Waycross, Georgia
Encyclopedia
Waycross is the county seat of, and only incorporated city in, Ware County
in the U.S. state
of Georgia
. The population was 14,725 at the 2010 Census
. A small portion of the city extends into Pierce County
. According the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of this small section was estimated at just 9 in 2008.
Waycross is the principal city of the Waycross micropolitan area
, a micropolitan area
that covers Pierce and Ware counties and had a combined population of 51,119 at the 2000 Census.
During the 1950s the city had a tourist gimmick. The local police would stop motorists with out-of-state license plates and escort them to downtown Waycross. There they would be met by the Welcome World Committee and given overnight lodging, dinner and a trip to the Okefenokee Swamp. The tradition faded away after the interstates opened through Georgia.
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 11.7 square miles (30.3 km²), of which, 11.7 square miles (30.3 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (0.17%) is water.
AM:
FM:
(IATA: AYS, ICAO: KAYS, FAA LID: AYS) is a public airport located three miles (5 km) northwest of the central business district of Waycross. It is owned by the City of Waycross and Ware County.
of 2000, there were 15,333 people, 6,094 households, and 3,741 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,311.8 people per square mile (506.4/km²). There were 7,534 housing units at an average density of 644.5 per square mile (248.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 44.31% White, 53.51% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.68% from other races
, and 0.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.37% of the population.
There were 6,094 households, out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.3% were married couples
living together, 21.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. Individuals made up 34.9% of all households, and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37, and the average family size was 3.09.
In the city the population was spread out, with 26.3% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 83.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $23,399, and the median income for a family was $28,712. Males had a median income of $24,865 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $13,468. About 24.8% of families and 30.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 45.9% of those under age 18 and 17.0% of those age 65 or over.
holds grades pre-school to grade twelve, that consists of a pre-school, six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The district has 431 full-time teachers and over 6,370 students.
Ware County, Georgia
Ware County is a county located in the southeast of the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 35,483. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 35,831 The county seat is Waycross....
in the U.S. state
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
. The population was 14,725 at the 2010 Census
United States Census, 2010
The Twenty-third United States Census, known as Census 2010 or the 2010 Census, is the current national census of the United States. National Census Day was April 1, 2010 and is the reference date used in enumerating individuals...
. A small portion of the city extends into Pierce County
Pierce County, Georgia
Pierce County is a county located in the U.S. state of Georgia. As of 2000, the population was 15,636. The 2007 Census Estimate shows a population of 17,881. The county seat is Blackshear....
. According the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of this small section was estimated at just 9 in 2008.
Waycross is the principal city of the Waycross micropolitan area
Waycross micropolitan area
The Waycross Micropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of two counties in Georgia, anchored by the city of Waycross....
, a micropolitan area
United States micropolitan area
United States Micropolitan Statistical Areas , as defined by the United States Office of Management and Budget, are urban areas in the United States based around a core city or town with a population of 10,000 to 49,999. The micropolitan area designation was created in 2003...
that covers Pierce and Ware counties and had a combined population of 51,119 at the 2000 Census.
History
The area now known as Waycross was first settled around 1820, locally known as "Old Nine" or "Number Nine" and then Pendleton. It was renamed Tebeauville in 1857, incorporated in 1866 and designated county seat of Ware County in 1873. Then it was incorporated as "Way Cross" on March 3, 1935.During the 1950s the city had a tourist gimmick. The local police would stop motorists with out-of-state license plates and escort them to downtown Waycross. There they would be met by the Welcome World Committee and given overnight lodging, dinner and a trip to the Okefenokee Swamp. The tradition faded away after the interstates opened through Georgia.
Geography
Waycross is located at 31°12′50"N 82°21′18"W (31.213860, -82.354911) and is the closest city to the Okefenokee SwampOkefenokee Swamp
The Okefenokee Swamp is a shallow, 438,000 acre , peat-filled wetland straddling the Georgia–Florida border in the United States. A majority of the swamp is in Georgia and protected by the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and the Okefenokee Wilderness. The Okefenokee Swamp is considered to be...
.
According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 11.7 square miles (30.3 km²), of which, 11.7 square miles (30.3 km²) of it is land and 0.04 square mile (0.1035995244 km²) of it (0.17%) is water.
Media
- Waycross Journal-Herald (Daily Newspaper)
- The Florida Times-UnionThe Florida Times-UnionThe Florida Times-Union is a major daily newspaper in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Widely known as the oldest newspaper in the state, it began publication as the Florida Union in 1864. Its current incarnation started in 1883, when the Florida Union merged with another Jacksonville paper, the...
(Georgia Times-Union edition)
AM:
- WAYX AM 1230 (News Talk Radio)
- WSFNWSFNWSFN is a sports-talk radio station in Brunswick, Georgia. WSFN programming is simulcast on WFNS 1350 AM. WSFN is owned by MarMac Communications, who also owns WSEG of Savannah, WFNS of Blackshear, and WAYX of Waycross, Georgia....
AM 1350 (Sports Radio)
FM:
- W201DK 88.1 (Christian)
- WXVS 90.1 (GPB and NPR)
- WASW 91.9 (Contemporary Christian)
- WWUFWWUFWWUF is a radio station broadcasting an adult contemporary format. Licensed to Waycross, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Mattox Broadcasting, Inc. and features programing from ABC Radio .-History:...
97.7 (Oldies) - WYNRWYNRWYNR is a radio station broadcasting a Country music format. Licensed to Waycross, Georgia, USA, the station serves the Brunswick/Jacksonville area. The station is currently owned by Qantum Communications and the broadcast license is held by Qantum Communications of Brunswick,...
102.5 (Country) - WWSNWWSNWQGA is a radio station broadcasting a contemporary hit radio music format. Licensed to Waycross, Georgia, USA, the station serves the Jacksonville area. The station is currently owned by Qantum of Brunswick License Company, LLC and features programing from ABC Radio .-History:The station was...
103.3 (Adult Contemporary) - WKUBWKUBWKUB is a radio station broadcasting a Country music format. Licensed to Blackshear, Georgia, USA. The station is currently owned by Mattox Broadcasting, Inc. and features programing from ABC Radio ....
105.1 (Country)
Health care
With over 1,000 employees and 100 physicians. Satilla Regional Medical Center is a leading center in health care in the area. The 3 story facility has a tramua unit, cancer care unit, outpatient surgery and imaging services.Transportation
U.S. Highway 82 is a east-west highway in Waycross. U.S. Highway 1 is north-south through Waycross. U.S. Highway 84 is east-west through Waycross. Waycross-Ware County AirportWaycross-Ware County Airport
Waycross-Ware County Airport is a public airport located three miles northwest of the central business district of Waycross, a city in Ware County, Georgia, United States. It is owned by the City of Waycross and Ware County....
(IATA: AYS, ICAO: KAYS, FAA LID: AYS) is a public airport located three miles (5 km) northwest of the central business district of Waycross. It is owned by the City of Waycross and Ware County.
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 15,333 people, 6,094 households, and 3,741 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,311.8 people per square mile (506.4/km²). There were 7,534 housing units at an average density of 644.5 per square mile (248.8/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 44.31% White, 53.51% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.62% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.68% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.37% of the population.
There were 6,094 households, out of which 27.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.3% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 21.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. Individuals made up 34.9% of all households, and 16.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37, and the average family size was 3.09.
In the city the population was spread out, with 26.3% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 19.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 83.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.9 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $23,399, and the median income for a family was $28,712. Males had a median income of $24,865 versus $18,750 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $13,468. About 24.8% of families and 30.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 45.9% of those under age 18 and 17.0% of those age 65 or over.
Ware County School District
The Ware County School DistrictWare County School District
The Ware County School District is a public school district in Ware County, Georgia, USA, based in Waycross, Georgia. It serves the communities of Deenwood, Dixie Union, Manor, Millwood, Ruskin, Sunnyside, Waresboro, and Waycross, Georgia.-Schools:...
holds grades pre-school to grade twelve, that consists of a pre-school, six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. The district has 431 full-time teachers and over 6,370 students.
Private Education
- Southside Christian School
- Southeast Christian Academy
Higher education
- Waycross CollegeWaycross CollegeWaycross College, a two-year unit of the University System of Georgia, exists to provide programs of higher education for citizens of the immediate and surrounding communities...
- Main Campus - Okefenokee Technical CollegeOkefenokee Technical CollegeOkefenokee Technical College is a two-year postsecondary institution with two campuses in the rural towns of Waycross and Alma in southeastern Georgia...
- Waycross Campus
Famous natives and residents
- Gram ParsonsGram ParsonsGram Parsons was an American singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist. Parsons is best known for his work within the country genre; he also mixed blues, folk, and rock to create what he called "Cosmic American Music"...
- Country Singer/Musician of The ByrdsThe ByrdsThe Byrds were an American rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1964. The band underwent multiple line-up changes throughout its existence, with frontman Roger McGuinn remaining the sole consistent member until the group disbanded in 1973...
, The Flying Burrito BrothersThe Flying Burrito BrothersThe Flying Burrito Brothers was an early country rock band, best known for its influential debut album,The Gilded Palace of Sin . Although the group is most often mentioned in connection with country rock legends Gram Parsons and Chris Hillman, the group underwent many personnel changes.-Original...
, and solo artist - Ossie DavisOssie DavisOssie Davis was an American film actor, director, poet, playwright, writer, and social activist.-Early years:...
- Actor, Writer, Director, Producer - Pernell RobertsPernell RobertsPernell Elvin Roberts, Jr. was an American stage, movie and television actor, as well as a singer. In addition to guest starring in over 60 television series, he was widely known for his roles as Ben Cartwright's eldest son, Adam Cartwright, on the western series Bonanza, a role he played from...
- actor - Stanley BoothStanley BoothStanley Booth is an American music journalist. Booth has written extensively about important music figures, including Keith Richards, Otis Redding, Janis Joplin, James Brown, Elvis Presley, Gram Parsons, B.B. King, and Al Green...
- author, journalist, music critic - Sonora Webster CarverSonora Webster CarverSonora Webster Carver, February 2, 1904-September 20, 2003, was an American entertainer, most notable as one of the first female horse divers. Webster answered an ad placed by William "Doc" Carver in 1923 for a diving girl and soon earned a place in circus history...
- First woman horse diverDiving horseA diving horse is an attraction that was popular in the mid 1880s, in which a horse would dive into a pool of water, sometimes from as high as 60 feet up.-History:...
. - Nikki DeLoachNikki DeLoachAshlee Nicole DeLoach is an American actress known as Nikki DeLoach.-Life and career:DeLoach was born in Waycross, Georgia. DeLoach was a member of the Georgia 4-H Performing Arts group Clovers & Company from 1991 to 1994. She then joined the The New Mickey Mouse Club in 1993.In 1998, she became a...
- Former member of the new MMCMickey Mouse ClubThe Mickey Mouse Club is an American variety television show that began in 1955, produced by Walt Disney Productions and televised by the ABC, featuring a regular but ever-changing cast of teenage performers. The Mickey Mouse Club was created by Walt Disney...
and the girl group innosense and actress on the television series North ShoreNorth Shore (TV series)North Shore is an American prime-time soap opera that aired on Fox every Monday at 8 p.m. EST for seven months in 2004 and 2005...
and Windfall - Tim McCrayTim McCrayTim McCray was a Canadian Football League running back for the Ottawa Rough Riders from 1984 through 1985, and for the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1986 through 1990...
- Professional football player from 1985-1990 in the CFLCanadian Football LeagueThe Canadian Football League or CFL is a professional sports league located in Canada. The CFL is the highest level of competition in Canadian football, a form of gridiron football closely related to American football.... - Caroline MillerCaroline MillerCaroline Pafford Miller was an American writer.In 1934, Miller was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her first novel, Lamb in His Bosom, about her home state of Georgia...
- Pulitzer PrizePulitzer PrizeThe Pulitzer Prize is a U.S. award for achievements in newspaper and online journalism, literature and musical composition. It was established by American publisher Joseph Pulitzer and is administered by Columbia University in New York City...
winning author - Jay GogueJay Gogue-Biography:Jay Gogue was born in Waycross, Georgia. He graduated from Auburn University with a bachelor's degree in 1969, and a Master's degree in 1971. In 1973, he received a PhD in horticulture from Michigan State University....
- Auburn UniversityAuburn UniversityAuburn University is a public university located in Auburn, Alabama, United States. With more than 25,000 students and 1,200 faculty members, it is one of the largest universities in the state. Auburn was chartered on February 7, 1856, as the East Alabama Male College, a private liberal arts...
President - Billy CarterBilly CarterWilliam Alton "Billy" Carter III was an American businessman who promoted Billy Beer, was a candidate for Mayor of Plains, Georgia, and was the younger brother of United States President Jimmy Carter.-Early years:...
- brother of President Jimmy CarterJimmy CarterJames Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr. is an American politician who served as the 39th President of the United States and was the recipient of the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize, the only U.S. President to have received the Prize after leaving office...
founder of Billy BeerBilly BeerBilly Beer was a beer first made in the United States of America in July 1977, by the Falls City Brewing Company. It was promoted by Billy Carter, the younger brother of then-President Jimmy Carter... - Johnny ArcherJohnny ArcherJohnny Archer is an American professional pool player. He is nicknamed "the Scorpion" ....
- American professional pool player - "The Scorpion" - Will Denton - Drummer for dc talk, Steven Curtis Chapman and LeAnn Rimes
- Arthur Albertson - silent film actor, star of 50 silent films from 1914–1917
- Candance Gosch - actress, producer
- Lindy Newton - actress
- Bill Darden - Founder of The Green Frog, Red LobsterRed LobsterRed Lobster is a U.S. chain of seafood restaurants. It also operates in Canada, the UAE and Japan . It is aimed at the mid-level "casual dining" segment of the market...
and Darden RestaurantsDarden RestaurantsDarden Restaurants, Inc. is a multi-brand restaurant operator headquartered in an unincorporated area in Orange County, Florida, near Orlando. The firm owns several casual dining restaurant chains, most notably Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Red Lobster...
which owns Red LobsterRed LobsterRed Lobster is a U.S. chain of seafood restaurants. It also operates in Canada, the UAE and Japan . It is aimed at the mid-level "casual dining" segment of the market...
, Olive GardenOlive GardenOlive Garden is an American restaurant chain specializing in Italian-American cuisine. It is a subsidiary of Darden Restaurants, Inc., which is headquartered in an unincorporated area in Orange County, Florida, near Orlando. Olive Garden operates more than 730 locations globally.- History :The...
, Bahama BreezeBahama BreezeBahama Breeze is an American restaurant specializing in Caribbean-inspired fresh seafood, chicken and steaks, and tropical drinks. Most locations are in suburban retail districts and tourist areas.-Locations:*Florida**Fort Lauderdale Sunrise...
, Seasons 52Seasons 52Seasons 52 is a restaurant chain owned by the Darden Restaurants, which also owns Olive Garden, Red Lobster, LongHorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, and Bahama Breeze. The restaurant has four menus that are used throughout the year, one for each of the four seasons. Their menu also varies...
, Smokey Bones, LongHorn SteakhouseLongHorn SteakhouseLongHorn Steakhouse is a restaurant chain, with locations throughout the Eastern United States and in Puerto Rico. Most of its restaurants are in the Southern United States. It also has a few locations in the Midwest, Southwest, and Puerto Rico...
and The Capital GrilleThe Capital GrilleThe Capital Grille is a national chain of upscale steakhouses; it currently has locations in twenty states and the District of Columbia. It is owned by Darden Restaurants, based in Orlando, Florida, a multi-brand restaurant operator that owns other restaurant brands such as Olive Garden and Red...
. - Leodis McKelvinLeodis McKelvin-Buffalo Bills:On July 26, McKelvin signed a five-year, $19.4 million contract with the Bills with up to $12.6 million in bonuses. McKelvin made an impact with his kick returning skills. McKelvin also returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown in a preseason game against the Steelers. The...
- member of the NFL's Buffalo Bills - Don WellsDon WellsDon Wells is a former defensive end in the National Football League. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 1945 NFL Draft and would later play four season with the team.-References:...
- former member of the NFL's Green Bay Packers - Drayton FlorenceDrayton FlorenceDrayton Florence, Jr. is an American football cornerback for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft...
- member of NFL's Buffalo Bills, highest draft pick ever from Tuskegee UniversityTuskegee UniversityTuskegee University is a private, historically black university located in Tuskegee, Alabama, United States. It is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund...