Troup County, Georgia

Troup County is located in western Georgia along the Alabama state line, with an estimated population of approximately 70,300 residents. The county seat is LaGrange, a city that has successfully transformed its economy from textile manufacturing dependence to a diversified industrial base anchored by the Kia Georgia automotive assembly plant. Created in 1826, the county was named for George Michael Troup, who served as Governor of Georgia from 1823 to 1827. Troup County sits along the Interstate 85 corridor between Atlanta and Montgomery, Alabama, giving it strong transportation connectivity and a strategic position for manufacturing and logistics.

Geography and Physical Setting

Troup County encompasses approximately 414 square miles of rolling Piedmont terrain. The Chattahoochee River forms the county's western boundary, separating Georgia from Alabama. West Point Lake, a 25,900-acre reservoir on the Chattahoochee created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, occupies a significant portion of the county's western area, providing water supply, flood control, hydroelectric power, and extensive recreational opportunities. The interior landscape consists of rolling hills, mixed pine-hardwood forests, and areas of residential and commercial development, particularly around LaGrange and along the I-85 corridor. The climate is humid subtropical with warm summers and cool winters.

Population and Demographics

Troup County's population of approximately 70,300 has been relatively stable to modestly growing, with the Kia plant and associated automotive suppliers attracting new residents and investment. The county has a diverse population with substantial African American and white communities, and a growing Hispanic and Asian population associated with international investment in the automotive sector. LaGrange accounts for the majority of the county's urban population. Economic indicators have improved with the diversification of the manufacturing base, though disparities persist between different parts of the county.

County Government

Troup County is governed by a Board of Commissioners with a chairman and district commissioners overseeing county administration. The county provides services including road maintenance, public safety through the Troup County Sheriff's Office, parks and recreation, emergency management, and tax administration. The county is part of the Coweta Judicial Circuit. The City of LaGrange operates under a council-manager form of government with its own police, fire, utilities, and public works departments. Coordination between city and county governments is important for economic development and planning.

Economy and Major Industries

The Kia Georgia automotive assembly plant, located in West Point near the Troup-Harris county line, has been transformative for the local economy. The plant, which began production in 2009, employs thousands of workers and has attracted a network of automotive parts suppliers to the region. This single investment fundamentally altered the economic trajectory of Troup County, replacing the textile industry that had been the backbone of employment for over a century.

Beyond automotive manufacturing, the county's economy includes healthcare (Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center is a major employer), higher education (LaGrange College, a private liberal arts institution, and West Georgia Technical College), retail and commercial services, and recreation. West Point Lake generates tourism and recreation revenue through boating, fishing, camping, and special events. The Callaway Foundation, established by the Callaway textile family, has invested heavily in community amenities including parks, an arts center, and infrastructure that enhance quality of life. The Hills and Dales Estate, a historic Callaway family property, is a notable cultural attraction.

Key Communities

LaGrange — The county seat, with a population of approximately 30,600, is the economic and cultural center of Troup County. LaGrange features a revitalized downtown with restaurants, shops, and cultural venues, LaGrange College, the Lamar Dodd Art Center, and extensive parks and green spaces funded by the Callaway Foundation.

West Point — A small city of approximately 3,600 on the Chattahoochee River at the Alabama border, West Point is the site of the Kia Georgia plant and the West Point Dam. The city has a historic downtown and serves as a gateway to West Point Lake.

Hogansville — A town of approximately 3,400 in the northeastern portion of the county along I-85, Hogansville features a small downtown with local businesses and serves as a residential community for those working in LaGrange or commuting toward Atlanta.