History of Gwinnett County, Georgia in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 9, 2026

Gwinnett County is a populous county in north central Georgia, part of Metro Atlanta and located northeast of Atlanta city limits. With a population of over 957,000 in 2020, it ranks as the second-most populous county in the state. Lawrenceville serves as its county seat. The county derives its name from Button Gwinnett, a signatory of the Declaration of Independence.

1914: Formation of Barrow County

In 1914, the northeastern part of Gwinnett County was removed to form part of the newly established Barrow County.

1960: Kennedy Wins Gwinnett County

John F. Kennedy won Gwinnett County in 1960, before Hillary Clinton won it again in 2016.

1964: Beginning of Republican Stronghold

From 1964, Gwinnett County was largely a Republican stronghold in presidential elections.

1976: Carter Carries Gwinnett County

In 1976, Jimmy Carter, then the Governor of Georgia, carried Gwinnett County during his sweep of every county in the state in the presidential election.

1981: Closure of Bona Allen Company

In 1981, the Bona Allen Company in Buford, Georgia, which produced saddles, harnesses, and other leather goods, ceased operations after being in business since 1873.

1986: Harris Wins Gwinnett County

In 1986, Joe Frank Harris swept every county statewide in the gubernatorial election.

1990: Gwinnett County Population Demographics

As recently as 1990, over 90% of Gwinnett County's population was white.

1999: Finalist

In 1999, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation was a finalist for an award.

2006: Finalist

In 2006, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation was a finalist for an award.

2007: Projected Demographic Shift

By 2007, Gwinnett County was projected to become a majority-minority county.

2008: Gold Medal Award

In 2008, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation won a gold medal from the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association.

2008: Republican Vote in Gwinnett County

In 2008, Gwinnett County voted Republican.

2010: Household and Family Income

In 2010, the median household income in Gwinnett County was $63,219, and the median family income was $70,767. The per capita income was $26,901.

2012: Republican Vote in Gwinnett County

In 2012, Gwinnett County voted Republican.

2012: Georgia Force Folded

In 2012, the Georgia Force of the Arena Football League, which had played at Arena at Gwinnett Center, folded.

2012: End of Republican Stronghold

Until 2012, Gwinnett County was largely a Republican stronghold in presidential elections.

2014: Finalist

In 2014, Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation was a finalist for an award.

2015: Peachtree Corners LCI Survey

In 2015, Peachtree Corners conducted a Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) survey indicating public desire for more multi-use trails.

2016: Construction of Multi-Use Trails

Beginning in 2016, Peachtree Corners started constructing 11.5 miles of multi-use trails within the city limits.

2016: Democratic Vote in Gwinnett County

From 2016 onward, Gwinnett County voted Democratic.

2016: Clinton Wins Gwinnett County

In 2016, Hillary Clinton became the first Democrat to win Gwinnett County in 40 years, and the first non-Georgian Democrat to do so since John F. Kennedy.

2016: Suwanee Bike Share Program

In 2016, Suwanee unveiled the first Bike Share program in Gwinnett County.

2016: Relocation of Georgia Swarm

In 2016, the Georgia Swarm of the National Lacrosse League relocated from Minnesota to Gwinnett County and began playing games at Infinite Energy Arena.

2017: Georgia Swarm League Championship

In 2017, the Georgia Swarm won the league championship.

2018: Abrams Wins Gwinnett County

In 2018, Stacey Abrams became the first Democrat to win Gwinnett County in a gubernatorial election since 1986.

2020: Gwinnett County Census Data

According to the 2020 census, Gwinnett County had 957,062 people, 316,708 households, and 230,960 families residing within the county.

2020: Ethnic Diversity in Gwinnett County

As of the 2020 Census, Gwinnett County is the most ethnically diverse county in Georgia, with no ethnicity constituting more than a third of the population.