Forsyth County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 98,407. The 2006 Census Estimate shows a population of 150,968 [1]. Its county seat is Cumming, Georgia⁶.

This county is a part of the Atlanta metropolitan area (Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area).

Population Growth

Today, Forsyth County maintains a large percentage of new homeowners. Due to rapid suburban sprawl and skyrocketing housing prices in neighboring Fulton County a large number of affluent professionals have moved into the county since the marches of 1987; the county's population has roughly tripled since that time. Over 60% of the current population either lived elsewhere or had not been born yet in 1987.

In 2006 Forsyth County had been in the top ten fastest growing counties of the united States for several years. Many new subdivisions with elegant houses have been constructed, several around world class golf courses. Close to Atlanta and the Blue Ridge mountains the area has attracted many of the Metro area's new residents. Shopping continues to expand as the subdivisions fill in the county.

Education

The public school system is Forsyth County's single-largest employer and are an integral part of the community. Classrooms are technologically-advanced, as the school system places a heavy emphasis on being on the cutting edge of new technology and methods of teaching. However, the school board has been widely criticized for making critical decisions without seeking input of parents. Voters handed a mixed verdict to the school system in the 2006 elections: An existing sales tax, designed to fund construction of several new schools, was renewed but voters also elected political newcomer Michael Dudgeon to the five-member school board. Dudgeon has three children attending Forsyth's schools and has pledged to bring "long overdue accountability to the Forsyth School System." In December 2006, board-appointed Superintendent Paula Gault announced her resignation effective at the end of 2007.

Recreation

Recreation on Lake Lanier, a 37,000 acre Army Corp of Engineers lake, on the east side of the county is enjoyed by many residents and attracts non-residents seasonally. The new population is racially diverse and includes a large international population. The new residents represent all ethnic groups and economic levels.

School Information

Forsyth County Schools