It is part of the Atlanta metropolitan area (Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Marietta, Georgia Metropolitan Statistical Area).
As of the census of 2000, there were 25,690 people, 9,826 households, and 7,192 families residing in the county. The population density was 91 people per square mile (35/km²). There were 10,719 housing units at an average density of 38 per square mile (15/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 92.97% White, 5.40% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.20% from other races, and 0.83% from two or more races. 0.56% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 9,826 households out of which 33.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.70% were married couples living together, 11.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.80% were non-families. 23.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.03.
In the county the population was spread out with 26.10% under the age of 18, 8.10% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 23.60% from 45 to 64, and 13.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 95.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.20 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $31,656, and the median income for a family was $38,373. Males had a median income of $31,816 versus $20,821 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,823. About 11.40% of families and 15.50% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.10% of those under age 18 and 16.10% of those age 65 or over.