RANK #817 / 996 · POP 268,567 · GA
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.7%
Cherokee County, Georgia, distinguishes itself with Lake Allatoona, a significant recreational lake offering fishing, boating, and sandy beaches. Located in northwest Georgia, the county is part of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, with its southern parts closest to the city. Commuting to Atlanta is common, with options like the Xpress commuter coach service available from park-and-ride lots in Woodstock. The community blends suburban living with access to the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, providing extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. Over 43 miles of trails, 22 parks, and access to the Etowah River for kayaking and fishing contribute to the area's natural appeal.
Life in Cherokee County often appeals to families, drawn by the Cherokee County School District, which serves over 42,000 students across 40 public schools. The county has seen rapid growth, with a focus on balancing residential development with commercial and industrial expansion. Economic development efforts aim to diversify employment beyond its historical manufacturing base, shifting towards professional services, technology, education, and healthcare. Major employers include Pilgrim's Pride, Chart Industries, and Inalfa Roof Systems. The county's GDP grew by approximately 15% from 2018 to 2022, indicating recent economic expansion.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Moderate climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.5x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Cherokee County has a Boom Town Index score of 18/100, ranking #817 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +3.4% and a median household income of $100,824, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Cherokee County is $358,400 with median rent at $1,580/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2813, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +2.5% year-over-year. Job growth: +3.4%. Home values changed -1.0% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.78% of Cherokee County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.