The county
contains 300,100 acres, with 92,363 acres of United States Forest
Service land, 8,700 acres of lakes, and 6,000 acres of Indian land,
with the remaining area being farmlands. The county is surrounded by
the Nantahala National Forest. The highest elevation in the county
is about 5,100 feet, on the corner where Cherokee and Clay counties
meet at Fires Creek. The lowest elevation is about 1,200 feet, where
Apalachia Lake crosses into Tennessee.
The many lakes and breathtaking mountain views create many scenic
backdrops. At the time of the 2000 census, the population of the
county was 24,298, with Murphy having 1,568 and Andrews having
1,602. However, the area is growing rapidly.
Economic,
commerce and educational officials work to link career and technical
training in schools to business and industry demands in the area,
and to attract business and industry to the area by providing
attractive schools and recreational facilities.
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