Walker County may have posted record housing growth in 2023, but the momentum behind construction of new homes continued into 2024, county officials say.
The county’s planning office issued 276 permits for the construction of new, single-family homes in its unincorporated areas, according to a news release from county spokesperson Joe Legge. In 2023, 352 permits were issued, more than any other year in the past 15 years.
“Walker County is a shining example of where nature and community thrive,” Jon Pursley, director of planning, said in the news release. “Between the wealth of outdoor activities available to residents, the family-oriented atmosphere and proximity to a vibrant mid-sized city, home builders have discovered our community is a desirable location for homebuyers.”
(READ MORE: Apartments now available for Conasauga Accountability Court participants)
Single-family home permits
Walker County single-family home permits, from 2015 to 2024
– 2015: 86
– 2016: 123
– 2017: 135
– 2018: 124
– 2019: 128
– 2020: 150
– 2021: 157
– 2022: 142
– 2023: 352
– 2024: 176
Source: Walker County
MORE ON CONSTRUCTION
Most of the new home construction occurred in the unincorporated areas near Rossville, Chickamauaga and LaFayette, according to the release. In the Rossville district – including homes in The Stables, a new subdivision off of Turner Ridge Road, and Hawks Ridge off of Happy Valley Road – home builders pulled 96 permits.
In 2022, five new homes were build near Rossville, according to the release.
In the Chickaumauga area, construction efforts on 52 homes are underway, the release said. In LaFayette, the number is 48. Roughly 30 permits were issued in both the Rock Spring and Rising Fawn districts last year.
Walker County housing experienced a few changes in 2024.
The average size of a new home built in 2024 in unincorporated Walker County increased by 62 square feet to 2,519, according to the release. The average cost of construction was more than $267,000, and slightly larger home sizes, coupled with inflation, likely accounted for an increase of more than $24,000 in construction costs per home the previous year.
(READ MORE: Erlanger East hospital opens breast milk drop spot)
The total valuation of all homes built in 2024 in unincorporated Walker County reached over $73 million, according to the release.
While January is traditionally a slow period for new housing construction projects, that may not be true for this year. Home builders pulled 32 permits last month in the county, the release said.
“With over 150 new homes under construction in the northern part of the county and another development bringing 75 new homes to the LaFayette area, 2025 is shaping up to be another remarkable year for Walker County,” Pursley said.
WHO IS MOVING IN
David Hanson, owner of Hanson Capital Homes LLC, said via email that Walker County has experienced modest population growth in recent years, with an increase from 67,772 in 2021 to 68,065 in 2022.
The population was estimated at about 69,500 in July 2023, according to the latest figures available from the United States Census Bureau.
“Rural areas in Georgia, including Walker County, have seen an influx of residents seeking relief from urban congestion, desiring a more relaxed lifestyle or pursuing affordable housing options,” he said. “This trend has been noted in various rural counties across the state.”
An influx of new residents within the area could lead to socioeconomic impacts, including economic growth, increased cultural diversity and a broader tax base, which may enhance public services and infrastructure, Hanson said.
“Conversely, rapid population growth may strain existing resources, potentially leading to tensions between long-standing residents and newcomers, especially if development outpaces infrastructure improvements,” he said. “Balancing growth while maintaining the county’s character will be essential for sustainable development.”
Walker County’s population is relatively mature, Hanson said, with a median age of 41.6. The median household income is $48,633, with a poverty rate slightly above the national average at 13.8%.
Contact Leah Hunter at lhuntr@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6673.