founded	February 1, 1859
County seat	Homer
Area
• Total	234 sq mi (610 km2)
• Land	233 sq mi (600 km2)
• Water	1 sq mi (3 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	18,035
• Density	77/sq mi (30/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
Website	bankscountyga.org

Banks County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,035. The county seat is Homer.

History

Banks County was created on February 1, 1859, from portions of Franklin and Habersham counties. It was named after Dr. Richard E. Banks, a noted local physician who treated Native Americans and settlers alike.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 234 square miles (610 km²), of which 233 square miles (600 km²) is land and 1.0 square mile (2.6 km²) (0.4%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Habersham County - north
• Stephens County - northeast
• Franklin County - east
• Madison County - southeast
• Jackson County - south
• Hall County - west

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 18,035 people, 6,500 households, and 4,800 families residing in the county. The population density was 77 people per square mile (30/km²).

Economy

The economy of Banks County is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and retail trade being significant sectors. The Tanger Outlets in Commerce is a major retail center attracting visitors from across the region.

Education

Banks County is served by the Banks County School District, which includes Banks County Primary School, Banks County Elementary School, Banks County Middle School, and Banks County High School.

Transportation

Major highways in Banks County include:

• Interstate 85
• U.S. Route 441
• Georgia State Route 15

Communities

• Alto
• Baldwin
• Gillsville
• Homer (county seat)
• Lula

Notable People

• Ty Cobb, a famous baseball player, was born in nearby Narrows, which is now part of Banks County.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Banks County, Georgia

External links

• Official website of Banks County
• Banks County at the New Georgia Encyclopedia