Gilmer County, Georgia

Gilmer County
Gilmer County courthouse in Ellijay
Location within the U.S. state of Georgia
Georgia's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 34°41′N 84°28′W / 34.69°N 84.46°W / 34.69; -84.46
Country United States
State Georgia
Founded1832 (1832)
Named afterGeorge Rockingham Gilmer
SeatEllijay
Largest cityEllijay
Area
  Total
431 sq mi (1,120 km2)
  Land427 sq mi (1,110 km2)
  Water4.7 sq mi (12 km2)  1.1%
Population
 (2020)
  Total
31,353
  Density73/sq mi (28/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
  Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district9th
Websitewww.gilmercounty-ga.gov

Gilmer County is a county in the Northwest region of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of the 2020 census, its population was 31,353. The county seat is Ellijay. named for a historic Cherokee town also spelled as Elejoy in the 18th century. The county was created on December 3, 1832, and was named for George Rockingham Gilmer, a politician who served two nonconsecutive terms as governor of the state. Gilmer County is home of the annual Apple Festival, which is held in mid-October. About 90% of the land area is in cropland and forest. Poultry raising and processing make up the largest portion of the agricultural economy, which generates 33.2% of the total revenues. Manufacturing is about 20%.