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
Thomas County had 8.8 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 28.4, compared to the state average of 19.3. For more community indicators, please go to OASIS .

History*

Thomas County was created in 1825 from portions of Decatur and Irwin counties. Georgia's 63rd county, and its county seat, Thomasville, were named for a hero of the War of 1812, General Lee Jett Thomas. In addition to his military career, General Thomas built the first University of Georgia building in Athens.

Thomasville was a popular turn-of-the-century, winter resort for wealthy Northern families. Non-residents still maintain many large estates and hunting preserves. Many of these estates, including the Susina Plantation Inn and the Lapham-Patterson House, are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Bailey White, a National Public Radio essayist and author of Mama Makes Up Her Mind, is from Thomas County.