Originally established as part of Clarke County, Oconee County, named for the nearby Oconee River,  became the 135th county in Georgia in 1875.  Upon this declaration, the Oconee County Courthouse was built. The current courthouse was completed in 1939 with a major addition to the building's rear in 1998. The courthouse is located in downtown Watkinsville, the county seat.

The Oconee Courthouse complex is a one-stop visit for most county business including the board of commissioners, courts (probate, superior, magistrate, juvenile), tax commission, finance and board of elections.

Oconee County's mission is to "provide the highest quality services in a fiscally responsible manner to  promote the health, safety and general welfare of all Oconee County citizens."