Major highways

Adjacent counties

• Habersham County - north
• Stephens County - northeast
• Madison County - southeast
• Jackson County - south
• Hall County - west
• Franklin County - east

National protected area

• Chattahoochee National Forest (part)

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 18,035 people, 6,740 households, and 4,875 families residing in the county.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States census, there were 18,395 people, 6,700 households, and 5,100 families living in the county.^[18] The population density was 79.3 inhabitants per square mile (30.6/km²). There were 7,595 housing units at an average density of 32.7 units per square mile (12.6 units/km²).^[19] The racial makeup of the county was 91.7% white, 2.3% black or African American, 0.9% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 3.3% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 5.7% of the population.^[18] In terms of ancestry, 18.7% were American, 8.5% were Irish, and 8.5% were English.^[20]

Of the 6,700 households, 36.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.6% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 23.9% were non-families, and 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.14. The median age was 38.4 years.^[18]

The median income for a household in the county was $40,455 and the median income for a family was $48,606. Males had a median income of $41,444 versus $26,998 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,497. About 13.0% of families and 15.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.9% of those under age 18 and 16.6% of those age 65 or over.^[21]

2000 census

As of the census^[22] of 2000, there were 14,422 people, 5,364 households, and 4,162 families living in the county. The population density was 62 people per square mile (24 people/km²). There were 5,808 housing units at an average density of 25 units per square mile (9.7 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 93.16% White, 3.22% Black or African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.60% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.96% from other races, and 0.71% from two or more races. 3.42% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 5,364 households, out of which 35.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.40% were married couples living together, 7.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.40% were non-families. 19.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.20% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 30.70% from 25 to 44, 23.70% from 45 to 64, and 10.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 102.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $38,523, and the median income for a family was $43,136. Males had a median income of $29,986 versus $21,698 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,424. About 9.80% of families and 12.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.00% of those under age 18 and 16.30% of those age 65 or over.

Cities

• Baldwin (partly in Habersham)
• Commerce (partly in Jackson)
• Gillsville (partly in Hall)
• Lula (partly in Hall)

Towns

• Alto (partly in Habersham)
• Homer
• Maysville (partly in Jackson)

Unincorporated communities

• Hollingsworth
• Narrows