Hart County Industrial Building Authority

Nestled neatly along Lake Hartwell and next to I-85 in Northeast Georgia, Hart County is an excellent location for your business, and we work hard to help our businesses grow.

The county’s location makes transport and export easy. It’s within driving distance of Atlanta and Greenville, just over four hours from the Savannah, Charleston, and Brunswick ports, and has access to multiple rail lines. Hart County also sits near multiple airports, including being less than two hours from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and about one hour from Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. The Franklin/Hart Airport, just 15 minutes from Downtown Hartwell, is capable of accommodating most corporate jets.

With miles of shoreline along Lake Hartwell, there is no shortage of recreation and fun to be had in Hart County. Everything from a smooth canoe ride to a tubing adventure makes it a great environment for locals and visitors.

Hart County is surrounded by a wealth of education, producing a skilled workforce. Athens Technical College and North Georgia Technical College are nearby, and the Hart County College and Career Academy provides high school career training programs in a variety of relevant career paths for local employers. Clemson University and the University of Georgia both are less than an hour away.

Regional Population

1 million+ in a
45-mile radius.

Ready to Work

Nearly 47% of Hart County’s population is of working age (16-64).

Regional Labor Force

92,000+

Strong Schools

Hart County High School was named an AP Honor School. 98% graduation rate

Highway Access

Gateway Industrial Park provides 1+ mile of road frontage on I-85.

Rail Service

Shortline Hartwell
Railroad Company
connects to Class I rail
systems Norfolk Southern
and CSX.

The Latest News and Events

Gov. Kemp: Georgia No. 1 for Business for 12th Straight Year

Governor Brian P. Kemp, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), today announced that the state has been recognized as the No. 1 state for business by Area Development magazine for the 12th year in a row, marking an unmatched record of success and consistency in economic development.

Georgia Ports updates Northeast Georgia leaders on Blue Ridge Connector project plans

Georgia Ports continues its focus on infrastructure and engineering projects in 2024 to create business opportunities for customers, business partners, communities and rural Georgians.

About the Area

Established in 1853, Hart County is steeped in early American history. The only county in Georgia named for a woman, Hart County commemorates Nancy Hart, a local patriot spy during the American Revolution.

At the heart of this northeast Georgia county is the city of Hartwell, a small, lakeside community with a historic downtown area, plenty of shopping, dining, and world-class recreation.

Hart
County

The Gateway to Georgia