Clarke County, Georgia

Clarke County, Georgia

General Information
Name	Clarke County, Georgia
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	County
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	33.95°-83.38 {{{3}}}°{{{4}}}
Map
Population
Total	128,671
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC-5
DST	UTC-4

Clarke County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 128,671. The county seat is Athens, which is also the largest city in the county and a major educational and cultural center.

History

Clarke County was created on December 5, 1801, by an act of the Georgia General Assembly. It was named in honor of Elijah Clarke, a hero of the American Revolutionary War. Originally, the county was part of Jackson County.

In 1990, the city of Athens and Clarke County merged to form a unified government, known as Athens-Clarke County. This consolidation was part of a trend in Georgia to streamline local government and improve efficiency.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Clarke County has a total area of 121 square miles (310 km²), of which 120 square miles (310 km²) is land and 1.0 square mile (2.6 km²) (0.8%) is water.

The county is part of the Piedmont region, characterized by rolling hills and a mix of urban and rural areas. The Oconee River flows through the county, providing recreational opportunities and natural beauty.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 128,671 people, 48,000 households, and 23,000 families residing in the county. The population density was approximately 1,072 people per square mile.

The racial makeup of the county was diverse, with a significant percentage of the population identifying as African American, Hispanic, and Asian, in addition to the majority White population.

Education

Clarke County is home to the University of Georgia, one of the oldest public universities in the United States, founded in 1785. The university is a major driver of the local economy and culture, attracting students, faculty, and visitors from around the world.

The Clarke County School District operates public schools in the area, providing education from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

Economy

The economy of Clarke County is diverse, with education, healthcare, and retail being major sectors. The presence of the University of Georgia contributes significantly to the local economy, providing jobs and fostering innovation and research.

Culture and Recreation

Athens, the county seat, is known for its vibrant music scene, historic architecture, and cultural events. The city hosts numerous festivals and concerts throughout the year, attracting visitors from across the region.

The county offers various recreational opportunities, including parks, trails, and the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, which is located in Athens.

Transportation

Clarke County is served by several major highways, including U.S. Route 29, U.S. Route 78, and Georgia State Route 10. Public transportation is provided by the Athens Transit System, which operates bus routes throughout the county.

Notable People

• R.E.M., an influential rock band, was formed in Athens and contributed to the city's reputation as a music hub.
• Michael Stipe, lead singer of R.E.M., is a notable resident of Athens.

See also

• List of counties in Georgia
• Athens, Georgia

External links

• Official website of Athens-Clarke County
• Visit Athens, Georgia