Young Harris was originally named Young Harris College in honor of Judge Young Loftin Gerdine Harris of Athens. It soon shortened to Young Harris, although there is still a Young Harris College located there.Young Harris, GA sits in the most enchanted valley in North Georgia. One of the most beautiful sites in the state is when you drive over the hill coming from Hiawassee and see the valley below. For years Young Harris was known only for Young Harris College, but in the last decade has gained notoriety as a relaxing golf destination due to the success of the Brasstown Valley Resort.
At the resorts in the area, you can play golf or hike with your family in the forest, enjoy the lake via a pontoon boat or view the lake from the mountainside. All facilities have restaurants offering excellent cuisine.
Young Harris College is a small two year (Soon to be a 4 year) college focusing mostly on liberal arts studies. For over a century Young Harris College has attracted many future leaders, entertainers, artist, and business leaders. Some of the notables include Zell Miller, Oliver Hardy, country music singer Trisha Yearwood, and Internet entrepreneurs Scott Thompson and Tim Enloe.
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 604 people, 112 households, and 74 families residing in the city. The population density was 591.2 people per square mile (228.6/km²). There were 134 housing units at an average density of 131.2/sq mi (50.7/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 96.52% White, 1.66% African American, 0.33% Native American, 0.50% Asian, and 0.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.83% of the population.
There were 112 households out of which 21.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.4% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.9% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.74.
In the city the population was spread out with 8.6% under the age of 18, 62.6% from 18 to 24, 8.9% from 25 to 44, 11.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 20 years. For every 100 females there were 69.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 67.3 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $38,250, and the median income for a family was $46,071. Males had a median income of $35,313 versus $40,625 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,533. About 6.3% of families and 10.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.5% of those under age 18 and 18.8% of those age 65 or over.
History
Young Harris was originally named "McTyeire", after Bishop Holland McTyeire. It was later renamed to honor Judge Young L. G. Harris, the benefactor of McTyeire Institute (which was also renamed to Young Harris College).
Notable
American politician Zell Miller was born in and continues to live in Young Harris. He was mayor of the small town from 1959-1960.
