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COUNTIES

Columbia County

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Founded December 10, 1790 by an Act of the General Assembly of Georgia, Columbia County was named for Christopher Columbus. Columbia County, which encompasses a land area of 290 square miles, is one of the fastest growing counties in Georgia, with a population of 89,288.

ECONOMY
The area's strong economy has supported rapid growth in the retail sector. There are now six motels at the I-20 interchange. There has also been growth in the industrial sector with John Deere Commercial Products breaking ground on a new plant which represents a $23 million investment. In 1999 Electrolux Home Products located its world headquarters in Columbia County lending a boost to the service sector. Other major employers include Club Car-Ingersoll Rand, Georgia Iron Works, Greenfield Industries, Serta Mattress and Quebecor World.

The per capita income for 2000 is $23,127; the average household income is $56,739. The annual average unemployment rate for 2001 was 2.5%.

SHOPPING AND RETAIL ACTIVITY
According to Sales and Marketing Management magazine’s 2001 Survey of Buying Power, total retail sales in Columbia County’s shopping centers averaged $870 million, with a total effective buying income of $1.5 billion. This variance provides ample room for supporting additional retail locations in the area.

HOUSING
Excellent, affordable housing is available in Columbia County. The choices range from apartment complexes, affordable ($70,000-$90,000) homes, and gated communities with estate level properties. Currently there are two golf course communities, with two additional planned. One community, being called the Big Three Golf Course, will be built on 2,000 acres near Greenbrier High School. Arnold Palmer, Gary Player & Jack Nicklaus will jointly design the 27-hole golf course.