Statistics are like bikini — what they reveal is fascinating; what they conceal is vital.
– Anonymous
Source: USA Facts
Forsyth County, Georgia: Demographic, Economic & Tax Statistics
The primary statistical reference guide for Forsyth County (FIPS 13117). Explore verified datasets from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis, Georgia Department of Revenue, and Georgia Department of Education.
Forsyth County consistently ranks among the top 15 most affluent counties in the United States and holds the #1 position in Georgia across median household income, health outcomes, and educational attainment. The county combines rapid population growth with low crime rates and conservative fiscal management.
Table of Contents
1. Income, Wealth & Poverty Benchmarks
Forsyth County’s economic profile reflects a highly educated, executive and technical workforce:
| Economic Indicator | Forsyth County | State of Georgia | United States National |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $143,784 | $71,355 | $75,149 |
| Mean (Average) Household Income | $176,210 | $98,420 | $105,550 |
| Per Capita Personal Income | $58,420 | $37,850 | $41,260 |
| Poverty Rate (All Persons) | 4.8% | 13.1% | 11.5% |
| Child Poverty Rate (<18) | 5.2% | 17.8% | 15.8% |
2. Metro Atlanta Property Tax Millage Comparison
Forsyth County maintains one of the lowest county Maintenance & Operations (M&O) property tax millage rates in Georgia, reflecting disciplined fiscal management and expanding commercial tax bases:
| County | County M&O Millage | Fire / EMS Millage | School M&O Millage | Total Combined Millage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forsyth County | 4.791 | 2.175 | 17.300 | 24.266 |
| Fulton County | 8.870 | 2.850 | 17.140 | 28.860 |
| Gwinnett County | 6.950 | 3.200 | 19.200 | 29.350 |
| Cobb County | 8.460 | 2.990 | 18.700 | 30.150 |
| Cherokee County | 5.211 | 3.250 | 17.950 | 26.411 |
*Note: Homeowners age 65+ in Forsyth County receive a 100% exemption from the 17.300 mill school operational tax under Homestead Exemption L3.
3. Historical Population Growth (1980–2026)
Forsyth County is recognized as one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States over the past three decades:
| Census Year | Population | 10-Year Growth Rate | Key Regional Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 27,958 | +41.2% | GA-400 construction begins into North Fulton |
| 1990 | 44,083 | +57.7% | GA-400 extended northward into Cumming |
| 2000 | 98,407 | +123.2% | #1 Fastest-Growing County in U.S. (1990s) |
| 2010 | 175,511 | +78.4% | Suburban tech corridor development (Exits 11–14) |
| 2020 | 251,283 | +43.2% | Opening of Halcyon & Denmark High cluster |
| 2026 (Est.) | 282,500+ | +12.4% (6-Yr) | SPLOST IX, The Gathering $3B arena expansion |