Looking to hire the best candidates for your Georgia business? Resumes and interviews only provide a limited view of a candidate’s qualifications.
That’s where background checks come in. They help confirm resume details and reveal any potential disqualifying convictions.
With our extensive experience assisting employers in Atlanta, Augusta, Savannah, and beyond, we’ve created this guide to help you navigate the process.
Key Takeaways
- Georgia employers perform background checks to maintain workplace safety, comply with legal requirements, minimize the risks of negligent hiring, and safeguard their company’s reputation.
- Background checks usually cover criminal history, verification of employment and education, professional licenses, identity verification, and motor vehicle records, all while adhering to federal and state laws, such as the FCRA and local ban-the-box regulations.
- Selecting a trustworthy, FCRA-compliant screening provider is crucial for employers to obtain accurate results quickly, steer clear of legal issues, and make fair, informed hiring decisions.
What is a Georgia Employment Background Check?
A Georgia employment background check reviews a candidate’s criminal record, educational history, employment background, professional certifications, and other relevant details to assess their qualifications for a job.
Employers across Georgia use these checks to verify applicant information and make well-informed hiring choices based on accurate, reliable data.
Why Do Employers in Georgia Conduct Background Checks?
1. Ensure Workplace Safety
Background checks help Georgia businesses identify potential risks by uncovering criminal records or past behaviors that may pose safety concerns for employees, clients, and the public.
Screening candidates for relevant offenses promotes a safer work environment.
2. Support Fair Hiring Practices
A standardized background check process ensures all candidates are evaluated equally, which reduces the risk of unconscious bias in hiring decisions.
Consistent screening procedures ensure equal employment opportunities while minimizing legal risks.
3. Comply with Regulations
Georgia employers must comply with federal, state, and industry-specific background check laws.
For example, companies regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) are required to conduct DOT background checks, DOT physicals, and DOT drug testing for safety-sensitive roles.
Georgia’s diverse economy includes various industries with specific background check requirements, including:
- Healthcare providers like Piedmont Healthcare and WellStar Health System conduct thorough background checks to ensure patient safety, including criminal record checks and drug screens.
- Financial institutions, such as Bank of America and Georgia Heritage Federal Credit Union, implement extensive screenings to comply with federal regulations and protect their clients’ financial interests.
- Education institutions like the University of Georgia and Emory University require comprehensive screenings to ensure a safe environment for students and staff, especially for those in positions of trust or responsibility.
Implementing industry-specific background screening protocols helps employers maintain workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
4. Reduce Negligent Hiring Risks
Employers who fail to properly vet candidates may face legal liabilities if an unverified hire causes harm in the workplace.
Thorough background screenings demonstrate due diligence and help protect businesses from negligent hiring lawsuits.
5. Build Trust with Clients
Many industries in Georgia, such as finance, healthcare, and education, require employees to handle sensitive information.
Background checks help employers verify a candidate’s integrity and ensure they can responsibly manage confidential data, reducing the risk of fraud or security breaches.
6. Protect Corporate Reputation
Employees represent their company, particularly in public-facing roles.
Careful background screenings help employers avoid hiring individuals with a history of misconduct that could damage the company’s reputation or erode customer trust.
What Shows Up on a Georgia Background Check?
Most employers in Georgia request information about applicants’ criminal history, employment history, and educational qualifications.
Depending on the specific role, some employers may request additional background details.
Criminal History Information
If an applicant has a reportable criminal record, the criminal history check will show the following details:
- Criminal case number
- Jurisdiction
- Date of the offense
- Nature of the charges
- Classification level (misdemeanor or felony)
- Case disposition
- Disposition date
- Sentence (if applicable)
Employers should review criminal records within context rather than automatically disqualifying candidates.
Each case should be assessed concerning the job requirements and workplace safety to ensure fair hiring practices.
Note that consumer reporting agencies cannot disclose sealed, expunged, or pardoned records.
Education Verification
Education verification ensures that candidates possess the necessary academic qualifications for the role. This screening includes:
- Institution name(s) and location(s)
- Enrollment periods
- Degrees or diplomas earned
This verification helps confirm that applicants have accurately represented their educational backgrounds.
Employment Verification
Employment verification confirms a candidate’s work history by checking:
- Company names and locations
- Employment start and end dates
- Job titles and positions held
This helps employers verify accurate work history and identify any unexplained employment gaps.
Professional License Verification
For positions requiring certification or licensure, this verification confirms:
- License validity
- License type
- License number
- Licensee’s name
- Issuing organization
- Issuance and expiration dates
- Public disciplinary records
This ensures that candidates in regulated industries have the proper credentials for their roles.
Identity Verification
Identity verification confirms:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Address history
- Date of birth
This ensures background checks are conducted on the correct individual, minimizing errors or misidentification.
Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) Check
MVR checks provide details about a candidate’s driving history, including:
- Driver’s license number
- License class
- Issuance and expiration dates
- Legal name and registered address
- Traffic infractions and major traffic offenses
- License suspensions or revocations
For driving-related positions, these checks help ensure that candidates are safe and responsible drivers who meet insurance requirements.
Know Before You Hire
Important Laws and Regulations
Federal Laws
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Enacted in 1970, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission.
This law includes a comprehensive set of regulations and rules governing information collected and used on employment background checks.
The FCRA places restrictions on how consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) can gather and report information and how employers can use the information they receive when they make hiring decisions.
CRAs are prohibited from reporting arrest information for arrests that did not result in a conviction and that occurred more than seven years ago.
The FCRA also restricts the reporting of information about liens, civil lawsuits, collections, and bankruptcies that are seven or more years old.
These time restrictions do not apply when the positions pay at least $75,000.
Criminal conviction information is also not restricted and may be reported regardless of age.
Employers that plan to conduct pre-employment background checks in Georgia are required to provide their applicants with advance written notice.
This notice must be presented on a standalone form without additional information.
Employers must also obtain written consent before any background checks can be conducted.
If you receive adverse information on a pre-employment background check in Georgia, you must also comply with the FCRA’s adverse action process before making your final decision.
Title VII
The most important federal anti-discrimination law for employment is Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces the provisions of this law and creates regulations under it.
The EEOC has issued guidance to employers that receive criminal history information on employment background check reports.
You should complete an individualized assessment of the information as it relates to the position’s duties and workplace safety concerns before you make an adverse decision based on a conviction.
Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act (FCA) is a federal law that applies to businesses pursuing federal contracts and the federal agencies awarding them.
Under the FCA, federal contractors and agencies must refrain from asking about an applicant’s criminal history until after a contingent job offer has been made.
Federal agencies are prohibited from contracting with companies that violate the FCA by inquiring about criminal history before making job offers.
State Laws
State Ban-the-Box Law
Georgia has a statewide ban-the-box law that applies to public employers. This law originated as an executive order signed in 2015 by former Governor Nathan Deal.
This law applies to public employers and prohibits them from asking about criminal history on job applications or treating criminal convictions as an automatic disqualification unless an exception applies.
Public employers hiring for jobs that require them to immediately disqualify applicants with certain convictions under state or federal law are exempted.
Public employers must allow applicants with criminal histories to explain their record, correct incorrect information, and provide proof they have been rehabilitated before the employer can make a final decision to deny employment based on their conviction.
Criminal Background Check Disclosure
Under Georgia Code § 35-3-34(3)(b), employers that decide not to hire applicants based on information obtained on a criminal background check through the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) must disclose the following to the applicant:
- That the information came from the GCIC
- Information disclosed in the background check report
- How the record affected the employment decision
Failure to provide this notice is a misdemeanor.
Georgia First Offender Act
The Georgia First Offender Act allows individuals accused of committing certain offenses as first offenders to complete a period of probation before conviction.
If they complete the terms, it will not count as a conviction, and they will be discharged.
A person can then ask the court to seal the record. If they complete the program and their petition is granted, the information about the offense can’t be disclosed to employers on background checks.
The information can still be used to disqualify someone from employment in a school or long-term care facility if the offense was a major sex crime or involved the exploitation or intimidation of disabled people or senior citizens, however.
Georgia Record-Sealing Law
Under Georgia Code § 35-3-37, individuals with misdemeanor convictions can petition the court to request a maximum of two restrictions from their criminal record.
Felony convictions aren’t eligible for sealing unless they meet an exception.
If a conviction is restricted from an individual’s criminal record, it can’t be reported on a criminal background check for employment.
Local Laws
City of Atlanta Salary History Ban
Former Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms implemented a salary history ban for city employers in 2019.
Under this rule, city employers can’t inquire about salary history on applications or during interviews. They also can’t inquire about salary history in a background check.
Local Ban-the-Box Laws
In addition to the state ban-the-box law for public employers, the following local jurisdictions also have ban-the-box rules:
- Albany (public employers only) – No criminal history questions on applications and no criminal background checks until after the initial interview
- Atlanta (public employers only) – No criminal history questions on applications and background checks must wait until after the applicant has been deemed otherwise qualified
- Augusta (public employers only) – No questions about criminal history on job applications and no criminal background check until the candidate has been selected as a finalist
- Cherokee County (public employers only) – No criminal history inquiries or background checks until after the initial interview
- Columbus (public employers only) – No criminal history inquiries or background checks until after the candidate has been selected as a finalist
- Fulton County (public employers only) – No criminal history questions on applications, and background checks are only required for sensitive jobs and must wait until after the initial interview
- Macon-Bibb County (public employers and licensing authorities) – No questions about criminal history on job applications; All positions require background checks, and copies must be provided if employment is denied based on information in the background check
- Savannah (public employers only) – No criminal history questions on applications and background checks only after the applicant has been tentatively selected for the job
- South Fulton (public employers and contractors) – No criminal history questions on job applications and must wait until after the individual has been determined otherwise qualified
How to Conduct a Background Check in Georgia
1. Develop a Compliant Background Check Policy
Before initiating background checks, establish a policy that aligns with federal, state, and local regulations.
This policy should detail the procedures HR will follow before, during, and after the background check process, specifying the types of searches to be conducted for various positions based on their responsibilities and authority levels.
2. Train HR Personnel
Ensure that the HR staff responsible for conducting background checks are adequately trained.
They should be well-versed in the legal requirements to prevent unconscious bias and ensure fair hiring practices.
3. Obtain Written Consent and Provide Notice
In compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), employers must inform applicants in writing about the intent to conduct background checks.
This notice should be a standalone document, separate from other application materials.
Additionally, written consent from the applicant is required before proceeding with any background check.
4. Select a Reliable Screening Provider
Choose a reputable background check provider that offers comprehensive, up-to-date, accurate, and legally compliant reports.
Providers like iprospectcheck are known for delivering thorough background checks tailored to Georgia’s legal standards.
5. Select Your Searches
Select specific screening elements based on the position’s requirements and responsibilities.
This targeted approach ensures that only relevant information is gathered, avoiding unnecessary reports and focusing on data pertinent to the role.
6. Review and Communicate Results
Carefully analyze the completed background reports upon receipt.
For promising candidates, discuss the findings and proceed with the onboarding process.
If any concerning information is found, follow the appropriate steps outlined in your policy.
7. Individually Assess Conviction Records
Avoid automatically disqualifying candidates based solely on conviction records.
Each case should be evaluated according to the specific job requirements and safety considerations, ensuring fair and individualized assessments.
8. Complete the Adverse Action Process
If considering not hiring a candidate based on background findings, adhere to the adverse action process:
- Pre-Adverse Action Notice: Provide written notice to the candidate, including the concerning information and a copy of the background report.
- Allow Response Time: Give candidates a reasonable period (typically five days) to address any inaccuracies or present evidence of rehabilitation.
- Final Adverse Action Notice: If proceeding with the hiring decision, send an official notice detailing the reasons for the adverse action, along with a copy of the candidate’s rights under the FCRA.
iprospectcheck: Your Trusted Partner for Fast, Accurate, Compliant Georgia Background Checks
Conducting thorough and legally compliant Georgia background checks requires accessing a wide range of records, which can be time-consuming for employers.
By partnering with iprospectcheck, you gain immediate access to reliable databases and professionals skilled in gathering and interpreting key screening data.
We provide background checks that are accurate, up-to-date, and fully in line with FCRA requirements.
Our team handles all verification processes in-house, with no overseas outsourcing, ensuring complete data protection and privacy.
For more information or to receive a free quote, contact us today: (888) 509-1979.
DISCLAIMER: The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Consult your counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.
FAQ
How much does a background check cost in Georgia?
The cost of a background check depends on the searches you perform.
At iprospectcheck, we offer several packages at varying price points and add-on searches. We offer volume discounts for companies that will perform more than 50 in a year.
To obtain a free quote, contact us today: (888) 509-1979.
How long does it take to get a background check completed in Georgia?
The length of time required for pre-employment background checks in Georgia will depend on the screening method you choose.
If you try to gather the information by submitting information requests to multiple agencies, educational institutions, and employers, completing a background check for a candidate could take weeks.
Most companies cannot afford to spend this much time completing employment background checks, and a long process can also turn many applicants away.
Georgia employers can offer a smooth and fast hiring process by working with iprospectcheck.
When you partner with us, we can offer comprehensive employment background check reports in as little as a few hours and up to two days.
Our information is comprehensive, up-to-date, and FCRA-compliant.
How far back does a background check go in Georgia?
Background checks in Georgia for employment must comply with the FCRA’s seven-year lookback period.
This means that your pre-employment background check reports will not include arrest information for arrests that did not result in a conviction from seven or more years ago.
Other types of adverse information, including liens, civil judgments, collections, and bankruptcies from more than seven years ago, will also not be reported.
The FCRA’s time restrictions do not apply if you are hiring for positions that pay at least $75,000. If an applicant has a misdemeanor or felony conviction, that information can be reported regardless of age.
The time restrictions of the FCRA also do not apply to other important types of information contained in background check reports about employment, credentials, and education.
This information can be reported and used no matter how old it might be.
County Resources
Appling County
Located in southeastern Georgia, Appling County has a population of approximately 18,670. The county seat is Baxley.
Atkinson County
Located in southern Georgia, Atkinson County has a population of approximately 8,564. The county seat is Pearson.
Bacon County
Located in southeastern Georgia, Bacon County has a population of approximately 11,050. The county seat is Alma.
Baker County
Baker County is located in Southwestern Georgia and has a population of 2,732. The county seat is Newton.
Baldwin County
Located in central Georgia, Baldwin County has a population of approximately 43,640. The county seat is Milledgeville.
Banks County
Located in northeastern Georgia, Banks County has a population of approximately 20,318. The county seat is Homer.
Barrow County
Located in northeastern Georgia, east of the Atlanta metro area, Barrow County has a population of approximately 96,290. The county seat is Winder.
Bartow County
Located in northwestern Georgia, Bartow County has a population of approximately 111,931. The county seat is Cartersville.
Ben Hill County
Located in south-central Georgia, Ben Hill County has a population of approximately 16,945. The county seat is Fitzgerald.
Berrien County
Located in southern Georgia, Berrien County has a population of approximately 18,666. The county seat is Nashville.
Bibb County
Located in central Georgia, Bibb County operates under a consolidated government with its county seat, Macon, and has a population of approximately 157,056.
Bleckley County
Located in central Georgia, Bleckley County has a population of approximately 12,626. The county seat is Cochran.
Brantley County
Located in southeastern Georgia, Brantley County has a population of approximately 18,795. The county seat is Nahunta.
Brooks County
Located in southern Georgia on the Florida border, Brooks County has a population of approximately 16,344. The county seat is Quitman.
Bryan County
Located in coastal Georgia, Bryan County has a population of approximately 51,105. The county seat is Pembroke.
Bulloch County
Located in southeastern Georgia, Bulloch County has a population of approximately 85,454. The county seat is Statesboro.
Burke County
Located in eastern Georgia on the South Carolina border, Burke County has a population of approximately 24,472. The county seat is Waynesboro.
Butts County
Located in central Georgia, south of the Atlanta metro area, Butts County has a population of approximately 27,127. The county seat is Jackson.
Calhoun County
Located in southwestern Georgia, Calhoun County has a population of approximately 5,441. The county seat is Morgan.
Camden County
Located in coastal Georgia on the Florida border, Camden County has a population of approximately 59,099. The county seat is Woodbine.
Candler County
Located in southeastern Georgia, Candler County has a population of approximately 11,130. The county seat is Metter.
Carroll County
Located in western Georgia, Carroll County has a population of approximately 129,911. The county seat is Carrollton.
Catoosa County
Located in northwestern Georgia on the Tennessee border, Catoosa County has a population of approximately 68,940. The county seat is Ringgold.
Charlton County
Located in southeastern Georgia on the Florida border and encompassing part of the Okefenokee Swamp, Charlton County has a population of approximately 13,021. The county seat is Folkston.
Chatham County
Located in coastal Georgia, Chatham County has a population of approximately 307,336. The county seat is Savannah.
Chattahoochee County
Located in western Georgia, Chattahoochee County operates under a consolidated government with its county seat, Cusseta, and has a population of approximately 8,548.
Chattooga County
Located in northwestern Georgia, Chattooga County has a population of approximately 25,306. The county seat is Summerville.
Cherokee County
Located in north-central Georgia as part of the metro Atlanta area, Cherokee County has a population of approximately 293,513. The county seat is Canton.
Clarke County
Located in northeastern Georgia, Clarke County operates under a unified government with its county seat, Athens, and has a population of approximately 129,995.
Clay County
Located in southwestern Georgia, Clay County has a population of approximately 2,815. The county seat is Fort Gaines.
Clayton County
Located south of Atlanta within the metro area, Clayton County has a population of approximately 297,703. The county seat is Jonesboro.
Clinch County
Located in southeastern Georgia near the Florida border, Clinch County has a population of approximately 6,871. The county seat is Homerville.
Cobb County
Located northwest of Atlanta within the metro area, Cobb County has a population of approximately 787,538. The county seat is Marietta.
Coffee County
Located in southeastern Georgia, Coffee County has a population of approximately 43,851. The county seat is Douglas.
Colquitt County
Located in southwestern Georgia, Colquitt County has a population of approximately 46,977. The county seat is Moultrie.
Columbia County
Located in eastern Georgia, bordering South Carolina within the Augusta metro area, Columbia County has a population of approximately 167,472. The official county seat is Appling, though Evans serves as the primary government center.
Cook County
Located in southern Georgia, Cook County has a population of approximately 17,984. The county seat is Adel.
Coweta County
Located in west-central Georgia, southwest of Atlanta, Coweta County has a population of approximately 158,233. The county seat is Newnan.
Crawford County
Located in central Georgia, Crawford County has a population of approximately 12,349. The county seat is Knoxville.
Crisp County
Located in south-central Georgia, Crisp County has a population of approximately 19,468. The county seat is Cordele.
Dade County
Located in the extreme northwestern corner of Georgia, Dade County has a population of approximately 16,068. The county seat is Trenton.
Dawson County
Located in north Georgia, north of the Atlanta metro area, Dawson County has a population of approximately 33,748. The county seat is Dawsonville.
Decatur County
Located in southwestern Georgia on the Florida border, Decatur County has a population of approximately 29,391. The county seat is Bainbridge.
DeKalb County
Located east of Atlanta’s city center within the metro area, DeKalb County has a population of approximately 770,307. The county seat is Decatur.
Dodge County
Located in central Georgia, Dodge County has a population of approximately 19,630. The county seat is Eastman.
Dooly County
Located in central Georgia, Dooly County has a population of approximately 11,186. The county seat is Vienna.
Dougherty County
Located in southwestern Georgia, Dougherty County has a population of approximately 82,418. The county seat is Albany.
Douglas County
Located west of Atlanta within the metro area, Douglas County has a population of approximately 151,887. The county seat is Douglasville.
Early County
Located in southwestern Georgia, Early County has a population of approximately 10,444. The county seat is Blakely.
Echols County
Located in southern Georgia on the Florida border, Echols County has a population of approximately 3,698. The county seat is Statenville.
Effingham County
Located in eastern Georgia near Savannah, Effingham County has a population of approximately 73,148. The county seat is Springfield.
Elbert County
Located in northeastern Georgia on the South Carolina border, Elbert County has a population of approximately 20,152. The county seat is Elberton.
Emanuel County
Located in east-central Georgia, Emanuel County has a population of approximately 23,224. The county seat is Swainsboro.
Evans County
Located in southeastern Georgia, Evans County has a population of approximately 10,869. The county seat is Claxton.
Fannin County
Located in the north Georgia mountains on the Tennessee border, Fannin County has a population of approximately 25,854. The county seat is Blue Ridge.
Fayette County
Located south of Atlanta within the metro area, Fayette County has a population of approximately 125,107. The county seat is Fayetteville.
Floyd County
Located in northwestern Georgia, Floyd County has a population of approximately 101,390. The county seat is Rome.
Forsyth County
Located in north-central Georgia as part of the metro Atlanta area, Forsyth County has a population of approximately 280,096. The county seat is Cumming.
Franklin County
Located in northeastern Georgia, Franklin County has a population of approximately 25,208. The county seat is Carnesville.
Fulton County
Located in metro Atlanta and containing most of the City of Atlanta, Fulton County has a population of approximately 1,090,354. The county seat is Atlanta.
Gilmer County
Located in the north Georgia mountains, Gilmer County has a population of approximately 33,327. The county seat is Ellijay.
Glascock County
Located in eastern Georgia, Glascock County has a population of approximately 3,008. The county seat is Gibson.
Glynn County
Located in coastal Georgia, Glynn County has a population of approximately 86,540. The county seat is Brunswick.
Gordon County
Located in northwestern Georgia, Gordon County has a population of approximately 60,765. The county seat is Calhoun.
Grady County
Located in southwestern Georgia on the Florida border, Grady County has a population of approximately 26,271. The county seat is Cairo.
Greene County
Located in east-central Georgia, Greene County has a population of approximately 21,091. The county seat is Greensboro.
Gwinnett County
Located northeast of Atlanta within the metro area, Gwinnett County has a population of approximately 1,003,869. The county seat is Lawrenceville.
Habersham County
Located in the northeastern Georgia mountains, Habersham County has a population of approximately 49,665. The county seat is Clarkesville.
Hall County
Located in northeastern Georgia on the outer ring of the metro Atlanta area, Hall County has a population of approximately 221,745. The county seat is Gainesville.
Hancock County
Located in east-central Georgia, Hancock County has a population of approximately 8,683. The county seat is Sparta.
Haralson County
Located in western Georgia on the Alabama border, Haralson County has a population of approximately 32,404. The county seat is Buchanan.
Harris County
Located in west-central Georgia, north of Columbus, Harris County has a population of approximately 36,929. The county seat is Hamilton.
Hart County
Located in northeastern Georgia on the South Carolina border, Hart County has a population of approximately 28,052. The county seat is Hartwell.
Heard County
Located in western Georgia on the Alabama border, Heard County has a population of approximately 12,119. The county seat is Franklin.
Henry County
Located south of Atlanta within the metro area, Henry County has a population of approximately 259,315. The county seat is McDonough.
Houston County
Located in central Georgia, Houston County has a population of approximately 174,897. The county seat is Perry.
Irwin County
Located in south-central Georgia, Irwin County has a population of approximately 9,155. The county seat is Ocilla.
Jackson County
Located in northeastern Georgia, northeast of the Atlanta metro area, Jackson County has a population of approximately 93,825. The county seat is Jefferson.
Jasper County
Located in central Georgia, Jasper County has a population of approximately 17,219. The county seat is Monticello.
Jeff Davis County
Located in southeastern Georgia, Jeff Davis County has a population of approximately 15,119. The county seat is Hazlehurst.
Jefferson County
Located in eastern Georgia, Jefferson County has a population of approximately 15,019. The county seat is Louisville.
Jenkins County
Located in eastern Georgia, Jenkins County has a population of approximately 8,836. The county seat is Millen.
Johnson County
Located in east-central Georgia, Johnson County has a population of approximately 9,178. The county seat is Wrightsville.
Jones County
Located in central Georgia, northeast of Macon, Jones County has a population of approximately 29,047. The county seat is Gray.
Lamar County
Located in central Georgia, Lamar County has a population of approximately 20,690. The county seat is Barnesville.
Lanier County
Located in southern Georgia, Lanier County has a population of approximately 10,464. The county seat is Lakeland.
Laurens County
Located in central Georgia, Laurens County has a population of approximately 50,287. The county seat is Dublin.
Lee County
Located in southwestern Georgia near Albany, Lee County has a population of approximately 34,073. The county seat is Leesburg.
Liberty County
Located in coastal Georgia, Liberty County has a population of approximately 68,607. The county seat is Hinesville.
Lincoln County
Located in eastern Georgia on the South Carolina border, Lincoln County has a population of approximately 8,049. The county seat is Lincolnton.
Long County
Located in southeastern Georgia, Long County has a population of approximately 20,439. The county seat is Ludowici.
Lowndes County
Located in southern Georgia on the Florida border, Lowndes County has a population of approximately 122,082. The county seat is Valdosta.
Lumpkin County
Located in the north Georgia mountains, Lumpkin County has a population of approximately 36,016. The county seat is Dahlonega.
Macon County
Located in west-central Georgia, Macon County has a population of approximately 11,831. The county seat is Oglethorpe.
Madison County
Located in northeastern Georgia, Madison County has a population of approximately 32,771. The county seat is Danielsville.
Marion County
Located in west-central Georgia, Marion County has a population of approximately 7,635. The county seat is Buena Vista.
McDuffie County
Located in eastern Georgia, McDuffie County has a population of approximately 21,764. The county seat is Thomson.
McIntosh County
Located in coastal Georgia, McIntosh County has a population of approximately 11,800. The county seat is Darien.
Meriwether County
Located in west-central Georgia, Meriwether County has a population of approximately 20,931. The county seat is Greenville.
Miller County
Located in southwestern Georgia, Miller County has a population of approximately 5,824. The county seat is Colquitt.
Mitchell County
Located in southwestern Georgia, Mitchell County has a population of approximately 20,398. The county seat is Camilla.
Monroe County
Located in central Georgia, Monroe County has a population of approximately 31,437. The county seat is Forsyth.
Montgomery County
Located in east-central Georgia, Montgomery County has a population of approximately 8,566. The county seat is Mount Vernon.
Morgan County
Located in east-central Georgia, Morgan County has a population of approximately 21,940. The county seat is Madison.
Murray County
Located in northwestern Georgia on the Tennessee border, Murray County has a population of approximately 41,316. The county seat is Chatsworth.
Muscogee County
Located in west-central Georgia on the Alabama border, Muscogee County operates under a consolidated government with its county seat, Columbus, and has a population of approximately 201,830.
Newton County
Located east of Atlanta within the metro area, Newton County has a population of approximately 124,010. The county seat is Covington.
Oconee County
Located in northeastern Georgia near Athens, Oconee County has a population of approximately 44,751. The county seat is Watkinsville.
Oglethorpe County
Located in northeastern Georgia, Oglethorpe County has a population of approximately 16,172. The county seat is Lexington.
Paulding County
Located northwest of Atlanta within the metro area, Paulding County has a population of approximately 188,549. The county seat is Dallas.
Peach County
Located in central Georgia, Peach County has a population of approximately 29,213. The county seat is Fort Valley.
Pickens County
Located in north Georgia, Pickens County has a population of approximately 36,580. The county seat is Jasper.
Pierce County
Located in southeastern Georgia, Pierce County has a population of approximately 20,669. The county seat is Blackshear.
Pike County
Located in west-central Georgia, Pike County has a population of approximately 20,669. The county seat is Zebulon.
Polk County
Located in northwestern Georgia on the Alabama border, Polk County has a population of approximately 44,610. The county seat is Cedartown.
Pulaski County
Located in central Georgia, Pulaski County has a population of approximately 10,180. The county seat is Hawkinsville.
Putnam County
Located in central Georgia, Putnam County has a population of approximately 23,383. The county seat is Eatonton.
Quitman County
Located in southwestern Georgia on the Alabama border, Quitman County operates under a consolidated government with its county seat, Georgetown, and has a population of approximately 2,323.
Rabun County
Located in the extreme northeastern corner of Georgia, Rabun County has a population of approximately 17,711. The county seat is Clayton.
Randolph County
Located in southwestern Georgia, Randolph County has a population of approximately 6,085. The county seat is Cuthbert.
Richmond County
Located in eastern Georgia on the South Carolina border, Richmond County operates under a consolidated government with its county seat, Augusta, and has a population of approximately 206,303.
Rockdale County
Located east of Atlanta within the metro area, Rockdale County has a population of approximately 97,610. The county seat is Conyers.
Schley County
Located in west-central Georgia, Schley County has a population of approximately 4,503. The county seat is Ellaville.
Screven County
Screven County is located in eastern Georgia on the state’s border with South Carolina. It has a population of approximately 14,325. The county seat is Sylvania.
Seminole County
Seminole County is located in the southwestern corner of Georgia on the state’s border with Florida. It has a population of approximately 9,274. The county seat is Donalsonville.
Spalding County
Spalding County is located in north-central Georgia and has a population of approximately 70,292. The county seat is Griffin.
Stephens County
Stephens County is located in northeastern Georgia on the state’s border with South Carolina. It has a population of approximately 27,498. The county seat is Toccoa.
Stewart County
Stewart County is located in western Georgia on the state’s border with Alabama. It has a population of approximately 4,809. The county seat is Lumpkin.
Sumter County
Sumter County is located in west-central Georgia and has a population of approximately 28,972. The county seat is Americus.
Talbot County
Talbot County is located in west-central Georgia and has a population of approximately 5,755. The county seat is Talbotton.
Taliaferro County
Taliaferro County is located in northeastern Georgia and has a population of approximately 1,620. The county seat is Crawfordville.
Tattnall County
Tattnall County is located in eastern Georgia and has a population of approximately 24,275. The county seat is Reidsville.
Taylor County
Taylor County is located in west-central Georgia and has a population of approximately 7,783. The county seat is Butler.
Telfair County
Telfair County is located in central Georgia and has a population of approximately 11,000. The county seat is McRae-Helena.
Terrell County
Terrell County is located in southwestern Georgia and has a population of approximately 8,698. The county seat is Dawson.
Thomas County
Thomas County is located in southern Georgia on the state’s border with Florida and has a population of approximately 45,054. The county seat is Thomasville.
Tift County
Tift County is located in south-central Georgia and has a population of approximately 41,708. The county seat is Tifton.
Toombs County
Toombs County is located in eastern Georgia and has a population of approximately 27,488. The county seat is Lyons.
Towns County
Towns County is located in northern Georgia on the state’s border with North Carolina. It has a population of approximately 13,184. The county seat is Hiawassee.
Treutlen County
Treutlen County is located in east-central Georgia and has a population of approximately 6,420. The county seat is Soperton.
Troup County
Troup County is located in western Georgia on the state’s border with Alabama. It has a population of approximately 71,513. The county seat is LaGrange.
Turner County
Turner County is located in west-central Georgia and has a population of approximately 9,023. The county seat is Ashburn.
Twiggs County
Twiggs County is located in central Georgia and has a population of approximately 7,728. The county seat is Jeffersonville.
Union County
Union County is located in northern Georgia on the state’s border with North Carolina. It has a population of approximately 27,601. The county seat is Blairsville.
Upson County
Upson County is located in west-central Georgia and has a population of approximately 28,358. The county seat is Thomaston.
Walker County
Walker County is located in northwestern Georgia on the state’s border with Tennessee. It has a population of approximately 69,340. The county seat is LaFayette.
Walton County
Walton County is located in northern Georgia and has a population of approximately 109,792. The county seat is Monroe.
Ware County
Ware County is located in southeastern Georgia on the state’s border with Florida. It has a population of approximately 36,222. The county seat is Waycross.
Warren County
Warren County is located in eastern Georgia and has a population of approximately 5,148. The county seat is Warrenton.
Washington County
Washington County is located in east-central Georgia and has a population of approximately 19,834. The county seat is Sandersville.
Wayne County
Wayne County is located in southeastern Georgia and has a population of approximately 32,132. The county seat is Jesup.
Webster County
Webster County is located in western Georgia and has a population of approximately 2,315. The county seat is Preston.
Wheeler County
Wheeler County is located in central Georgia and has a population of approximately 7,076. The county seat is Alamo.
White County
White County is located in northern Georgia and has a population of approximately 29,668. The county seat is Cleveland.
Whitfield County
Whitfield County is located in northwestern Georgia on the state’s border with Tennessee. It has a population of approximately 105,070. The county seat is Dalton.
Wilcox County
Wilcox County is located in central Georgia and has a population of approximately 8,904. The county seat is Abbeville.
Wilkes County
Wilkes County is located in eastern Georgia and has a population of approximately 9,567. The county seat is Washington.
Wilkinson County
Wilkinson County is located in central Georgia and has a population of approximately 8,667. The county seat is Irwinton.
Worth County
Worth County is located in southern Georgia and has a population of approximately 20,262. The county seat is Sylvester.
