Ware County Public RecordsGeorgia

Ware County, GA, serves over 5,800 students across 11 public schools, including Ware County High School. About 79% of adults hold a high school diploma, while roughly 14% possess a bachelor’s degree or higher (2020 Census). The average public school rating is 5/10 (GreatSchools), with Ware County High scoring 6/10. The district offers Career, Technical, and Adult Education programs. School safety initiatives include resource officers and anti-bullying policies. Extracurricular and STEM programs enhance learning, addressing diverse student needs.

As of 2023, Ware County, GA had an employment rate of approximately 54%. Major industries include healthcare and social assistance (22%), retail trade (17%), and education services (12%). The dominant occupation types are office/administrative support (16%) and sales-related roles (12%). About 84% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 22 minutes. While over 70% of the workforce is employed within Ware County, around 30% commute to neighboring counties.

Ware County, GA, has a homeownership rate of about 62%, with median home values around $131,000 (2022). Rental occupancy is approximately 38%, and median gross rents are $771 monthly. Property values have risen nearly 10% over the past year, reflecting slow but steady market growth. Housing types include single-family homes, some townhouses, and limited apartments, mainly in Waycross. Popular neighborhoods feature Riverside and Satilla Bluffs. Property taxes average 1.1% of assessed value, with an annual median tax bill near $1,206. The area offers affordable living and a mix of quiet suburban and small-town settings.

Ware County, GA, has a crime rate higher than the state average, with a violent crime rate of 4.03 per 1,000 residents and a property crime rate of 24.67 per 1,000 residents (2023 data). The overall crime rate is 28.7 per 1,000, making it safer than only 21% of U.S. cities. Reporting and law enforcement are managed by the Ware County Sheriff’s Office, which encourages community involvement and maintains a public crime map. Efforts continue to focus on lowering theft and burglary rates through increased patrols and safety initiatives.

As of 2022, Ware County, GA, has an estimated population of 35,931. About 50.7% are female and 49.3% male. The median age is 41.3 years. Racially, the population is approximately 58.7% White, 34.5% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 4.7% Hispanic or Latino of any race. Around 22.3% are under 18, while 19.6% are 65 or older.

Ware County, GA, had 21,347 registered voters for the 2022 general election, participating in presidential, state, and local races. Republicans dominate, with 66% voting for GOP candidates in the 2020 presidential election. The Ware County Board of Elections manages voter registration, polling logistics, and election administration. There are 10 polling locations countywide. Top issues include economic development and rural health care. Both major parties maintain local organizations, but GOP participation is higher. In the 2022 midterms, turnout reached 55%. Voters can request absentee ballots or vote early at the county elections office.