People and growth
- The 2020 Census counted 251,283 people in Forsyth County. U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census Redistricting Data (P1), Forsyth County, Georgia
- The Census Bureau estimates that 282,805 people lived in Forsyth County on July 1, 2025. That is its most recent county estimate (Vintage 2025). U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 county population estimates (co-est2025-alldata)
- Between the April 2020 estimates base (251,285) and July 2025, Census estimates show the county adding about 31,500 people, a gain of roughly 12.5 percent. U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 county population estimates (change computed from the published figures)
- Yearly growth has slowed. Census estimates show the county gaining 7,853 people in the year to July 2021 and 4,008 in the year to July 2025. U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 county population estimates (NPOPCHG columns)
Land, water and the one city
- Forsyth County covers about 247 square miles: roughly 224.6 square miles of land and 22.6 square miles of water, by Census Bureau measurements. U.S. Census Bureau Geocoder, Counties layer (AREALAND 581,797,027 m², AREAWATER 58,409,076 m², converted to square miles)
- Cumming is the county seat of Forsyth County and its only incorporated city. The Census Bureau's population estimates split the county into just two parts: Cumming city and the unincorporated balance of Forsyth County. U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 subcounty population estimates (sub-est2025)
- Forsyth County says it has more than 200 miles of Lake Lanier shoreline. The New Georgia Encyclopedia puts about 30 percent of the lake's shoreline in Forsyth County. Forsyth County: About; New Georgia Encyclopedia: Forsyth County
- Forsyth County is part of the Census Bureau's Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Alpharetta, GA Metro Area. U.S. Census Bureau Geocoder, Metropolitan Statistical Areas layer
A little history
- Forsyth County was created in 1832, one of ten counties Georgia formed from former Cherokee lands. It is named for John Forsyth, governor of Georgia from 1827 to 1829. New Georgia Encyclopedia: Forsyth County
- Cumming, the county seat, was incorporated in 1834. New Georgia Encyclopedia: Forsyth County
- The New Georgia Encyclopedia says the completion of Georgia 400 in the 1980s turned Forsyth County into a suburb of Atlanta and encouraged population growth. New Georgia Encyclopedia: Forsyth County
Who runs things
- Forsyth County is governed by a five-member Board of Commissioners. Each commissioner lives in and is elected by one district and serves a four-year term. Regular meetings are the first and third Thursday of each month; work sessions are the second and fourth Tuesday. Forsyth County: Board of Commissioners
- As of October 2026 the commissioners are Kerry Hill (District 1, vice chairwoman), Alfred John (District 2, chairman), Todd Levent (District 3), Mendy Moore (District 4, secretary) and Laura Semanson (District 5). The county's Find My Officials map shows who represents an address. Forsyth County: About (County Leadership) and Board of Commissioners page
- SPLOST is a 1% sales and use tax that Forsyth County voters have continued since 1987 through nine consecutive referendums. Forsyth County: Board of Commissioners (Helpful Resources: SPLOST)
Homes for sale
These are current Gold Peach Realty listings around Cumming. Listing data comes straight from the MLS. For a wider search, use the listing site linked under the cards.
Gold Peach Realty listings
Homes for sale in Forsyth County
Current listings from Gold Peach Realty, the North Georgia brokerage behind this guide. Photos, prices and details come straight from the MLS.
Want your home featured here? List with Gold Peach Realty and your home is featured on this guide and across our local community sites. How Gold Peach Realty markets homes
Search homes around CummingListings open on goldpeachrealty.com, the website of our brokerage, Gold Peach Realty. Listing information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
Choosing between areas first? Start with the area matcher and the move-in checklist.
Questions
What county is Cumming, GA in?
Cumming is in Forsyth County, Georgia, and it is the county seat. It is also the county's only incorporated city; everything else in Forsyth County is unincorporated and governed by the county. Cumming City Hall is at 100 Main Street. The city had 7,318 residents in the 2020 Census and an estimated 12,494 in July 2025.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020 Census; Vintage 2025 estimates); City of Cumming
How many people live in Forsyth County, Georgia?
The 2020 Census counted 251,283 people in Forsyth County. The Census Bureau's latest estimate is 282,805 residents on July 1, 2025, a gain of about 12.5 percent from the 2020 base. Yearly growth has slowed, from an estimated 7,853 new residents in the year to July 2021 to 4,008 in the year to July 2025.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau: 2020 Census and Vintage 2025 county estimates
Is Forsyth County a good place to live?
That depends on what you need, so this guide sticks to facts you can check. Forsyth County has about 283,000 residents, one city (Cumming), a large public school district, 37 county parks, Lake Lanier shoreline and Georgia 400 access to the Atlanta area. Visit at rush hour, check the school locator for a specific address and compare tax bills before you decide.
Source: Forsyth County: About; U.S. Census Bureau; Forsyth County Schools
How far is Forsyth County from Atlanta?
Forsyth County's economic development office lists the county as 39 miles from downtown Atlanta and 45 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. In a straight line, Cumming City Hall is about 35 miles from the Census Bureau's center point for Atlanta. Georgia 400 is the main route south, and drive times vary a lot with traffic.
Source: Forsyth County: Economic Development; Census Geocoder (straight-line distance computed)
What is the non-emergency number for Forsyth County?
Call (770) 781-3087 for situations with no immediate danger, such as noise complaints, a vehicle break-in after the suspect has left, or a missing pet. Call 911 for emergencies. The county 911 Center dispatches the Sheriff's Office, the City of Cumming Police Department, the Fire Department and emergency medical transport.
Source: Forsyth County 911 Center
Who runs Forsyth County government?
A five-member Board of Commissioners. Each commissioner is elected by one district to a four-year term. The board adopts the budget, sets policy and decides rezonings, and it meets in regular session on the first and third Thursday of each month. The City of Cumming has its own city government at 100 Main Street.
Source: Forsyth County: Board of Commissioners; City of Cumming
Is Lake Lanier in Forsyth County?
Yes, in part. Forsyth County says it has more than 200 miles of Lake Lanier shoreline, and the New Georgia Encyclopedia puts about 30 percent of the lake's shoreline in the county. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built and still manages the lake, which has more than 690 miles of shoreline in total.
Dates, rules and hours can change. The organizers have the final word: Forsyth County Government