Hart County was created December 7, 1853, and named forNancy Hart. Of Georgia's 159 counties, Hart County is the only one named after a woman.Lake Hartwell is also named for her.[3]
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 257 square miles (670 km2), of which 232 square miles (600 km2) is land and 25 square miles (65 km2) (9.6%) is water.[4] The county is located in thePiedmont region of the state.
Most of the southern three-quarters of Hart County is located in the UpperSavannah River sub-basin of the larger Savannah River basin, with the exception of two slivers of the county, south ofRoyston and west ofBowersville, which are located in theBroad River sub-basin of the Savannah River basin. The northern quarter of the county is located in theTugaloo River sub-basin of the same Savannah River basin.[5]
As of the2020 census, there were 25,828 people, 10,388 households, and 6,743 families residing in the county.[17][18]
The median age was 45.7 years. 20.9% of residents were under the age of 18 and 23.0% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 91.1 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 86.7 males age 18 and over. 23.1% of residents lived in urban areas, while 76.9% lived in rural areas.[17][18]
Of the 10,388 households, 27.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 28.9% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. About 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[18]
There were 12,763 housing units, of which 18.6% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 75.5% were owner-occupied and 24.5% were renter-occupied. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.7% and the rental vacancy rate was 5.8%.[18]
As of the2010 United States census, there were 25,213 people, 10,121 households, and 6,998 families living in the county.[20] The population density was 108.5 inhabitants per square mile (41.9/km2). There were 13,007 housing units at an average density of 56.0 units per square mile (21.6 units/km2).[21] The racial makeup of the county was 77.4% white, 18.7% black or African American, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% American Indian, 1.7% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.1% of the population.[20] In terms of ancestry, 13.6% wereAmerican, 8.4% wereEnglish, 7.4% wereIrish, and 6.6% wereGerman.[22]
Of the 10,121 households, 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.1% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.9% were non-families, and 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.94. The median age was 42.6 years.[20]
The median income for a household in the county was $36,109 and the median income for a family was $44,451. Males had a median income of $35,172 versus $26,836 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,124. About 17.4% of families and 22.4% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 30.4% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over.[23]
As of thecensus[24] of 2000, there were 22,997 people, 9,106 households, and 6,610 families living in the county. Thepopulation density was 99 people per square mile (38 people/km2). There were 11,111 housing units at an average density of 48 units per square mile (19 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 79.09%White, 19.36%Black orAfrican American, 0.15%Native American, 0.53%Asian, 0.24% fromother races, and 0.63% from two or more races. 0.85% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race.
There were 9,106 households, out of which 29.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% weremarried couples living together, 12.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% were non-families. 24.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.92.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.50% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 25.00% from 45 to 64, and 16.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 97.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $32,833, and the median income for a family was $39,600. Males had a median income of $30,652 versus $21,233 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $16,714. About 12.20% of families and 14.80% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 19.10% of those under age 18 and 16.50% of those age 65 or over.
Lake Hartwell, a man-made lake covering 56,000 acres built for flood control and recreation
The Scarecrow festival occurs in Hartwell every year during the month of October. This is when the downtown gets "invaded" by scarecrows, which are handmade scarecrows placed in front of local shops and businesses.
Cateechee has 420 acres of land and a golf course of 18 holes.[25]
TheHartwell Dam is the county's largest generator of electricity, supplying power to more than 10 states. It can be seen at the Georgia and South Carolina border or U.S. Route 29. Usually power is generated daily, and a long fog horn is heard all around the dam before they start generating.
