Towns County -- Quality of Life Factors
2004 County Population - 10,133
Only 166 square miles (one of the smallest counties in Georgia), with 65 percent in National Forest Land
Joint Clay-Towns County Regional Industrial/Technology Park
Economic base is 45% Services (such as local school system, Young Harris College, Bank of Hiawassee, and the local hospital leading the employment picture). Another 22% is retail, with several successful interior design stores and many other retail shops which cater to the new home business. Another 12% is transportation and public utilities (Blue Ridge Mountain EMC leads employment in this area)
Towns County is the State's Newest Designated 'Entrepreneur Friendly' community.
Demographics
2006 estimate is 10,740.
Population growth rate is projected at 8.5% a year, with 2010 population estimated at 11,670. State growth estimated during this period to be about 8%.
Median household income -- $28,170 in 1997, compared to $36,372 in state
Educational attainment - 74.5 % of students eligible for HOPE Scholarship, compared to 58% eligible statewide.
Unemployment average between 1996 and 2000 - 5.6% compared to state average of 4.2%
Labor Market
Average manufacturing wage is around $9.00 an hour with a range of $8.00 to $12.00 per hour (based on 40-hour work week).
Unemployment - August 2006 Rate is 3.1 % (174 persons); not seasonally adjusted
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