Living in Dawson County
Living Here
Dawson County has a population of 26,000+. In October we have one of the largest events in North Georgia, the Mountain Moonshine Festival, along with several events each month—Food Truck Friday’s, Movies in the Park, Car Shows, Art Shows at the Bowen and a spectacular Christmas in Downtown Dawsonville event hosting Santa, a parade, music, activities, and a local market for unique gifts.
Dawson County offers a variety of unique attractions that offer affordable and accessible experiences for visitors of all ages. For outdoor fun Amicalola Falls State Park offers hiking trails, zip lining and many other adventure activities. A must see at the park is the 720-foot cascading waterfall with a staircase that crosses the center of the falls allowing guests an up-close view the of the entire height of the falls. Edge of the World Rapids is a fun place to cool off during the summer with a handicap accessible trail on the Etowah River. Atlanta Motorsports Park offers karting year-round and North Georgia Premium Outlets is sure to satisfy your shopping desires with over 140 retail stores. Fall comes alive with beautiful fall colors, sunflower fields, pumpkins and corn mazes giving you many options for family outings. Click here to view all the things to do in Dawsonville. Dawson County is also home to the Lanier Technical College and many thriving businesses.
EDUCATION
Dawson County has a strong tradition of education and offers an excellent school system. Our schools, both public and private, provide a variety of educational programs.
Public schools in Dawson County include four elementary schools, one middle school, one junior high school and one high school with approximately 3475 students.
Lanier Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, serves as the foremost workforce development resource for Banks, Barrow, Dawson, Forsyth, Hall, Jackson, and Lumpkin counties by providing
- career-technical education programs, offered through traditional and distance delivery methods, leading to associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates of credit
- customized business and industry training and economic development services
- continuing education for technical and professional development
- adult education services.
The University of North Georgia is part of the University System of Georgia and is designated as a State Leadership Institution and The Military College of Georgia. With about 20,000 students, the University of North Georgia is one of the state's largest public universities.
GOVERNMENT
Dawson County Government has a five-member board with four district commissioners and a chairman who are all elected at large. Commissioners serve a term of four years and all are elected on staggered terms. The vice chair of the board is elected each year by the five-member Board of Commissioners.
The City of Dawsonville has a Mayor and City Council who determine policies, enact legislation and provide political leadership in the community. The City of Dawsonville is governed by a Mayor and four Council members, who are elected by a City-wide popular vote. Elected officials serve for terms of four (4) years and until their respective successors are elected and qualified.
UTILITIES
City: The Utilities Department is comprised of the following:
- Garbage Service
- Wastewater Treatment and Collection
- Water Treatment and Distribution
County:
Etowah Water & Sewer Authority services parts of the County, rural areas are on septic systems and wells.
HEALTHCARE
Dawson County's health and wellness needs are met with comprehensive services that range from community resources to physician practices, outpatient rehabilitation, imaging centers, specialty physicians and clinics.
Dawson County offers two nearby hospitals: Northside Forsyth and Northeast Georgia Medical Center with Medical Facilities located in Dawson County. Both hospitals are full-service and include emergency rooms.
PUBLIC SAFETY
The Dawson County Sheriff's Department works to make sure Dawson County is a safe place to live work and enjoy. Keeping the citizens informed through training, classes and social media updates.
