Cochran is home to Bleckley County High School and Middle Georgia State University.

Three properties in Cochran are listed on the National Register of Historic Places: the Bleckley County Courthouse in Courthouse Square, the Cochran Municipal Building and School at the junction of Dykes and Second streets, and Hillcrest at 706 Beech Street.

Cochran operates under a Mayor-Council system of government, with the day-to-day business being handled by a city manager.

[12] In 2013, the city manager decided to terminate the employment of the police and fire chief, and replace them with a public safety director in order to save money, but rescinded his decision days later amidst public disapproval, and announced the appointment of a task force to look at the budget and advise him on choices.

[13] In 2011, Mayor Cliff Avant was charged with felony theft for allegedly donating city-owned PVC pipe to a local church.

[14] On the day of the trial, as a result of a plea deal, Avant resigned as mayor, and pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal trespass.

[15] In 2008, some of the Cochran Police Force came under scrutiny for various acts of misconduct, which included child molestation charges.