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Martinez, Georgia
Neighborhood in Martinez
Neighborhood in Martinez
Location in Columbia County and the state of Georgia
Location in Columbia County and the state of Georgia
Country United States
State Georgia
County Columbia
Area
 • Total 14.62 sq mi (37.86 km2)
 • Land 14.51 sq mi (37.57 km2)
 • Water 0.11 sq mi (0.29 km2)
Elevation
361 ft (110 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 34,535
 • Density 2,380.74/sq mi (919.22/km2)
Time zone UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
30907
Area code(s) 706
FIPS code 13-50036
GNIS feature ID 0332326

Martinez (pronounced MAR-tih-NEZ) is a community in Columbia County, Georgia, United States. It is not an official city but is recognized as a "census-designated place" (CDP). This means it's an area grouped together for population counting by the government. Martinez is a suburb located northwest of Augusta and is part of the larger Augusta metropolitan area. In 2020, about 34,535 people lived there.

Exploring Martinez's Location and Landscape

Martinez is found in the eastern part of Columbia County. It shares its southeastern border with the city of Augusta, which is in Richmond County. To the north and northwest, you'll find another community called Evans.

How Big is Martinez?

The total area of Martinez is about 37.9 square kilometers (or 14.6 square miles). Most of this area is land, about 37.6 square kilometers (14.5 square miles). A small part, about 0.3 square kilometers (0.11 square miles), is water.

Elevation and Natural Features

Martinez sits about 110 meters (361 feet) above sea level. This is roughly 60 meters (200 feet) higher than downtown Augusta. The parts of Martinez closer to Augusta are mostly flat. However, as you go further west, the land becomes more hilly.

Many trees grow in Martinez, especially in its neighborhoods. The main roads are busy with businesses, so you'll see fewer trees there. Common trees include pine, oak, sweet gum, and hickory.

A Look at Martinez's Past

Martinez was founded by Jose Antonio Martinez y Zaldivar. He was a wealthy man from Cuba. In 1869, he bought land in Columbia County and named it El Cordero Ranch. "Cordero" means "Lamb" in Spanish.

The Martinez Family

Jose Antonio Martinez y Zaldivar had four children: Robert Martinez, Dolores Delgado, Fannie Martinez, and Marie Perrin. Marie Martinez married George Perrin in 1876 in Augusta, Georgia. They had one son named Thomas Wright Perrin.

Today, El Cordero Ranch is much smaller, only about 20 acres. Some of the old buildings, barns, and a water tower from the original ranch still stand. They are located off Old Ferry Road, near the intersection of River Watch Parkway and Baston Road. This land is private property and not open to visitors.

Jose Antonio Martinez y Zaldivar passed away on January 26, 1891. He is buried in Florida, next to his wife, Josefa Amalia Duque De Estrada y Varona.

Understanding Martinez's Population

Martinez was first counted as a census-designated place (CDP) in 1980. This means the government started collecting specific population data for it then.

Historical population
Census Pop.
1980 16,472
1990 29,877 81.4%
2000 27,749 −7.1%
2010 35,795 29.0%
2020 34,535 −3.5%
U.S. Decennial Census
1850-1870 1870-1880
1890-1910 1920-1930
1940 1950 1960
1970 1980 1990
2000 2010 2020

Population Changes in 2020

In 2020, the United States census counted 34,535 people living in Martinez. There were 11,780 households and 8,153 families. The table below shows the different racial and ethnic groups that make up the population of Martinez over the years.

Martinez, Georgia – Racial and ethnic composition
Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Race / Ethnicity (NH = Non-Hispanic) Pop 2000 Pop 2010 Pop 2020 % 2000 % 2010 % 2020
White alone (NH) 22,883 26,740 23,058 82.46% 74.70% 66.77%
Black or African American alone (NH) 2,196 4,464 4,770 7.91% 12.47% 13.81%
Native American or Alaska Native alone (NH) 63 103 76 0.23% 0.29% 0.22%
Asian alone (NH) 1,554 1,961 2,186 5.60% 5.48% 6.33%
Pacific Islander alone (NH) 19 80 86 0.07% 0.22% 0.25%
Some Other Race alone (NH) 48 70 191 0.17% 0.20% 0.55%
Mixed race or Multiracial (NH) 346 847 1,883 1.25% 2.37% 5.45%
Hispanic or Latino (any race) 640 1,530 2,285 2.31% 4.27% 6.62%
Total 27,749 35,795 34,535 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%

Schools Serving Martinez Students

The schools in Martinez are part of the Columbia County School System. Students attend various public and private schools in the area.

Public Schools

  • Lakeside High School
  • Evans High School
  • Greenbrier High School
  • Lakeside Middle School
  • Riverside Middle School
  • Columbia Middle School
  • Greenbrier Middle School
  • Evans Middle School
  • Stallings Island Middle School
  • Martinez Elementary School
  • Blue Ridge Elementary School
  • Westmont Elementary School
  • South Columbia Elementary School
  • Stevens Creek Elementary School

Private Schools

  • Adventist Christian School
  • Augusta Preparatory Day School
  • Augusta Christian Schools

Major Roads and Highways

Several important highways pass through or near Martinez, making it easy to travel to and from the area.

  • I-20
  • SR 28
  • SR 104
  • SR 232
  • SR 383
  • SR 402

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Martinez (Georgia) para niños

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