Is Buckhead Its Own County? Understanding Buckhead, Atlanta, and Fulton County
If you’re searching for “Buckhead Atlanta County,” you’re probably wondering whether Buckhead is its own county, what county it belongs to, or how it fits into the Atlanta metro area.
Here’s the clear answer and everything you need to know in an Atlanta-specific context.
Is Buckhead a County?
No. Buckhead is not a county.
Buckhead is a major neighborhood and district in the City of Atlanta, and it is located in Fulton County, Georgia.
- County: Fulton County
- City: Atlanta
- Area: Buckhead (a large, upscale neighborhood / district within Atlanta)
So if you see forms, directories, or maps asking for a county for Buckhead, the correct answer is almost always Fulton County, unless you are on the very northern fringe that overlaps near the Fulton–DeKalb county line (more on that below).
How Buckhead Fits Into Atlanta and Fulton County
To understand “Buckhead Atlanta County,” it helps to break down how government and geography work here:
City vs. County vs. Neighborhood
City of Atlanta
A municipal government that provides city services like local police (Atlanta Police Department), fire, zoning, and sanitation in most Buckhead areas.Fulton County
The county that covers most of the City of Atlanta, including almost all of Buckhead. Fulton County handles things like:- County courts
- Property tax administration
- County sheriff and jail
- Public health services
Buckhead
A neighborhood/district, not a separate city and not a county. It’s simply a major part of Atlanta with a distinct identity (high-rise offices, luxury shopping, established residential areas, and nightlife).
✅ Key takeaway: When you’re in Buckhead, you’re in Atlanta, Georgia, in Fulton County.
Where Exactly Is Buckhead in Atlanta?
Buckhead is in the northern part of the City of Atlanta. It’s bordered roughly by:
- South: Midtown and the I-85 / I-75 connector area
- North: Toward Sandy Springs and Brookhaven
- West: Toward Vinings and the Chattahoochee River
- East: Toward North Druid Hills and the DeKalb County line
Common Buckhead landmarks include:
- Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza
- Peachtree Road NE (central corridor)
- Buckhead Village District (dining, nightlife, retail)
- Residential areas like Tuxedo Park, Peachtree Hills, and Garden Hills
Most addresses you’ll see in Buckhead will read something like:
Are Any Parts of Buckhead in Another County?
In general daily use, Buckhead = Atlanta = Fulton County.
However, the broader “Buckhead area” in casual conversation sometimes blends into neighboring cities and counties:
- Brookhaven (DeKalb County) is directly east/northeast of Buckhead. Some people refer to areas near Peachtree Road and Lenox Park loosely as “Buckhead,” even when they cross into Brookhaven.
- Sandy Springs (Fulton County) is north of Buckhead. Some areas feel similar in style and are only minutes away, so visitors can easily confuse the city lines.
If you are filling out a form or looking up official information, check the exact city and ZIP code on your address to confirm the correct county. For true Buckhead addresses within the City of Atlanta, the county is Fulton.
How to Confirm Whether an Address in Buckhead Is in Fulton County
If you live, work, or own property in Buckhead and want to know your county for taxes, voting, or services, here’s what you can do:
1. Check Your Property Tax or Utility Bill
Official mail from:
Fulton County Tax Commissioner
Typically lists the county and parcel information.City of Atlanta
Bills often reference “City of Atlanta” and “Fulton County” if applicable.
2. Use the County’s Online Property Tools
Fulton County provides online search tools where you can look up property information by address. These tools will confirm:
- Property location
- County jurisdiction
- Basic tax details
3. Call or Visit a Local Office
If you’re unsure or dealing with something important (like a homestead exemption, business license, or legal paperwork), you can contact:
Fulton County Government Center
141 Pryor Street SW
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main information line: 404-612-4000Fulton County Tax Commissioner (Central Office)
141 Pryor Street SW, Suite 1085
Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: 404-613-6100
Give them your full street address and ZIP code, and they can confirm your county and relevant departments.
Why “Buckhead County” Confuses People
People often search for “Buckhead County” or “Buckhead Atlanta County” because:
- Buckhead feels like its own city with a distinct skyline and major business centers.
- It has separate branding and identity (Buckhead Village, Buckhead CID, etc.).
- Many large companies list offices as “Buckhead” instead of just “Atlanta.”
Despite that, Buckhead is officially a part of the City of Atlanta in Fulton County.
There have been public discussions in past years about Buckhead possibly becoming its own city, but as of now:
- Buckhead has not separated from Atlanta.
- It is not a separate city.
- It has never been a county.
Government Services in Buckhead: Who Handles What?
If you’re in Buckhead and need services, here’s a quick guide to who’s responsible, assuming you’re in the City of Atlanta portion of Buckhead (which is most of the area):
| Need / Service | Handled By | Notes for Buckhead Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Police (non-emergency) | Atlanta Police Department (Zone 2) | Buckhead falls mostly in Zone 2. |
| Fire and emergency response | Atlanta Fire Rescue Department | City fire services cover Buckhead neighborhoods. |
| Trash, recycling, water, sewer | City of Atlanta | Through city public works and watershed departments. |
| Property taxes | Fulton County | County handles most property tax functions. |
| Voting (Elections & Registration) | Fulton County | Check your precinct based on Buckhead address. |
| Business licenses (inside city) | City of Atlanta | Through the Office of Revenue. |
| Courts (state/county level matters) | Fulton County | For many civil, criminal, and record services. |
If your address is near the edge of Buckhead (for example, close to Brookhaven or Sandy Springs), always check whether your city is Atlanta or another municipality, then confirm the county.
Practical Examples: Filling Out “County” for a Buckhead Address
When you see a form asking for your county and you live or work in Buckhead, here’s how to think about it:
Mailing Address Says:
- “Atlanta, GA 30305” or “Atlanta, GA 30326”
- And you know you’re in Buckhead (near Lenox, Peachtree, West Paces Ferry, etc.)
→ County to enter: Fulton
You Work in a Buckhead Office Tower:
- For example, an office at Peachtree Road NE by Lenox Square
→ County for business forms: Fulton County
- For example, an office at Peachtree Road NE by Lenox Square
You’re Unsure If You’re in Buckhead or Brookhaven:
- Address might say “Brookhaven, GA” or a DeKalb-based ZIP
→ That’s likely DeKalb County, not Buckhead/Atlanta, so double-check before entering “Fulton.”
- Address might say “Brookhaven, GA” or a DeKalb-based ZIP
When You Might Need to Know Buckhead’s County
Knowing that Buckhead is in Fulton County matters for:
Voter registration and polling places
You’ll typically be registered in Fulton County if you live in Buckhead.Property taxes and homestead exemptions
Filed through Fulton County for primary residences in Buckhead.Court filings and legal matters
Many cases are handled in Fulton County courts, depending on the type of case.Business registrations and permits
If your business is in Buckhead and within the City of Atlanta, you’ll interact with:- City of Atlanta for business licenses and permits, and
- Fulton County for certain tax and regulatory items.
If you’re ever in doubt, it’s worth checking both the City of Atlanta and Fulton County websites or calling their main information lines with your exact address.
Quick Reference: Buckhead and Its County
Here’s a straightforward summary you can rely on:
Is Buckhead a county?
No. It is a district/neighborhood.What county is Buckhead in?
Fulton County, Georgia.What city is Buckhead in?
City of Atlanta.What should I write on forms for “County” if I live or work in Buckhead (Atlanta)?
Fulton County (unless your official address lists a different city like Brookhaven or Sandy Springs).
Understanding this relationship—Buckhead → Atlanta → Fulton County—will help you fill out forms correctly, find the right offices, and navigate government services while you live in, work in, or visit Buckhead in Atlanta.
