Oconee County, GA:
Compelling Data for High-End Retail Investment

Affluence and Purchasing Power

  • Average Home Value: $557,923, among the highest in the Athens, GA region and up 1.1% year-over-year, showing a strong and stable residential base able to support premium retail. 

  • Household Income: Median household income stands at $115,925, ranking Oconee as one of the state’s wealthiest counties. 81.6% homeownership rate.

  • Education: 54.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s or higher degrees and the public schools consistently rank top in the state.

  • Population Growth: Oconee County’s population has grown by over 37% since 2010 (1.3%/year), with more high-earning professionals and families moving in each year. 

  • Low Poverty Rate: The county enjoys a very low poverty rate, contributing to local economic stability and reliable consumer spending.

Retail Market Success & Momentum

As one of Georgia's fastest-growing and most affluent counties the demand for new high-end retail and commercial opportunities has never been greater:

  • Retail Outperformance: The Oconee County Costco almost doubled its conservative revenue estimations during its first year of operation, Costco’s best-ever performance for a community this size. The local Walmart is the fourth most profitable in all of Georgia.

  • Premium Retail Demand: Both large retailers and small local businesses report outstanding sales performance, with affluent customers and visitors driving spending by seeking quality, safety, and an upscale environment.

  • Boutique Retail Just Beginning. Boutique retail/commercial locations, focusing on setting and affluent community gathering spaces, are still almost non-existent in the county, but it’s coming, and Jones Corner is uniquely positioned to ride this first wave of boutique retail since it has already been professionally branded and approved by the county with most site development completed to be pad ready. 

  • Proximity to Athens/UGA: Being minutes from Athens, GA and the University of Georgia drives a constant influx of students, professionals, and visitors, boosting year-round demand for high-end retail.

  • Infrastructure: The county and private developers have invested heavily in roads, access, and modern utilities, making pad-ready properties like Jones Corner exceptionally rare and valuable.