For pre-formatted natality & mortality data please see Vital Statistics Reports (VSR).

For other health data resources please see the Health Data & Info section.

Health Care
Burke County had 7.3 licensed nursing home beds per 100 persons in 1999, compared with the state average of 5.5 per 100 persons. In 1999, the number of physicians in the county per 10,000 persons was 3.5, compared to the state average of 19.3. For more community indicators, please go to OASIS .

History*

Created in 1777, Burke County was one of Georgia's original eight counties. Originally organized as the Parish of St. George, Burke County was named for English political writer, member of the British Parliament and supporter of the colonies' interests, Edmond Burke.

The county has five municipalities, the largest of which is Waynesboro, the county seat. Known as the "Bird Dog Capital of the World," Waynesboro was named for General Anthony "Mad Anthony" Wayne, a famous revolutionary solider.

Burke County claims ten Georgia governors by birth, residence or marriage. Lyman Hall, Georgia's signer of the Declaration of Independence and member of the Continential Congress, had a plantation in the county.