Effingham County, Georgia

Effingham County, Georgia

Effingham County is a county located in the southeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was approximately 64,769. The county seat is Springfield. Effingham County is part of the Savannah metropolitan area.

History

Effingham County was created on February 5, 1777, as one of the original counties of Georgia. It was named in honor of Thomas Howard, 3rd Earl of Effingham, a British nobleman who was sympathetic to the American colonies' cause during the American Revolutionary War.

The county has a rich history, with several historic sites and buildings, including the Effingham County Courthouse and the Ebenezer Townsite and Jerusalem Lutheran Church.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Effingham County has a total area of 483 square miles (1,250 km²), of which 478 square miles (1,240 km²) is land and 5.3 square miles (14 km²) (1.1%) is water.

The county is bordered by Chatham County to the south, Bryan County to the southwest, Bulloch County to the west, and Screven County to the north.

Major Highways

• Interstate 16
• Interstate 95
• U.S. Route 80
• Georgia State Route 21

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 64,769 people, 22,842 households, and 17,456 families residing in the county. The population density was 135 people per square mile (52/km²).

The racial makeup of the county was 80.5% White, 13.4% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.0% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5% of the population.

Education

Effingham County is served by the Effingham County School District, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. The district is known for its commitment to providing quality education to its students.

Communities

Effingham County includes several communities, both incorporated and unincorporated:

Cities

• Guyton
• Rincon
• Springfield (county seat)

Unincorporated Communities

• Clyo
• Ebenezer
• Marlow

Economy

The economy of Effingham County is diverse, with a mix of agriculture, manufacturing, and service industries. The county's proximity to Savannah provides residents with additional employment opportunities in the metropolitan area.

Notable People

• John Adam Treutlen, the first elected governor of Georgia, was a resident of Effingham County.

See Also

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

External Links

• Effingham County Government
• Effingham County School District