Franklin County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,424. The county seat is Carnesville. On February 25, 1784, Franklin and Washington became Georgia's eighth and ninth counties, with Franklin named in honor of patriot Benjamin Franklin.
In its original form, Franklin County included all of the territory now in Banks, Barrow, Clarke, Jackson, Oconee, and Stephens counties, and parts of the modern-day Gwinnett, Hall, Hart, and Madison counties, as well as three counties that are now part of South Carolina. Franklin County has several miles of shoreline on Lake Hartwell.
Economic development
The Franklin County Industrial Building Authority, one of only seven created by a Georgia constitutional amendment, actively seeks and recruits new industries to the county. The Authority consists of seven members: each of the five mayors from the cities within Franklin County, and two at-large members selected by the Board of Commissioners.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of , of which is land and (1.9%) is water. The county is located in the Piedmont region of the state.
The majority of Franklin County is located in the Broad River sub-basin of the Savannah River basin, with just the northeastern corner, north of Lavonia, located in the Tugaloo River sub-basin of the same Savannah River basin. Franklin County is also located on Lake Hartwell.
Adjacent counties
Stephens County (north) Oconee County, South Carolina (northeast) Hart County (east) Elbert County (southeast) Madison County (south) Banks County (west)
Education
Franklin County School system
The Franklin County School District (Georgia) supports grades from kindergarten to grade twelve. The system consists of three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and one alternative school. The Franklin County School System has a staff of over 600 and an enrollment of 3570 as of 2020. The system boasts a 90.7% graduation rate. FCSS is the largest employer in Franklin County.
Private schools
Shepherd's Hill Academy, a Christian private school for grades 7-12
Colleges
Emmanuel University is a private, Christian, liberal arts college located in Franklin Springs. The college is a member of the NCAA Division II.
Attractions
Lake Hartwell, a man-made lake covering 56,000 acres built for flood control and recreation. Tugaloo State Park which is a 393-acre state park on the lake featuring a beach, campsites, and several nature trails. Victoria Bryant State Park, a 502-acre state park featuring a large 18-hole golf course, a swimming area on the Broad River, campsites, and an archery range. Cromer's Mill Covered Bridge Ty Cobb museum in Royston, Georgia.
Transportation
Major highways
Interstate 85
U.S. Route 29
State Route 8
State Route 17
State Route 17 Business
State Route 51
State Route 59
State Route 63
State Route 77 Connector
State Route 106
State Route 145
State Route 174
State Route 184
State Route 198
State Route 281
State Route 320
State Route 326
State Route 327
State Route 328
State Route 403 (unsigned designation for I-85)
Airports
Franklin County Airport (Georgia)(18A), featuring a 5000 ft runway and self-service 100LL and Jet A fuel. Broad River Air Park(3GE3), a private airport community featuring a 3000 ft runway parallel to Interstate 85.
Infrastructure
Railroad
The Hartwell Railroad operates freight service through the eastern portion of Franklin County throughout the Martin, Lavonia, Canon, and Royston areas on the former Norfolk Southern line from Toccoa to Elberton.
Utilities
Electric service in Franklin County is provided by two customer-owned electric cooperatives, Hart EMC and Jackson EMC, as well as by Georgia Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company. Water utilities are provided by the cities of Lavonia, Martin, Royston, and Carnesville as well as by Franklin County in rural areas. Natural gas is supplied by the cities of Toccoa and Royston.
Hospital
St. Mary's Healthcare System operates St. Mary's Sacred Heart Hospital in Lavonia which is the only hospital in Franklin County. The hospital features 56 inpatient beds, a 24/7 Emergency Department, a Critical Care Unit, 4 surgical suites, and an open to the public gym.