RANK #675 / 996 · POP 84,399 · GA
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.1%
A local in Barrow County, Georgia, might first mention Fort Yargo State Park, a significant natural refuge in Winder featuring a 1792 log fort built by settlers. Located in the Piedmont plateau of Northeast Georgia, Barrow County sits between Athens and Atlanta, with Athens less than 30 minutes away and Atlanta under 45 minutes. Interstate 85 crosses its northern section, and Georgia Highway 316, known as the University Parkway, bisects the county, offering access for commuters. The community offers a blend of small-town charm, particularly in Winder, and access to outdoor recreation at Fort Yargo, which includes a 260-acre lake, hiking and biking trails, and camping.
Life in Barrow County often appeals to families, with public schools generally well-regarded. Commute options include carpooling and vanpooling programs through Georgia Commute Options, which serves the wider Atlanta metropolitan area. The economy is experiencing growth, driven by investments in advanced manufacturing, distribution, and life sciences. This has led to an increase in employment opportunities across various sectors, attracting new residents seeking a balance of community living and economic prospects.
Above national median (4.7x)
Well below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 6.7x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Barrow Landing Master Plan
Walton Global
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Spring Mountain Center Headquarters
Spring Mountain Center
|
$45M | Operating |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Barrow County has a Boom Town Index score of 32/100, ranking #675 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +6.5% and a median household income of $75,053, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Barrow County is $228,400 with median rent at $1,137/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3286, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.8% year-over-year. Job growth: +6.5%. Home values changed +0.2% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 7.13% of Barrow County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.