Fannin County jobs increased by 1,409 (27.4%) between 2013 and 2018 according to Garner Economics and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Georgia was 10th in job growth in the U.S. with a 13.1% growth rate. Fannin County gained more jobs than neighboring counties of Gilmer, Pickens, Union and Towns. Pickens County grew by 13.1% – 916 jobs; followed by Union County at 12.2% – 737 jobs.
Top in Georgia Mountain Tourism
Recent information from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs also shows that Blue Ridge and Fannin County lead other mountain cities and counties in 2017 hotel motel tax collection, which indicates the number of overnight visitors. Second to Blue Ridge/Fannin County was Helen/White County: Blue Ridge/Fannin County collect 5% lodging tax and Helen/White County collect 8%.
Top Ten ARC Resilient Communities
Fannin County was recognized earlier this year as one of 10 top “resilient” communities in the U.S. by the Appalachian Regional Commission. In this study, Blue Ridge and Fannin County recovered faster from the 2008 economic crisis faster than many other communities: “tempered by steady employment in the trade, transportation and utility sectors. Self-employment as the dominant sector, accounting for 43% of employment, 56th of all the counties in the U.S.”
