Dalton is the county seat of Whitfield County, Georgia. After the census taken in 2010, it was reported that Dalton has a population just over 33,000, while the metropolitan area in which it resides has a population just over 142,000. After it lost more than 4,500 jobs in one year (2011 to 2012), Dalton became known as the city with the worst job loss in America.
As of the 2010 census, 65% of Dalton’s population was non-Hispanic White or Hispanic White, 25% was Hispanic, 6% African-American and 2% Asian. The city’s median household income is just over $34,000 — $28,158 for men and $23,701 for women. 48% of Dalton’s more than 30,000 residents are Hispanic or Latino.
Culturally, Dalton boasts numerous events throughout the year, including First Friday, an Arts Festival each fall, the Saturday Farmers Market, Beer Festival and Liberty Tree Festival. The Young Professionals of Northwest Georgia also host an event each and every month.
The carpet industry has long played a prominent role in Dalton’s economy. Indeed, the city is often referred to as the “Carpet Capital of the World,” as carpet factories employ more than 30,000 people in Whitfield County. The popularity of Dalton’s carpet industry can be traced back to Catherine Evans Whitener, her brother, Henry Alexander Evans and his wife, Elizabeth Cramer.
Educationally, Dalton is home to Roan Elementary School, Park Creek Elementary School, Blue Ridge Elementary School, City Park Elementary School, Brookwood Elementary School, Westwood Elementary School, Dalton Middle School, Dalton High School and Morris Innovative High School. The city is also home to Dalton State College.
Notable residents include Morris Almond, Mitchell Boggs, Tammy Jo Kirk, Robert Loveman, Deborah Norville and Harry Leon “Suitcase” Simpson. Dalton’s sister city is Dilbeek (Belgium).
The Whitfield County Superior Courthouse is located at 205 North Selvidge Street in Dalton, Georgia, 30720.
