# Blue Ridge, Georgia

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City in Georgia, United States

Blue Ridge, Georgia City City hall Seal Location in Fannin County and the state of Georgia Coordinates: 34°52′6″N 84°19′16″W / 34.86833°N 84.32111°W / 34.86833; -84.32111 Country United States State Georgia County Fannin Area [1] • Total 2.68 sq mi (6.93 km2) • Land 2.68 sq mi (6.93 km2) • Water 0 sq mi (0.00 km2) Elevation [2] 1,762 ft (537 m) Population (2020) • Total 1,253 • Density 468.1/sq mi (180.73/km2) Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT) ZIP code 30513 Area codes 706/762 FIPS code 13-08928[3] GNIS feature ID 0331197[2] Website www.cityofblueridgega.gov

**Blue Ridge** is a city in [Fannin County, Georgia](/source/Fannin_County%2C_Georgia), United States. As of the [2020 census](/source/2020_United_States_census), the city had a population of 1,253. The city is the [county seat](/source/County_seat) of Fannin County and the largest city in the county.[4]

## History

Prior to [Decolonization of the Americas](/source/Decolonization_of_the_Americas) (1770–1820), the area that is now Blue Ridge was inhabited by [Cherokee](/source/Cherokee) and other Indigenous peoples.

Blue Ridge was laid out in 1886 when the Marietta and North Georgia Railroad was extended to that point.[5] It was incorporated in 1887 by colonel [Mike McKinney](/source/Mike_McKinney_(militiaman)), who built the railroad.[6] In 1895, the seat of Fannin County was transferred to Blue Ridge from [Morganton](/source/Morganton%2C_Georgia).[7]

## Blue Ridge Scenic Railway

Blue Ridge is the home of the [Blue Ridge Scenic Railway](/source/Blue_Ridge_Scenic_Railway), a restored railroad that features a four-hour, 26 mile roundtrip journey along the [Toccoa River](/source/Toccoa_River) to the sister towns [McCaysville, Georgia](/source/McCaysville%2C_Georgia), and [Copperhill, Tennessee](/source/Copperhill%2C_Tennessee).[8]

The original tracks started in [Marietta, Georgia](/source/Marietta%2C_Georgia), and reached Blue Ridge and the surrounding areas in 1886.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Geography

Downtown Blue Ridge

Downtown Blue Ridge

The city of Blue Ridge is located south of the center of Fannin County at [34°52′6″N 84°19′16″W / 34.86833°N 84.32111°W / 34.86833; -84.32111](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Blue_Ridge,_Georgia&params=34_52_6_N_84_19_16_W_type:city) (34.868344, -84.320991).[9] The city sits on the divide between the [Tennessee River](/source/Tennessee_River) watershed to the north (via the [Toccoa River](/source/Toccoa_River)) and the [Alabama River](/source/Alabama_River) to the south (via Crooked Log Creek, the [Ellijay River](/source/Ellijay_River), and several downstream rivers).

[U.S. Route 76](/source/U.S._Route_76) and [Georgia State Route 515](/source/Georgia_State_Route_515) (Zell Miller Mountain Parkway) pass through the west side of the city, leading east 22 miles (35 km) to [Blairsville](/source/Blairsville%2C_Georgia) and southwest 15 miles (24 km) to [Ellijay](/source/Ellijay%2C_Georgia). [Georgia State Route 5](/source/Georgia_State_Route_5) leads north from Blue Ridge 10 miles (16 km) to [McCaysville](/source/McCaysville%2C_Georgia) at the [Tennessee](/source/Tennessee) line. [Atlanta](/source/Atlanta) is 93 miles (150 km) to the south via GA-5/515.

According to the [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau), the city has a total area of 2.4 square miles (6.2 km2), all land.[10]

### Climate

Blue Ridge, Georgia, is located within the southern Appalachian region, which forms part of the broader Appalachian temperate rainforest - an area characterized by relatively high annual precipitation and complex, variable weather patterns influenced by mountainous terrain.[11][12]

During winter, localized climatic variation is common due to elevation differences; higher elevations in the southern Appalachians often receive measurable snowfall, while nearby lower elevations may experience little or no accumulation.[13]

Spring, summer, and early autumn are typically marked by alternating periods of significant rainfall and relative dryness, reflecting the interaction of moist air masses with complex topography.[14] The mountainous terrain also contributes to an increased risk of flash flooding, as intense, short-duration rainfall events can exceed local drainage capacity, particularly in developed or low-lying areas.[15]

On average, winter brings occasional minor snow events, though accumulation and frequency vary considerably depending on elevation and microclimatic conditions within the region.[16]

Climate data for Blue Ridge, Georgia Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Record high °F (°C) 74 (23) 78 (26) 85 (29) 91 (33) 94 (34) 100 (38) 103 (39) 101 (38) 98 (37) 92 (33) 83 (28) 76 (24) 103 (39) Mean daily maximum °F (°C) 50 (10) 54 (12) 61 (16) 71 (22) 78 (26) 84 (29) 88 (31) 87 (31) 81 (27) 72 (22) 62 (17) 52 (11) 70 (21) Daily mean °F (°C) 38 (3) 41 (5) 48 (9) 56 (13) 64 (18) 71 (22) 76 (24) 75 (24) 68 (20) 57 (14) 48 (9) 40 (4) 57 (14) Mean daily minimum °F (°C) 26 (−3) 28 (−2) 34 (1) 40 (4) 49 (9) 58 (14) 63 (17) 62 (17) 54 (12) 42 (6) 34 (1) 28 (−2) 43 (6) Record low °F (°C) −16 (−27) −5 (−21) 2 (−17) 17 (−8) 29 (−2) 37 (3) 47 (8) 46 (8) 30 (−1) 19 (−7) −1 (−18) −8 (−22) −16 (−27) Average precipitation inches (mm) 5.8 (150) 5.5 (140) 6.4 (160) 4.9 (120) 5.0 (130) 4.6 (120) 5.4 (140) 4.8 (120) 4.5 (110) 3.3 (84) 5.0 (130) 5.0 (130) 60.2 (1,534) Source: [17]

## Demographics

Historical population Census Pop. Note %± 1890 264 — 1900 1,148 334.8% 1910 898 −21.8% 1920 904 0.7% 1930 1,190 31.6% 1940 1,362 14.5% 1950 1,718 26.1% 1960 1,406 −18.2% 1970 1,602 13.9% 1980 1,376 −14.1% 1990 1,336 −2.9% 2000 1,210 −9.4% 2010 1,290 6.6% 2020 1,253 −2.9% U.S. Decennial Census[18]

### 2020 census

As of the [2020 census](/source/2020_United_States_census), Blue Ridge had a population of 1,253. The median age was 48.7 years. 18.0% of residents were under the age of 18 and 27.4% of residents were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 91.6 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 85.7 males age 18 and over.[19][20]

There were 552 households in Blue Ridge, of which 22.1% had children under the age of 18 living in them. Of all households, 33.0% were married-couple households, 23.6% were households with a male householder and no spouse or partner present, and 37.0% were households with a female householder and no spouse or partner present. About 41.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 20.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.[19]

There were 688 housing units, of which 19.8% were vacant. The homeowner vacancy rate was 7.0% and the rental vacancy rate was 5.8%. 0.0% of residents lived in urban areas, while 100.0% lived in rural areas.[19][21]

Blue Ridge racial composition[22] Race Num. Perc. White (non-Hispanic) 1,121 89.47% Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 9 0.72% Native American 4 0.32% Asian 13 1.04% Other/Mixed 36 2.87% Hispanic or Latino 70 5.59%

### 2010 census

As of the [2010 United States census](/source/2010_United_States_census), there were 1,290 people residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was 92.1% White, 1.2% Black, 0.2% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.7% from some other race and 0.9% from two or more races. 4.5% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

### 2000 census

As of the [census](/source/Census)[3] of 2000, there were 1,210 people, 553 households, and 319 families residing in the city. The population density was 557.2 inhabitants per square mile (215.1/km2). There were 631 housing units at an average density of 290.6 units per square mile (112.2 units/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 98.26% [White](/source/White_(U.S._Census)), 0.41% [African American](/source/African_American_(U.S._Census)), 0.41% [Asian](/source/Asian_(U.S._Census)), 0.17% from [other races](/source/Race_(United_States_Census)), and 0.74% from two or more races. [Hispanic](/source/Hispanic_(U.S._Census)) or [Latino](/source/Latino_(U.S._Census)) of any race were 0.83% of the population.

There were 553 households, out of which 25.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.9% were married couples living together, 15.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.3% were non-families. 38.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 22.3% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 25.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 83.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.8 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,214, and the median income for a family was $35,259. Males had a median income of $25,859 versus $17,941 for females.

The [per capita income](/source/Per_capita_income) for the city was $16,149. About 13.7% of families and 17.0% of the population were below the [poverty line](/source/Poverty_line), including 22.9% of those under age 18 and 16.6% of those age 65 or over.

## Community and culture

The culture of Blue Ridge is deeply rooted in Appalachian mountain tradition. The downtown area has varied historic buildings, and regularly features local folk art, bluegrass music, and a holiday ice rink, Blue Ridge on Ice, next to the Farmer's Market.

The city promotes itself in media as the "Trout Fishing Capital of Georgia".[23]

In the late 2000s and continuing through the 2010s, the city has seen a surge in new business, particularly from the [LGBT](/source/LGBT) community which constitutes a larger percentage of the population than is typical for a rural community and one of the highest in Georgia.[24]

## Education

### Fannin County School District

Blue Ridge Elementary School

The [Fannin County School District](/source/Fannin_County_School_District) holds pre-school to grade twelve, and consists of three elementary schools, a middle school, and a high school.[25] The district has 179 full-time teachers and more than 3,212 students.[26]

- Blue Ridge Elementary School

- East Fannin Elementary School

- West Fannin Elementary School

- Fannin County Middle School

- [Fannin County High School](/source/Fannin_County_High_School)

Lake Blue Ridge

### UNG Blue Ridge campus

In 2015, the [University of North Georgia](/source/University_of_North_Georgia) (UNG) opened a campus in Blue Ridge.[27]

### Private education options

- Calvary Chapel Christian School (K-5th Grade)[28]

- Mountain Area Christian Academy (Pre-K1 through 12th Grade)[29]

## Notable people

- [Mike McKinney](/source/Mike_McKinney_(militiaman)) (October 1, 1840 — August 9, 1925), American Civil War veteran and city founder[6]

- [Lake Underwood](/source/Lake_Underwood) (July 4, 1926 — September 12, 2008), entrepreneur, inventor, racecar owner and driver, a founder of [Watkins Glen](/source/Watkins_Glen_International) Racing School

- [Mark Wills](/source/Mark_Wills), country singer, member of the [Grand Ole Opry](/source/Grand_Ole_Opry)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CenPopGazetteer2020_1-0)** ["2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files"](https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_13.txt). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 18, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-gnis_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-gnis_2-1) [U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Blue Ridge, Georgia](https://edits.nationalmap.gov/apps/gaz-domestic/public/search/names/331197)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-GR2_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-GR2_3-1) ["U.S. Census website"](https://www.census.gov). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-GR6_4-0)** ["Find a County"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx). National Association of Counties. Archived from [the original](http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx) on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["History"](https://www.blueridgemountains.com/community/history/). Town of Blue Ridge. Retrieved April 2, 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-McK_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-McK_6-1) Krakow, Kenneth K. (1975). [*Georgia Place-Names: Their History and Origins*](http://www.kenkrakow.com/gpn/b.pdf) (PDF). Macon, GA: Winship Press. p. 21. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-915430-00-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-915430-00-2).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** Hellmann, Paul T. (May 13, 2013). [*Historical Gazetteer of the United States*](https://books.google.com/books?id=REtEXQNWq6MC&pg=PA221). Routledge. p. 221. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-1135948597](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1135948597). Retrieved November 30, 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** . Blue Ridge Scenic Railway [https://brscenic.com](https://brscenic.com). Retrieved February 26, 2024. {{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: Missing or empty |title= ([help](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:CS1_errors#citation_missing_title))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-GR1_9-0)** ["US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990"](https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html). [United States Census Bureau](/source/United_States_Census_Bureau). February 12, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census_2010_10-0)** ["Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Census Summary File 1 (G001), Blue Ridge city, Georgia"](http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/G001/1600000US1308928). *American FactFinder*. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved April 26, 2016.{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web)}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_deprecated_archival_service))

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Appalachian Temperate Rainforest"](https://www.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/pubs/52195). United States Forest Service. Retrieved April 11, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Climate of the Southeast U.S."](https://nca2018.globalchange.gov/chapter/19/) U.S. Global Change Research Program. Retrieved April 11, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Snowfall Patterns in the Southern Appalachians"](https://www.weather.gov/mrx/winter). National Weather Service. Retrieved April 11, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Precipitation and Climate in the Appalachian Region"](https://serc.carleton.edu/vignettes/collection/25209.html). Carleton College Science Education Resource Center. Retrieved April 11, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** ["Flash Flooding in Mountainous Regions"](https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood-flash). National Weather Service. Retrieved April 11, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** ["Climate Normals for North Georgia"](https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/). National Centers for Environmental Information. Retrieved April 11, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["Average Monthly/Record Temperatures"](http://www.weather.com/weather/monthly/l/USGA0055:1:US). [The Weather Channel](/source/The_Weather_Channel). Retrieved September 6, 2015.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-DecennialCensus_18-0)** ["Census of Population and Housing"](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html). Census.gov. Retrieved June 4, 2015.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Census2020DP_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Census2020DP_19-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Census2020DP_19-2) ["2020 Decennial Census Demographic Profile (DP1)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dp?get=NAME,DP1_0021P,DP1_0024P,DP1_0025C,DP1_0049C,DP1_0045C,DP1_0069C,DP1_0073C,DP1_0125P,DP1_0126P,DP1_0129P,DP1_0133P,DP1_0137P,DP1_0138P,DP1_0139P,DP1_0141P,DP1_0142P,DP1_0143P,DP1_0145P,DP1_0146P,DP1_0147C,DP1_0148C,DP1_0149C,DP1_0156C,DP1_0157C,DP1_0158C,DP1_0159P,DP1_0160P&for=place%3A08928&in=state%3A13). *United States Census Bureau*. 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census2020PL_20-0)** ["2020 Decennial Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=NAME,P1_001N,P1_003N,P1_004N,P1_005N,P1_006N,P1_007N,P1_008N,P1_009N,P2_001N,P2_002N,H1_001N,H1_002N&for=place%3A08928&in=state%3A13). *United States Census Bureau*. 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Census2020DHC_21-0)** ["2020 Decennial Census Demographic and Housing Characteristics (DHC)"](https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/dhc?get=NAME,P2_002N,P2_003N&for=place%3A08928&in=state%3A13). *United States Census Bureau*. 2023. Retrieved May 1, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** ["Explore Census Data"](https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US1308928&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2). *data.census.gov*. Retrieved December 14, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["Cultural heritage Sites in Blue Ridge GA | Historic Downtown, Copper Basin, Upper Loop, Lower Trail & More"](https://www.blueridgemountains.com/community/history/). *Blue Ridge, GA*. Retrieved April 11, 2026.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Willis, Regina (October 2, 2018). ["Why this Georgia mountain town has become a gay-friendly hot spot"](https://www.wsbtv.com/living/why-this-georgia-mountain-town-has-become-a-gayfriendly-hot-spot/847375503/). *[WSB-TV](/source/WSB-TV)*. Retrieved December 14, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** [Georgia Board of Education](http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/ReportingFW.aspx?PageReq=111&PID=62&PTID=69&CountyId=655&T=0&FY=2009)[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*], Retrieved June 9, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** [School Stats](http://www.school-stats.com/GA/FANNIN/FANNIN_COUNTY.html), Retrieved June 9, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["Blue Ridge Campus"](https://ung.edu/campuses/blueridge/index.php).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** [https://www.wearecalvarychapel.com/](https://www.wearecalvarychapel.com/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** [https://www.macalions.org/](https://www.macalions.org/)

## External links

Wikivoyage has a travel guide for ***[Blue Ridge (Georgia)](https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_(Georgia)#Q2035614)***.

- [City of Blue Ridge official website](http://www.cityofblueridgega.gov/)

- [Fannin County Chamber of Commerce](http://www.blueridgemountains.com)

- [*The News Observer*](http://www.thenewsobserver.com/)

- [Blue Ridge Scenic Railway](http://www.brscenic.com/)

v t e Municipalities and communities of Fannin County, Georgia, United States County seat: Blue Ridge Cities Blue Ridge McCaysville Morganton Map of Georgia highlighting Fannin County CDPs Epworth Mineral Bluff Unincorporated communities Aska Craytonia Hemp Hothouse Sweet Gum Ghost towns Argo Due Georgia portal United States portal

v t e County seats of Georgia Abbeville Adel Alamo Albany Alma Americus Appling Ashburn Athens Atlanta Augusta Bainbridge Barnesville Baxley Blackshear BlaIrsville Blakely Blue Ridge Brunswick Buchanan Buena Vista Butler Cairo Calhoun Camilla Canton Carnesville Carrollton Cartersville Cedartown Chatsworth Clarkesville Claxton Clayton Cleveland Cochran Colquitt Columbus Conyers Cordele Covington Crawfordville Cumming Cusseta Cuthbert Dahlonega Dallas Dalton Danielsville Darien Dawson Dawsonville Decatur Donalsonville Douglas Douglasville Dublin Eastman Eatonton Elberton Ellaville Ellijay Evans Fayetteville Fitzgerald Folkston Forsyth Fort Gaines Fort Valley Franklin Gainesville Georgetown Gibson Gray Greensboro Greenville Griffin Hamilton Hartwell Hawkinsville Hazlehurst Hiawassee Hinesville Homer Homerville Irwinton Jackson Jasper Jefferson Jeffersonville Jesup Jonesboro Knoxville LaFayette LaGrange Lakeland Lawrenceville Leesburg Lexington Lincolnton Louisville Ludowici Lumpkin Lyons Macon Madison Marietta McDonough McRae–Helena Metter Milledgeville Millen Monroe Monticello Morgan Moultrie Mount Vernon Nahunta Nashville Newnan Newton Ocilla Oglethorpe Pearson Pembroke Perry Preston Quitman Reidsville Ringgold Rome Sandersville Savannah Soperton Sparta Springfield Statenville Statesboro Summerville Swainsboro Sylvania Sylvester Talbotton Thomaston Thomasville Thomson Tifton Toccoa Trenton Valdosta Vienna Warrenton Washington Watkinsville Waycross Waynesboro Winder Woodbine Wrightsville Zebulon

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Blue Ridge, Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge%2C_Georgia) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge%2C_Georgia?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.