Though home sales have fallen nationwide, Columbia County has fared better than most other suburban communities.

The county remains one of Georgia's and the Augusta area's fastest growing communities.

Its population increased by about 2,000 in 2007 to more than 107,000, according to the Columbia County Commission.

The median household income for the county is $61,466, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

With growth in mind, voters recently approved a ballot question that will enable the county to fund such capital improvements as an expansion for the Evans Justice Center, dorms for the Columbia County Detention Center, stormwater improvements, a new health department and numerous park improvements.

The county also continues to upgrade services and add quality-of-life projects for its rapidly growing number of residents.

During the past five years, a new library with a performing arts center and outdoor amphitheater opened in Evans. The Professional Disc Golf Association moved its headquarters to Wildwood Park and opened two new disc golf courses, with plans for a third course under way.

The newest parks in Columbia County include Reed Creek Wetlands Park and Interpretive Center in Martinez and Blanchard Woods Park in Evans. Future plans include adding to Blanchard Woods Park and building the Evans Town Center Park for passive recreation and as an event site.