Where is Jefferson, Georgia

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: August 5, 2026

Jefferson is a city in northeast Georgia and the county seat of Jackson County. It is about 60 miles northeast of Atlanta and 20 miles east of Athens. The city is known for its historic downtown, Crawford W. Long Museum, traditional courthouse square, and location among the rolling hills and farmland of Georgia's Piedmont region.

Location Map of Jefferson, Jackson County, Georgia

Where is Jefferson Located in Jackson County, Georgia

About Map: The map shows the location of Jefferson in Jackson County, in the U.S. state of Georgia.

Jefferson Map, Georgia

About Jefferson Map: The Google Map highlights the location of Jefferson in Jackson County, Georgia. Use the zoom, satellite, and street-view options to explore the city's neighborhoods, roads, and nearby places.

Where is Jefferson Located?

Jefferson is a city located in Jackson County, Georgia, the United States. It lies in northeast Georgia, about 60 miles northeast of Atlanta and roughly 20 miles east of Athens. Jefferson serves as the county seat of Jackson County and sits among the rolling hills, farms, and wooded areas of the Georgia Piedmont. The city is located at approximately 34.118° North latitude and 83.572° West longitude. The 2020 Census recorded 13,327 residents. Jefferson covers about 24.90 square miles, or 64.49 square kilometers. The city was incorporated in 1806 and has a long history as a regional center for agriculture, commerce, education, and government. The Crawford W. Long Museum is one of Jefferson's best-known attractions and honors the physician associated with the early use of ether anesthesia. Downtown Jefferson features a traditional courthouse square and historic buildings that reflect the city's 19th-century development. A unique feature of Jefferson is its connection to Crawford W. Long, whose medical work helped change the history of surgery. Nearby Lake Lanier and the foothills of northeast Georgia provide opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. U.S. Route 129 and Interstate 85 provide convenient connections to Athens, Atlanta, Gainesville, and other Georgia communities.

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Jefferson City Facts

CityJefferson
StateGeorgia
CountyJackson County
CountryUnited States
RegionNortheast Georgia / Piedmont
Incorporated1806
Founded1806
Total Area24.90 sq mi (64.49 sq km)
Land Area24.68 sq mi (63.92 sq km)
Water Area0.22 sq mi (0.57 sq km)
ElevationAbout 800 ft (244 m)
Population (2023 estimate)About 15,000
Population (2020 Census)13,327
Population DensityAbout 540 people per sq mi
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET)
ZIP Codes30549
Area Code706, 762
Major HighwaysU.S. Highway 129, U.S. Highway 441, Interstate 85, Georgia State Route 11
Public TransitJackson County transit services
Major AttractionsCrawford W. Long Museum, Jefferson Historic District, Jackson County Courthouse, Hurricane Shoals Park
Official Websitehttps://www.cityofjeffersonga.com/

Distance from Jefferson, GA to Nearby Cities

  • Commerce, GA – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Winder, GA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Athens, GA – 20 miles (32 km)
  • Braselton, GA – 15 miles (24 km)
  • Hoschton, GA – 12 miles (19 km)
  • Gainesville, GA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Buford, GA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Lawrenceville, GA – 35 miles (56 km)
  • Monroe, GA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Watkinsville, GA – 25 miles (40 km)
  • Flowery Branch, GA – 30 miles (48 km)
  • Cleveland, GA – 40 miles (64 km)
  • Atlanta, GA – 60 miles (97 km)
  • Greenville, SC – 80 miles (129 km)
  • Augusta, GA – 100 miles (161 km)

Top Attractions in Jefferson

  • Crawford W. Long Museum – A museum dedicated to Dr. Crawford W. Long and his role in the early history of surgical anesthesia.
  • Jefferson Historic District – A historic downtown area featuring preserved homes, commercial buildings, churches, and civic landmarks.
  • Jackson County Courthouse – A historic courthouse that serves as a prominent landmark in the center of Jefferson.
  • Hurricane Shoals Park – A nearby recreation area with walking trails, picnic spaces, historic features, and access to the Middle Oconee River.
  • Jefferson Memorial Stadium – A local sports facility used for school and community athletic events.
  • Lake Lanier – A major reservoir within driving distance, offering boating, fishing, swimming, camping, and waterfront recreation.
  • Fort Yargo State Park – A nearby state park with a historic log fort, hiking trails, camping, boating, and Lake Marbury.
  • Georgia Guidestones Site Area – A former landmark site in Elbert County that became part of the wider cultural history of northeast Georgia.

Airports Near Jefferson

  • Athens-Ben Epps Airport (AHN) – 30 miles
  • Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport (GVL) – 30 miles
  • Barrow County Airport (WDR) – 20 miles
  • DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK) – 55 miles
  • Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) – 75 miles

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the official Jefferson city website and local government records.

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