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Economic Profile

Situated at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Franklin County has broad economic appeal for those seeking a place to establish an industry, begin a business or to build a home. In addition to its ideal location, there are a number of other conditions favorable to new enterprises.

Franklin County has a diversified manufacturing economic base that includes local, national and international corporations. The growth of industry (there are now more than 50 manufacturers in the county) as well as educational, health, and business services has increased at a dramatic pace over the past decade. While welcoming and encouraging the growth of industry and services, the people of Franklin County have been careful to protect their heritage. One example of this is the concern for the county’s agricultural traditions, as evidenced in the designation of several “Bicentennial Farms.” These are farming operations that have been kept intact for more than 200 years and are still owned by descendants of the original families.

Franklin County covers an area of 266.7 square miles. The county’s greatest north-south distance is 22 miles, while its greatest east-west distance is 21 miles. Businesses and residents are served by, and benefit from, the Interstate 85 corridor which links Atlanta’s metro area with Greenville, S.C. and Charlotte, N.C. The 20-mile strip of I-85 that runs through the county is named for Ernest Vandiver, a Franklin County native and former governor of Georgia.

According to the most recent figures, Franklin County has a population of 20,285 with a per capita income of $22,306. The projections for the year 2005 are for the population to reach more than 22,000 people with 8,916 households. People are continually moving into Franklin County – some to take advantage of available work opportunities while others are choosing to retire to the growing number of residential developments on Lake Hartwell.

A favorable county tax scale attracts both industry and residential development. There is a local sales tax of 3 percent, and Georgia’s state sales tax is 4 percent. The principal function of the Franklin County Industrial Building Authority is to serve new and existing industry. The Authority is composed of the mayors of five Franklin County towns and two representatives appointed by the Franklin County Commission. Its mission is to oversee the overall economic development program for the cities and the county. The Authority is located in Carnesville and shares office space with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. During the Authority’s 39-year history, 53 new manufacturing industries have located and expanded in the county, creating more than 3,000 good, non-union employment opportunities for Franklin County citizens. The Authority’s paid professional is responsible for the day-to-day activities, which include the marketing of the county on a statewide and national basis and maintaining a liaison with nearby counties in a cooperative effort to attract new business to the area. The I-85 corridor has proved to be the one of the keys to drawing attention to expansion endeavors.

National manufacturers, with well-known names like the Alan B. Sibley Mills (a Milliken company), Bosal Industries, Load Star Company, TNS Mills, Kautex/Textron, Modular Container, and Greif Bros., are located in the city of Lavonia near Lake Hartwell. Johnson & Johnson Consumer Products and Beaulieu Fibers and Fabrics are familiar names in Royston. LifeSprings Resources, a printing company, has its home base in Franklin Springs.

The residential market in Franklin County offers newcomers a wide selection of wonderful residential choices. Housing options range from open farmland, a home in a new residential development, a lake house, or the perfect spot in a traditional in-town neighborhood. Local real estate firms and building contractors with professional qualifications are available to help new residents make their dreams come true.

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