Diversification is key to Putnam County’s sustained growth patterns. With traditional roots in agriculture, some of the best manufacturing jobs, an enthusiastic commitment to heritage and tourism, and a vigorous retail base, Putnam County has a thriving local economy. Because of Putnam County’s prime location and pro business climate, our industries have shown tremendous growth over the past few years. Most of our industry can be found within two industrial parks (with over 300 available acres) located within the city limits and a third privately owned one close to Lake Oconee. However, retail is scattered between the Lakes Sinclair and Oconee areas as well as downtown.
Our top 13 employers are:
| Horton Industries | 1300 employees |
| Tourism Industry | 600 |
| Reynolds Plantation | 500+ |
| Putnam County School System | 465 |
| Georgia Power Company | 458 |
| Haband Company | 325 |
| Wal-Mart | 230 |
| Putnam General Hospital | 115 |
| Cuscowilla Golf Resort | 90 |
| Hallman Wood Products | 88 |
| Rayonier | 78 |
| HyLite Windows | 57 |
| Universal Forest Products | 50 |
- Lake Plant Branch of Georgia Power Company
- Haband Company
- Rayonier
- Horton Homes
There are 819 businesses in Putnam County. Seventy six of those have over 20 employees, while 743 have less than 20 employees.
Timber and milk have long been the number one and number two agricultural cash crops in our area. Approximately one-third of Putnam County is in the Oconee National Forest. Georgia Power’s coal burning plant on Lake Sinclair and Wallace Dam on Lake Oconee rank among the county’s top tax payers adding over $1million to the local tax base.
