Ware County and the Rural Growth Movement in Georgia

04/14/2025

In recent years, Georgia has made great strides in fostering economic prosperity across its rural communities. While metro areas like Atlanta often steal the spotlight, the state has quietly nurtured substantial growth in its heartland—and the results are beginning to speak volumes.

According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, over $12.5 billion in investments and more than 18,300 jobs were created outside the 10-county Atlanta region fiscal year 2024. Remarkably, these rural-based projects accounted for 83% of the state’s new business expansions and facility locations.

This surge underscores a strategic shift: economic development is no longer just an urban story. Rural Georgia, with its strategic location and community-driven work ethic, is taking center stage.

The Rural Advantage

Several factors contribute to this rural revitalization. Affordable land, lower cost of living, and proximity to key logistics corridors have made regions like South Georgia increasingly attractive to investors. Moreover, state-level initiatives such as Georgia Quick Start (a nationally ranked workforce development program) are equipping residents with the skills needed for modern manufacturing, technology, and logistics careers.

State leaders have expressed a commitment to supporting economic development in all regions of Georgia, including rural areas. This effort is reflected in partnerships with local development authorities, investments in workforce education, and infrastructure improvements aimed at supporting long-term growth.

A Local Perspective: Ware County

Ware County illustrates how rural communities are laying the groundwork for long-term economic resilience. Local leaders have prioritized initiatives that strengthen the area's infrastructure, expand workforce training opportunities, and support a more diverse economic landscape.

Collaborative efforts between public agencies, educational institutions, and private partners are helping to align local talent with evolving industry needs. At the same time, attention is being given to quality-of-life factors such as housing availability and access to services—key components that help retain residents and attract new investment.

By building on its existing strengths and actively planning for future growth, Ware County continues to position itself as a competitive and adaptable rural community in Georgia’s economic development landscape.

The Road Ahead

As Georgia continues to build on its reputation as the No. 1 state for business, the momentum in rural regions is expected to grow. These communities offer more than just economic opportunity; they represent the values of resilience, innovation, and unity.

For organizations like the WWDA, this is a critical moment to amplify local strengths, forge new partnerships, and lead the charge in shaping a balanced economic future for the entire state.