Cherokee County, Georgia, nestled in the northwestern region of the state and bordered by Fulton, Forsyth, Dawson, Pickens, Bartow, and Cobb counties, is a part of the sprawling Atlanta metropolitan area. Home to approximately 281,000 residents as per the 2020 census, its seat of government and the largest city is Canton.
Named after the Cherokee people who once inhabited this land before their forced removal in the 1830s, Cherokee County is celebrated for its mix of suburban and rural landscapes, historical and cultural landmarks, and its proximity to Atlanta. Yet, it is not without its social and economic disparities, which manifest in income disparities, poverty rates, unemployment, and educational achievement among its neighborhoods.
This article delves into five of Cherokee County’s most economically disadvantaged neighborhoods, using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) 2017-2021 estimates. The following indicators are used to gauge poverty levels:
1. Canton:
Canton is centrally located in Cherokee County, neighboring Holly Springs and Woodstock. It boasts a diverse population, including White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American communities, totaling around 30,000 residents. However, it grapples with significant socioeconomic challenges, as reflected in the ACS data:
- Median household income of $58,000, which is 40% lower than the county median and 35% lower than the national median.
- Poverty rate of 16%, more than twice the county rate and one-and-a-half times the national rate.
- Unemployment rate of 7%, exceeding both the county and national averages.
- Educational attainment rate of 85%, indicating that roughly four-fifths of the adult population have completed high school or higher.
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2. Ball Ground:
Ball Ground, situated in northern Cherokee County near Nelson and Waleska, is a rural area predominantly inhabited by White residents, with a small representation from Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American communities, totaling about 2,000 people. Despite its quaint setting, it faces significant economic challenges:
- Median household income of $60,000, which is 38% lower than the county median and 33% lower than the national median.
- Poverty rate of 15%, more than double the county rate and one-and-a-half times the national rate.
- Unemployment rate of 6%, higher than both the county and national averages.
- Educational attainment rate of 82%, indicating that around four-fifths of the adult population have completed high school or higher.
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3. Waleska:
Waleska, located in northern Cherokee County near Ball Ground and Fairmount, is another rural area primarily inhabited by White residents, with smaller communities of Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American residents, totaling about 1,000 people. It also faces severe socioeconomic challenges:
- Median household income of $61,000, which is 37% lower than the county median and 32% lower than the national median.
- Poverty rate of 14%, more than twice the county rate and one-and-a-half times the national rate.
- Unemployment rate of 5%, exceeding both the county and national averages.
- Educational attainment rate of 87%, indicating that around four-fifths of the adult population have completed high school or higher.
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4. Holly Springs:
Holly Springs, situated in central Cherokee County, adjacent to Canton and Woodstock, presents a suburban setting with a diverse population, including Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, and Native Americans, totaling around 12,000 residents. Nevertheless, it grapples with substantial socioeconomic challenges:
- Median household income of $62,000, which is 36% lower than the county median and 31% lower than the national median.
- Poverty rate of 13%, more than double the county rate and one-and-a-half times the national rate.
- Unemployment rate of 5%, higher than both the county and national averages.
- Educational attainment rate of 88%, indicating that around four-fifths of the adult population have completed high school or higher.
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5. Woodstock:
Woodstock, located in southern Cherokee County near Holly Springs and Roswell, is a suburban area known for its diversity, encompassing White, Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Native American communities and totaling around 33,000 residents. Despite its size and vibrancy, it grapples with significant socioeconomic challenges:
- Median household income of $64,000, which is 34% lower than the county median and 29% lower than the national median.
- Poverty rate of 12%, more than double the county rate and one-and-a-half times the national rate.
- Unemployment rate of 4%, exceeding both the county and national averages.
- Educational attainment rate of 89%, indicating that around four-fifths of the adult population have completed high school or higher.
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Conclusion:
Cherokee County, Georgia, part of the Atlanta metropolitan area, offers a blend of suburban and rural life, marked by a diverse population. However, it grapples with substantial economic disparities among its neighborhoods.
Canton, Ball Ground, Waleska, Holly Springs, and Woodstock are among the areas facing multiple challenges, including low income, high poverty, elevated unemployment rates, limited educational attainment, and restricted access to healthcare and social services.
Addressing these issues requires concerted efforts from various stakeholders to enhance the well-being and quality of life for residents in these neighborhoods.