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Walker County, Georgia

Coordinates: 34°44′N 85°18′W / 34.73°N 85.30°W / 34.73; -85.30
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Walker County
County
Walker County Courthouse in LaFayette
Walker County Courthouse in LaFayette
Seal
Map of Georgia highlighting Walker County
Location within the U.S. state of Georgia
Map of the United States highlighting Georgia
Georgia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 34°44′N 85°18′W / 34.73°N 85.3°W / 34.73; -85.3
Country United States
State Georgia
FoundedDecember 18, 1833; 191 years ago (1833)
Named forFreeman Walker
SeatLaFayette
Largest cityLaFayette
Area
 • Total
447 sq mi (1,160 km2)
 • Land446 sq mi (1,160 km2)
 • Water0.6 sq mi (2 km2)  0.1%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
67,654
 • Estimate 
(2023)
69,489 Increase
 • Density150/sq mi (58/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district14th
Websitewalkercountyga.gov

Walker County is a county in the Northwest region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, the population was 67,654,[1] down from 68,756 in 2010.[2] The county seat is LaFayette.[3] The county was created on December 18, 1833, from land formerly belonging to the Cherokee Indian Nation. Walker County is part of the Chattanooga TN/GA Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

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Walker County was named after Georgia's U.S. Senator, Freeman Walker (1780–1827).[4]

Civil War battles fought in Walker County were part of the Chickamauga Campaign fought between August 21 and September 20, 1863:

In 2002 the Tri-State Crematory scandal in Noble came to national attention when 339 bodies that were consigned to be cremated were discovered on the property. The owner, Ray Brent Marsh, was convicted of several charges and sentenced to twelve years in prison.[5]

Geography

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 447 square miles (1,160 km2), of which 446 square miles (1,160 km2) is land and 0.6 square miles (1.6 km2) (0.1%) is water.[6] The northern two-thirds of Walker County is located in the Middle Tennessee-Chickamauga sub-basin of the Middle Tennessee-Hiwassee basin. Most of the southeastern portion of the county is located in the Oostanaula River sub-basin in the ACT River Basin (Coosa-Tallapoosa River Basin), with a very small southeastern sliver located in the Conasauga River sub-basin in the larger ACT River Basin. The rest of the southern portion of Walker County is located in the Upper Coosa River sub-basin in the ACT River Basin.[7]

Adjacent counties

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Natural attractions and features

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Government

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Until 2020, Walker County was one of only nine counties in the United States still employing the sole commissioner form of government.[8] Georgia is the last remaining state that allows sole commissioners.[9] In a 2018 referendum, Walker County voters approved with an 80% margin a transition to a five-member board of commissioners, consisting of four commissioners elected by district and a chairperson. The first members of the board were elected in November 2020 and took office in January 2021 with Districts 1 and 2 commissioners serving an initial 2-year term and Districts 3 and 4 commissioners and the chairperson serving an initial 4-year term. From 2022, every commissioner will serve 4 year terms, therefore ensuring that half the commission is up for reelection every 2 years. The commission meets in LaFayette, the county seat.[10]

The commissioners of each district represent the following areas:[11]

Transportation

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Major highways

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Railroads

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Current

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Defunct

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18406,572—
185013,10999.5%
186010,082−23.1%
18709,925−1.6%
188011,05611.4%
189013,28220.1%
190015,66117.9%
191018,69219.4%
192023,37025.0%
193026,20612.1%
194031,02418.4%
195038,19823.1%
196045,26418.5%
197050,69112.0%
198056,47011.4%
199058,3403.3%
200061,0534.7%
201068,75612.6%
202067,654−1.6%
2023 (est.)69,489[12]2.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[13]
1790-1880[14] 1890-1910[15]
1920-1930[16] 1930-1940[17]
1940-1950[18] 1960-1980[19]
1980-2000[20] 2010[21] 2020[21]

2020 census

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Walker County, Georgia – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000[22] Pop 2010[23] Pop 2020[21] % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 57,336 63,343 59,654 93.91% 92.13% 88.18%
Black or African American alone (NH) 2,300 2,809 2,840 3.77% 4.09% 4.20%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 172 170 149 0.28% 0.25% 0.22%
Asian alone (NH) 165 291 293 0.27% 0.42% 0.43%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 13 30 25 0.02% 0.04% 0.04%
Other race alone (NH) 48 53 204 0.08% 0.08% 0.30%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 454 947 2,804 0.74% 1.38% 4.14%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 565 1,113 1,685 0.93% 1.62% 2.49%
Total 61,053 68,756 67,654 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 67,654 people, 26,760 households, and 17,810 families residing in the county.

2010 census

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As of the 2010 United States census, there were 68,756 people, 26,497 households, and 18,898 families living in the county.[24] The population density was 154.0 inhabitants per square mile (59.5/km2). There were 30,100 housing units at an average density of 67.4 per square mile (26.0/km2).[25] The racial makeup of the county was 93.0% white, 4.1% black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.6% of the population.[24] In terms of ancestry, 25.9% were American, 15.3% were Irish, 11.2% were English, and 9.3% were German.[26]

Of the 26,497 households, 33.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.1% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 28.7% were non-families, and 24.7% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.01. The median age was 39.7 years.[24]

The county's population age groups were spread out, with 23.6% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 20 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 15% who were 65 years of age or older. The gender ratio of the county's population was 50.9% female versus 49.1% male.

The median income for a household in the county was $38,723 and the median income for a family was $46,307. Males had a median income of $38,297 versus $29,285 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,440. About 11.6% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.0% of those under age 18 and 8.1% of those age 65 or over.[27]

2000 census

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As of the census[28] of 2000, there were 61,053 people, 23,605 households, and 17,467 families living in the county. The population density was 137 inhabitants per square mile (53/km2). There were 25,577 housing units at an average density of 57 per square mile (22/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 94.43% White, 3.78% Black or African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races. 0.93% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Of the 23,605 households, out of which 32.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.80% were married couples living together, 12.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.00% were non-families. 22.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.98. The median age was 37 years.

The county's population age groups were spread out, with 24.80% under the age of 18, 8.70% from 18 to 24, 28.80% from 25 to 44, 23.90% from 45 to 64, and 13.80% who were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females, there were 94.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,406, and the median income for a family was $39,034. Males had a median income of $29,448 versus $21,583 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,867. About 10.00% of families and 12.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.10% of those under age 18 and 11.70% of those age 65 or over.

Communities

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Cities

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Census-designated places

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Unincorporated communities

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Media

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Education

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Walker County School District includes most areas, while areas in the Chickamauga city limits are in the Chickamauga City School District.[29]

Politics

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United States presidential election results for Walker County, Georgia[30]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 25,462 79.17% 6,436 20.01% 262 0.81%
2020 23,173 78.89% 5,770 19.64% 431 1.47%
2016 18,950 77.73% 4,215 17.29% 1,214 4.98%
2012 16,247 73.86% 5,274 23.98% 475 2.16%
2008 17,110 72.33% 6,095 25.77% 449 1.90%
2004 15,340 71.34% 5,986 27.84% 176 0.82%
2000 12,326 65.23% 6,341 33.56% 228 1.21%
1996 8,817 50.10% 6,743 38.32% 2,038 11.58%
1992 8,489 48.54% 6,217 35.55% 2,782 15.91%
1988 10,487 68.63% 4,753 31.11% 40 0.26%
1984 10,734 68.22% 5,000 31.78% 0 0.00%
1980 7,088 50.16% 6,809 48.18% 235 1.66%
1976 4,807 37.51% 8,007 62.49% 0 0.00%
1972 8,728 84.72% 1,574 15.28% 0 0.00%
1968 3,664 25.59% 1,930 13.48% 8,725 60.93%
1964 5,939 52.09% 5,454 47.84% 8 0.07%
1960 4,027 46.86% 4,566 53.14% 0 0.00%
1956 3,552 49.03% 3,693 50.97% 0 0.00%
1952 2,866 39.63% 4,366 60.37% 0 0.00%
1948 980 20.02% 3,418 69.83% 497 10.15%
1944 765 21.74% 2,753 78.23% 1 0.03%
1940 558 16.30% 2,859 83.50% 7 0.20%
1936 458 16.50% 2,313 83.32% 5 0.18%
1932 405 15.05% 2,255 83.80% 31 1.15%
1928 1,786 62.91% 1,053 37.09% 0 0.00%
1924 878 32.86% 1,740 65.12% 54 2.02%
1920 1,069 44.25% 1,347 55.75% 0 0.00%
1916 300 11.44% 1,883 71.82% 439 16.74%
1912 215 15.47% 771 55.47% 404 29.06%

See also

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References

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  1. ^ US 2020 Census Bureau report, Walker County, Georgia
  2. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 27, 2014.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ "Walker County". Calhoun Times. September 1, 2004. p. 106. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
  5. ^ Hart, Ariel (November 20, 2004). "Georgia Crematory manager Pleads Guilty and Gives Apology". New York Times. Retrieved September 19, 2012.
  6. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.
  7. ^ "Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission Interactive Mapping Experience". Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Retrieved November 19, 2015.
  8. ^ "NACO County Government Structure: A State by State Report" (PDF). National Association of Counties. March 2009. Archived (PDF) from the original on November 4, 2018.
  9. ^ "'Sole Commissioner' Wins in Georgia". WSJ. November 9, 2012. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  10. ^ "Changing Walker County's Form of Government". Walker County, Georgia. December 6, 2018. Archived from the original on August 29, 2019. Retrieved August 29, 2019.
  11. ^ "Walker County commission districts" (PDF). Georgia Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Office. December 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 29, 2019.
  12. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
  13. ^ "Decennial Census of Population and Housing by Decades". United States Census Bureau.
  14. ^ "1880 Census Population by Counties 1790-1800" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1880.
  15. ^ "1910 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1910.
  16. ^ "1930 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1930.
  17. ^ "1940 Census of Population - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1940.
  18. ^ "1950 Census of Population - Georgia -" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1950.
  19. ^ "1980 Census of Population - Number of Inhabitants - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 1980.
  20. ^ "2000 Census of Population - Population and Housing Unit Counts - Georgia" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. 2000.
  21. ^ a b c "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2020: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Walker County, Georgia". United States Census Bureau.
  22. ^ "P004 HISPANIC OR LATINO, AND NOT HISPANIC OR LATINO BY RACE – 2000: DEC Summary File 1 – Walker County, Georgia". United States Census Bureau.
  23. ^ "P2: Hispanic or Latino, and Not Hispanic or Latino by Race – 2010: DEC Redistricting Data (PL 94-171) – Walker County, Georgia". United States Census Bureau.
  24. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  25. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  26. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  27. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  28. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  29. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Walker County, GA" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. p. 43 (PDF pp. 5/12). Retrieved September 15, 2024. - Text list
  30. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 22, 2018.
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34°44′N 85°18′W / 34.73°N 85.30°W / 34.73; -85.30

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