The town was named for General Jett Thomas, an Indian fighter in the War of 1812.

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 9,816 people, 3,333 households, and 1,779 families residing in the city.

Its principal hospital is the Upson Regional Medical Center at 801 West Gordon Street.

The remaining portions of industry include agriculture, construction, wholesale trade, transportation, information, finance, management, administration, arts and entertainment, food service, recreation, accommodation, and public administration.

The Upson County courthouse was built in 1908, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.