Dawson County is one of 18 Georgia counties listed by the U.S. Census Bureau as the fastest growing in the nation and the 13th in the state.

Georgia topped the list of states with the most fastest-growing counties in the nation, followed by Texas with 13.

The U.S. Census released the report that documented growth between July 1, 2006 and July 1, 2007 last Thursday, with neighboring Forsyth, Hall, Pickens and Cherokee counties also making the fastest growing list.

Forsyth, the fastest growing in the state, ranked eighth in the nation.

The two fastest growing counties in the nation were Louisiana's St. Bernard Parish, with a 42.9 percent growth rate, and Orleans Parish, with a 13.8 percent population increase. Both counties were heavily hit by Hurricane Katrina and are still recovering from the onslaught.

Dawson County saw a 4.5 percent, or 916 people, population increase during the year's time, according to the report.

"In my mind it's the quality of life and the friendly people that bring visitors back to live in Dawson County," said Dawson County Chamber of Commerce President Linda Williams.

"Once people come here and visit, they experience that friendliness, the beauty and all Dawson County has to offer," she added.

Coupling the small town appeal with a great school system, economic development opportunities, colleges and universities nearby and the added luxury of a vibrant metropolitan just south on Ga. 400 gives Dawson County a claim in which most counties can't compare. Williams said "We pretty much have it all."

The U.S Census ranking last week follows a recent study by the Department of Community Affairs, which ranked Dawson County eighth among the state's most prosperous counties, based on economic factors such as employment, income level and business.

E-mail Michele Hester at michele@dawsonnews.com.

Originally published Wednesday, March 26, 2008