You're looking for Georgetown. Simple enough, right? Except, honestly, it depends entirely on which Georgetown you're talking about. There are dozens of them scattered across the United States, and if you just type it into a GPS without checking the state, you might end up three states away from your dinner reservation.
The most common question usually points toward the booming Texas hub. If that's you, here is the quick answer: what county is Georgetown in? That would be Williamson County.
But wait. If you’re looking for the historic cobblestone streets in the nation's capital or the coastal charm of South Carolina, the answer changes completely. It’s kinda fascinating how one name can represent so many different vibes across the map.
The Big One: Georgetown, Texas (Williamson County)
Most people asking about the county location are looking at the Texas version. It has been exploding lately. For a few years running, the U.S. Census Bureau actually labeled it the fastest-growing city in the country for its size.
Georgetown serves as the county seat of Williamson County.
Located just north of Austin, it’s famous for having "The Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas." If you’ve ever seen the Williamson County Courthouse—a massive, historic structure right in the center of the square—you know exactly why people flock there. The city has officially pushed past the 100,000 population mark as of early 2026, which is wild considering it was a relatively quiet town just two decades ago.
People move here for the lower property taxes compared to Travis County, the highly-rated schools, and the Red Poppy Festival.
The Confusion with Washington, D.C.
This is where the biggest misconception kicks in. People often ask what county the famous Georgetown neighborhood in D.C. is in.
The answer? None.
Well, not anymore. Technically, Washington, D.C. is a federal district, not a part of any state or county. However, it wasn't always that way. Before 1871, Georgetown was actually an independent municipality within the District of Columbia. It was founded in 1751, making it older than the city of Washington itself!
Back then, it was part of the Province of Maryland. When the "Federal City" was created, Georgetown stayed its own thing for a while before Congress eventually stripped its independent charter and folded it into the larger D.C. government. So, if you’re looking for the "county" for Georgetown University or those famous stairs from The Exorcist, you won’t find one. You’re just in the Northwest (NW) quadrant of the District.
Georgetowns Across the Rest of the Country
Because "George" was a pretty popular name back in the colonial days (thanks, King George II... or George Washington, depending on who you ask), the name is everywhere.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the other major ones:
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- South Carolina: If you're heading toward the coast for some Lowcountry magic, Georgetown is in Georgetown County. They kept it simple there. It’s the third-oldest city in the state and sits right on the Winyah Bay.
- Kentucky: Ever heard of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant? That’s in Georgetown, which is the heart of Scott County. It's a huge part of the local economy and sits just outside of Lexington.
- Delaware: This one is the county seat of Sussex County. It’s famous for "Return Day," a unique political tradition where winners and losers of elections literally bury a hatchet in a box of sand.
- Massachusetts: Up in the Northeast, Georgetown is located in Essex County. It’s a classic, smaller New England town that split off from Rowley back in the 1830s.
Why Does It Matter What County You're In?
It’s more than just trivia. Knowing what county is Georgetown in dictates your taxes, your court system, and where you go to renew your car registration.
In Texas, for instance, being in Williamson County means you’re under the jurisdiction of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office rather than the Austin Police Department, even if you’re right on the border. The rules for building permits, backyard chickens, and even water restrictions during a drought change the second you cross that county line.
Actionable Steps for Your Search
Before you head out or mail that package, double-check your destination with these quick tips:
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- Verify the State First: Always append the state abbreviation (TX, SC, KY, DE) to your search.
- Check the Zip Code: If you’re in Texas and the zip code starts with 786, you’re likely in Williamson County. In D.C., you’re looking at 20007.
- Local Government Portals: If you need to pay a fine or look up property records, go directly to the official county website (e.g., wilcotx.gov for Texas) rather than a general city site to ensure you’re dealing with the right legal entity.
- GPS Precautions: When using Google Maps, specifically look for the "County" label in the location description to ensure you aren't headed to a township of the same name in a neighboring state.
Georgetown is a name steeped in history, but its modern identity is tied to the specific county lines that define its laws and community. Whether you're chasing Texas BBQ or South Carolina shrimp, knowing your county is the first step to getting where you need to be.