Cities and Towns in Wayne County, Georgia

Founded in 1803, Wayne County is one of 159 counties in the state of Georgia. Historically, Wayne County was formed from Creek Cession of 1802. The city of Jesup is the county seat. With FIPS code of 305, Wayne County has a population of 30,380 and area of 645 square miles (1,671 km²).

List of all cities in Wayne County, GA alphabetically

City/Town Postal Code Area Code
Doctortown, GA 31545 912
Federal Correctional Inst, GA 31599 912
Gardi, GA 31545 912
Jesup, GA 31545 912
31546 912
31598 912
31599 912
Madray Springs, GA 31545 912
McKinnon, GA 31545 912
Odum, GA 31555 912
Screven, GA 31560 912

Major Cities and Towns in Wayne County, Georgia

Jesup

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 16.6 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 10,200 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 31545, 31546, 31598
  • Latitude and Longitude: 31.6077° N, 81.8854° W

Location and History

Jesup is the county seat and largest city in Wayne County, Georgia, located in the southeastern part of the state. The city was founded in 1870 and named after Thomas Jesup, a prominent military leader who served as Quartermaster General of the United States Army. Jesup quickly became a vital transportation hub due to its location at the intersection of several railroads, including the Atlantic Coast Line and the Southern Railway. This strategic position helped the city grow as a center for commerce and agriculture in the region. Jesup has maintained its status as a key economic and administrative center in Wayne County, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and retail.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Jesup is served by the Wayne County School District, which includes Wayne County High School, Arthur Williams Middle School, and Jesup Elementary School. The city is home to several significant landmarks, including the historic Wayne County Courthouse, built in 1902, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Jesup Drive-In, one of the few remaining drive-in theaters in Georgia, is a popular attraction for both locals and visitors. The Altamaha River, which flows near Jesup, offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities. Jesup’s rich history, strong educational institutions, and vibrant community life make it the heart of Wayne County.

Screven

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.9 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 750 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 31560
  • Latitude and Longitude: 31.4847° N, 82.0168° W

Location and History

Screven is a small town located in Wayne County, Georgia, approximately 12 miles south of Jesup. The town was incorporated in 1907 and named after General James Screven, a Revolutionary War hero. Screven developed as a small agricultural community, with its economy historically based on farming, particularly in the production of cotton, tobacco, and timber. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century helped spur growth in the town, making it a local center for commerce and transportation. Despite its small size, Screven has retained much of its rural charm and continues to be a close-knit community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Screven is served by schools in the Wayne County School District, with students typically attending Wayne County High School in Jesup. The town’s landmarks include the historic Screven Baptist Church, which has been a focal point of the community for over a century. The surrounding rural landscape offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and farming. Screven’s annual community events, including local festivals and church gatherings, reflect the town’s strong sense of tradition and community spirit. The town’s rich history, rural charm, and strong community ties make it an integral part of Wayne County.

Odum

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: 1.2 square miles
  • Population: Approximately 500 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 31555
  • Latitude and Longitude: 31.6643° N, 82.0276° W

Location and History

Odum is a small town located in Wayne County, Georgia, about 9 miles northwest of Jesup. The town was incorporated in 1907 and named after Godfrey Odum, a prominent local landowner and early settler. Odum’s history is closely tied to agriculture, with the town serving as a center for the surrounding farming community. Cotton, tobacco, and peanuts were among the primary crops grown in the area. Over the years, Odum has remained a small, rural community with a strong focus on family and tradition. The town’s peaceful atmosphere and close-knit community make it a desirable place to live for those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Odum is served by the Wayne County School District, with students attending Odum Elementary School before moving on to middle and high schools in Jesup. The town is known for its historic Odum Baptist Church, which has been a central part of the community since its founding. The annual Odum Homecoming Festival is a major event that brings together residents and visitors to celebrate the town’s heritage with parades, food, and entertainment. The surrounding countryside offers opportunities for outdoor activities, including fishing, hunting, and exploring the natural beauty of the area. Odum’s rich history, strong community values, and rural charm make it a key part of Wayne County.

Broadhurst

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
  • Population: Approximately 200 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 31543 (Jesup)
  • Latitude and Longitude: 31.5535° N, 82.0550° W

Location and History

Broadhurst is an unincorporated community located in Wayne County, Georgia, near the southeastern part of the county. The community developed in the early 20th century as a small rural settlement, with its economy largely based on agriculture and timber. Broadhurst has always been a small, close-knit community, characterized by its quiet, rural atmosphere. The area around Broadhurst is known for its natural beauty, with vast stretches of farmland and forests that provide a picturesque backdrop for the community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Broadhurst is served by schools in the Wayne County School District, with students attending schools in nearby Jesup, including Wayne County High School. The community is known for its proximity to the Broadhurst Landfill, which has been a focal point of local environmental discussions and activism. The surrounding area offers ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hunting, fishing, and hiking in the nearby forests. The community’s rural charm and strong connection to the land make Broadhurst a unique and valued part of Wayne County.

Gardi

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude and Longitude

  • Area: N/A (Unincorporated community)
  • Population: Approximately 150 (as of the 2020 census)
  • Zip Codes: 31545 (Jesup)
  • Latitude and Longitude: 31.5767° N, 81.9674° W

Location and History

Gardi is a small, unincorporated community located in the central part of Wayne County, Georgia. The community has a long history as a rural agricultural area, with its roots in farming and timber production. Gardi has remained a small, quiet community throughout its history, with a focus on maintaining its rural way of life. The community’s name is believed to have originated from a local family or early settler, though exact details are unclear. Gardi is known for its peaceful environment and strong sense of community among its residents.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Gardi is served by schools in the Wayne County School District, with students attending schools in Jesup, including Wayne County High School. The community’s rural setting provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hunting, fishing, and farming. While Gardi does not have any major landmarks, its proximity to the Altamaha River and the natural beauty of the surrounding area make it an attractive location for those who appreciate the outdoors. The community’s annual events and gatherings help to maintain the strong bonds among its residents. Gardi’s rural charm, close-knit community, and connection to the natural environment make it a valued part of Wayne County.

Map of Cities in Wayne County, GA

Map of Cities in Wayne County, GA