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South Carolina Counties

South Carolina currently has forty-six counties. Counties were established in the colonial period primarily for locating land grants. District and county courts were established after the revolutionary war, but in 1800 most of the counties became districts. In 1868 all of the existing districts were renamed counties. New counties continued to be formed until 1919 when Allendale, the last county, was formed. South Carolina's smallest county is McCormick at 360 square miles while the largest county is Horry at 1,134 square miles. Greenville County has the state’s highest population with 379,616 people in the 2000 census. Richland County is second and Charleston County is third. A brief description of what each county offers is below.

ABBEVILLE COUNTY – Enjoy watersports, hunting, and fishing at Russell Lake or visit the Sumter National Forest. Historically Abbeville County, "Birthplace and Deathbed of the Confederacy", is home to the Burk- Stark Mansion and the birthplace of Once Vice President John C. Calhoun.

AIKEN COUNTY – Take a walk in Hopeland Gardens, look at the stars at the Dupont Planetarium, or play golf at one of the ten golf courses while visiting Aiken County. For equestrians Aiken is one of the most popular horse-breeding area in the US, offering several events such as; horse shows, cutting horse events, and polo matches. Also, if you are a Civil War historian you can see the Battle of the Aiken Civil War reenactment.

ALLENDALE COUNTY – Located in the "Low Country", Allendale County is in one of the fastest growing regions in the U.S. Experience Southern Culture at its best with moss covered oaks on the Savannah River, historical homes with white columns, and farms filled with cotton fields. A haven for the outdoorsman, you can enjoy hunting, fishing, boating, and golfing year round.

ANDERSON COUNTY – Located on I- 85 between Atlanta and Charlotte, Anderson County is a thriving community with industrial and commercial growth as well as a growing tourism industry. You can spend the day on Lake Hartwell or visit the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

BAMBERG COUNTY – Bamberg is the home of southern charm. Located near the Edisto River, the longest black water river in the world, Bamberg is a sportsman’s dream. Enjoy fishing on the Edisto River or hunting at Broxton Ridge Plantation. Bamberg also host an annual antique festival known as Treasure Fest.

BARNWELL COUNTY – Explore the mystique of Barnwell County when visiting Civil War sites, the Cherokee "trail of tears", or its Healing Springs. Barnwell County offers peaceful living with an approximate population of 23,404 you can escape the big city life.

BEAUFORT COUNTY – Offering the South Carolina low country at its best, Beaufort is a place to walk on the beach, smell the aroma of the marches, and enjoy the ocean breeze. Activities are endless in Beaufort where you can enjoy traditional southern cuisine, festivals, musical performances, and shopping. Also located in Beaufort County is Hunting Island State Park which offers a campground, fishing pier, nature trail, lighthouse, and family park.

BERKELEY COUNTY – Described as a place of rich heritage and natural beauty, Berkeley County has become a permanent home for many tourists that are "passing through." Berkeley County is home to Moncks Corner, Jamestown, St. Stephen, Bonneau, Hanahan, and Goose Creek that are some of the fastest growing communities in the state. With median incomes of close to $50,000.00, opportunity is knocking in Berkeley, so come on in and stay a while.

CALHOUN COUNTY – Nestled between the state capital and the South Carolina coast, Calhoun County is thriving both industrially and agriculturally. Calhoun has facilities to meet your educational, cultural, and recreational needs. Industries can reach 70% of the US market within 24 hours do to the interstate systems surrounding Calhoun County.

CHARLESTON COUNTY – Nationally recognized as one of the best places to live in America, Charleston County has it all. Because of its port, Charleston has a mix of local, national, and international industry but still maintains its Southern Hospitality and charm. Downtown Charleston and the coastal areas are a tourist mecca. Charleston continues to support its growth with a strong educational system, medical system, and road systems, but also maintains its cultural and artistic charm with several recreational and cultural activities. The home of Spoleto, a two week celebration of the arts, is an example of the Charleston way of life.

CHEROKEE COUNTY – Sandwiched between economic growth and outdoor beauty, Cherokee County is in the right place at the right time. Cherokee County sits in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains between Charlotte, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina which are two of the fastest growing cities in the nation. Although Cherokee is growing with the nation it maintains its Southern Hospitality and values.

CHESTER COUNTY – Only 30 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Chester County offers the big city life and small town living. You can go to an NFL football game or sit on the front porch, the choice is yours. Chester County prides itself on the spirit of its community and is committed to maintaining the hometown values of its forefathers.

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY – Chesterfield County was the birthplace of Jazz musician Dizzy Gillespie and is the home of Cheraw State Park. Cheraw State Park, the first South Carolina State Park, has one of the nicest Golf Courses in the State. The people in Chesterfield are proud of their heritage but are progressing towards the future.

CLARENDON COUNTY – Home of the Striped Bass Festival and Lake Marion, Clarendon County offers a fast paced lifestyle or peace and relaxation. Enjoy golfing, boating, fishing, and shopping in beautiful Clarendon County, where you can "visit for a while or stay forever."

COLLETON COUNTY – If you’re looking for the sunny Carolina coast or a shaded riverbank Collenton County is the place for you. The Edisto Beach and The Edisto River offer the beauty of nature while in close proximity of a bustling city. Only minutes from Charleston, one of the fastest growing areas in the Nation, Colleton County offers you a lifestyle of sun and fun.

DARLINGTON COUNTY – "Gentlemen start your engines" Darlington Raceway is the home of the Nascar’s racetrack that is "To Tough To Tame". Don’t speed through this beautiful county because you’ll want to see its historic homes, beautiful gardens, and southern countryside.

DILLON COUNTY – The home of Pedro and South of the Border on I-95, Dillon has been a major tourist attraction for travelers going up and down the east coast. Dillon was known originally as "The Golden Land" because of its rich crops and remains a rich community. Dillon also offers a variety of family activities with nine parks and playgrounds, 20 baseball and softball fields, and 20 tennis courts located throughout the county.

DORCHESTER COUNTY – Its towns and cities include Summerville, North Charleston and Dorchester, this county is doing something right. Summerville is the third fastest growing city in South Carolina and in 2005 a variety of companies invested $103 million in the county. With its shopping centers, medical facilities, and recreational activities Dorchester mixes southern charm with a 21st century attitude.

EDGEFIELD COUNTY – Filled with full bodied flavor, Montmorenci Vineyards located in Edgefield County is one of only two wineries in the State of South Carolina. While sipping your wine visit Old Edgefield Pottery and learn the art of Southern Ceramics. For the sports enthusiast you can visit Thurmond Lake, one of the largest lakes in the south, and enjoy a day of fishing.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY – The Land between the Lakes, Fairfield County is located between Lake Wateree and Lake Monticello. Fairfield County is the sportsman’s paradise for turkey and deer hunting. If you are a historian you can visit where General Cornwallis spent his "winter of discontent" and other revolutionary war sites. Fairfield County continues to have a positive impact on the midlands due to its constant growth in industry.

FLORENCE COUNTY – A county on the move, Florence County has been the pride of the Pee Dee region of South Carolina. Florence offers concerts, gun and knife shows, hockey games, and arena football at the Florence Civic Center. For the strong at heart McCleod Regional Medical Center has been a pioneer in the region promoting health and fitness at the McCleod Health and Fitness facility. Florence is also home to Francis Marion University, named after the Swamp Fox, which has help support the growth of industry in the area by creating an educated workforce.

GEORGETOWN COUNTY – With 22 Boat Landings, an 800 foot Pier, and 74 beach accesses, Georgetown brings the ocean to you. Georgetown is the third oldest city in South Carolina and offers a rich history of southern culture. Tourists like to visit the historic downtown area or the historic rice plantations to get a taste of the Old South. Get away from it all on the secluded Pawleys Island.

GREENVILLE COUNTY – The largest County in South Carolina, Greenville has set the pace for economic development in South Carolina. Greenville was ranked fifth out of Americas 50 hottest cities for European business expansion. Greenville has put South Carolina on the world map regarding international business. Only one hour to the mountains or 3 hours to the beach citizens in Greenville work hard but like to play harder.

GREENWOOD COUNTY – Hunting and Fishing Heaven! Greenwood is one of the most popular areas in the southeast for hunting and fishing, with the 915 acre lake Greenwood as the main attraction. Tennis Anyone? Greenwood offers 50 professionally maintained hard or clay courts and league play is available year round for all ages. High School sports is the favorite past time for folks in Greenwood County. Over the past five years, area high schools and private schools have won over a dozen state championships in tennis, golf, track, and football.

HAMPTON COUNTY – Hampton County is a quiet and special place located in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Its serenity and solitude is a mainstay but offers easy access to the excitement of the Atlantic Ocean and tourist destinations such as Hilton Head and the Carolina Sea Islands. Hampton County successfully blends a growing and dynamic economy and maintains its peaceful quality of life. Whether your interest is residential, tourism, or business development, we invite you to visit our historic communities.

HORRY COUNTY – Horry County is the proud parent of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina’ s #1 tourist area. With its 60 miles of beaches, Myrtle Beach has become one of the premier vacation destinations of the United States. With its infamous "Bike Week", live entertainment, outlet malls, world class golf courses, thrilling watersports and other activities, Myrtle Beach offers a week to remember. Go inland to find Coastal Carolina University and enjoy a college football game. The quieter side of Horry County is the City of Conway, which offers a slower pace and a southern lifestyle.

JASPER COUNTY – Located near the Intra-Coastal Waterway, the historic cities of Savannah, Georgia and Beaufort, South Carolina, and the pristine beaches of world-renowned Hilton Head Island, Jasper County's 662 square miles are primed for unprecedented growth and development. Learn about the natural inhabitants of the low country by visiting the Blue Heron Nature Trail in Ridgeland. The site has several docks which visitors can feed the fish, turtles, and ducks, an extensive butterfly garden and a boardwalk through native wetlands.

KERSHAW COUNTY – The classic southern combination, Kershaw County has it all, lakes, historic homes, and horse racing. Kershaw County is positioned for continued economic development due to its close proximity to the state capital and the interstate system. Visit an antebellum home, go water skiing, and wear your finest horse racing hat all in the same day.

LANCASTER COUNTY – Comfortably nestled between the metropolitan areas of Charlotte, North Carolina and South Carolina’s capital city of Columbia south. Bordered by the Catawba River and close to a number of lakes and waterways, Old-fashioned Southern hospitality makes Lancaster County a place where you will feel welcome on your first visit. The Lancaster community exhibits a progressive, family-oriented quality of life, while our special attraction is our friendly, caring people.

LAURENS COUNTY – The Pride of the Piedmont Region, Laurens County is positioned for peaceful and prosperous living. Laurens County is located in the Upstate region of South Carolina and is only an hour drive from Spartanburg, Greenville, and Columbia. South Carolina's largest airport - Greenville Spartanburg International - is less than 30 miles away and has more than 90 flights each day. Whether you're looking for outdoor recreation, an outlet for artistic expression, or a quiet place for reflection, there's no shortage of activities for the entire family.

LEE COUNTY – Located in the Santee Lynches region of South Carolina, Lee County offers a unique mix of natural beauty and abundant opportunities for industries and businesses. While the area’s natural charm attracts those who seek to experience first hand what Southern hospitality is all about, Lee County’s strategic location on I-20 and accessibility to I-95 27 miles to the east, I-26 and I-77 45 miles to the west makes the area more attractive location for industry.

LEXINGTON COUNTY – Home of the Riverbank Zoo and Gardens, Lexington County continues to thrive due to its diverse demographics, market rich economy, excellent schools, and recreational activities. The economy is balanced between high-tech industries, agriculture, significant regional retail centers, and a growing retirement destination. The schools are perennially at or near the top of every ranking of school excellence – academic, athletic, music and other activities. Three different Interstate highways, two public airports, several private airports, and 4 rail lines link Lexington County and the world. Lake Murray is the largest single recreational attraction in the county yet is only one of many centers for recreation.

MARION COUNTY – Gracious living is a hallmark of Marion County, where historic charm and modern amenities combine to provide an exceptional quality of life. Spanish moss cloaks the limbs of huge oaks. Garden clubs flourish in the area, with "Yard of the Month" a coveted prize. Beautiful, historic mansions and plantations share the county's vast acreage with impressive new construction built within a stone's throw of pecan groves. A low cost of living compliments the availability of land, older homes, and new construction at very affordable prices.

MARLBORO COUNTY – Located in northeastern South Carolina, Marlboro County is able to provide business and industry the perfect climate for growth and prosperity. With world class employee training programs and high worker productivity, our labor force stands ready. But we’re not all business, on the weekends you can enjoy Lake Paul A. Wallace. This lake is divided into three parts: a swimming and boating side with a one mile skiing channel, grassy sunning terraces and white sandy beaches for swimming.

MCCORMICK COUNTY – "The Gem of the Freshwater Coast", McCormick County is located on the 70,000 acre Storm Thurmond Lake in the Sumter National Forest. It is home to three state parks, campgrounds, recreation areas, Strom Thurmond Dam, and Dorn Sport Fishing and Boating Facility, the largest boat ramp complex in the southeastern United States. Whether its fishing, boating, historical sites, old cemeteries, friendly people, a new business location, or a place to "kick back" and call home -- McCormick County offers you many opportunities to fulfill any dream.

NEWBERRY COUNTY – "Small Town Charm… Big City Facilities", Newberry County is known for its historic homes, marvelous climate, lovely countryside and friendly residents. Newberry County is located just minutes from Columbia, the state's capital, and the economic powerhouse of Greenville. You can capture Newberry's rich heritage in its love of history and historic preservation. The downtown area is lined with antique shops, boutiques, restaurants and retail stores.

OCONEE COUNTY – Whether its Oktoberfest, the celebration of German Heritage, the South Carolina Apple Festival, or many of the other family events in Oconee County your sure to have a good time. Enjoy the peaceful and serene Lakes Keowee and Jocassee or the rushing whitewater of the Chattooga River. This County loves the outdoors and sits at the base of the Appalachian Mountains.

ORANGEBURG COUNTY – Orangeburg County, a crown jewel in the South Carolina midlands, is a virtual paradise for nature lovers. Whether the choice is hunting, fishing, boating, golf, tennis, or sightseeing, it all is plentiful in Orangeburg County. Arts and entertainment are important to the citizens of Orangeburg. The Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center, located in the Edisto Memorial Gardens, offers classes, workshops and performances for the community.

PICKENS COUNTY – Go Tigers! Pickens County is located in the I-85 "boom belt" of Upstate SC. The county has several features distinguishing it from other areas its size. From Clemson University and its renowned research to its scenic lakes and beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain foothills, Pickens County has the perfect mix of business and living amenities for growing industries.

RICHLAND COUNTY – "Rich in Community, Culture, Tradition and Opportunity", once you visit Richland County you may never want to leave. You can visit the State Capital in Columbia or yell Go Cocks! at a college football game. Richland County is home to the State Capital, the University of South Carolina. The Carolina Coliseum hosts several concerts, basketball games, and other events throughout the year. If you enjoy the outdoors visit Lake Murray or the Congaree National Park. You name it Richland County has it.

SALUDA COUNTY – Saluda County offers fishing, swimming and boating on beautiful Lake Murray, just 15 minutes from town and is within a three-hour drive of beaches and mountains. Her history, location, quality of life and newly expanding business horizons invite you to discover Saluda County.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY – South Carolina's "Melting Pot," blending Southern culture with dashes and dollops of German, Swiss, Japanese, Indian, Asian, British and a myriad of other influences to create a dish spiced with life. Spartanburg has taken its position as a magnet for economic progress and as a population center filled with cultural and international diversity. This Carolinian community is filled with Southern hospitality. Full of historical and cultural heritage, Spartanburg was named for the Revolutionary War militia, the Spartan Rifles. To learn about their role in the revolutionary war you can visit the Cowpens National Battlefield.

SUMTER COUNTY – In the heart of South Carolina, Sumter County, "Gamecock City", is located just 44 miles east of the state capital, Columbia. On the move, Sumter has led South Carolina for the past three years in per-capita job growth. Sumter also has numerous annual festivals and special event such as; the Iris Festival, Shawfest, the Fall of the Arts festival, the (Christmas) Fantasy of Lights, Poultry Night, and the Rub O’ the Green Golf Tournament. Come to Sumter and enjoy the fun.

UNION COUNTY – "Community, Commerce, History, and Unity", are the words that the citizens of Union County have chosen to describe their values and when you visit them that is what you feel. This county is located in the bustling upstate region of South Carolina which continues to grow. In 1999, Walt Disney Company opened a 500,000 square foot worldwide distribution center on the Furman Fendley Highway north of Jonesville. The company opened an outlet store for Disney products at the center in 1998.

WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY – "A Recipe for the Good Life", Williamsburg County is located in the southern tip of the Pee Dee section of South Carolina. If history is your specialty, Williamsburg County has plenty to offer, including many Revolutionary War battlefields and numerous stories about General Francis Marion. Williamsburg County is also the home of the richest bar-b-que festival in South Carolina, "TheBar-B-Que Shag Festival", and the only Tupperware manufacturing plant in North America.

YORK COUNTY – Home to the Carolina's largest amusement center, Paramount's Carowinds makes entertainment abundant in York County. While access to Charlotte is immediate, the advantage of York County's location is distinct. York County is rich in cultural heritage. From the Museum of York County, which boasts the Southeast's largest collection of more than 200 full-mounted African animals, to the out-of-this-world experience of the Settlemyre Planetarium to "reliving the past" through Historic Brattonsville's Revolutionary War battle reenactment. When one location has it all - the people, the business environment, the lifestyle... you know it's special. That is York County. "The best of all worlds, in one place."

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