Saluda County | |
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![]() | |
![]() Location within the U.S. state of South Carolina | |
![]() South Carolina's location within the U.S. | |
Coordinates: 34°01′N 81°44′W / 34.01°N 81.73°W | |
Country | ![]() |
State | ![]() |
Founded | 1895 |
Named for | Saluda River |
Seat | Saluda |
Largest community | Saluda |
Area | |
• Total | 461.64 sq mi (1,195.6 km2) |
• Land | 452.72 sq mi (1,172.5 km2) |
• Water | 8.92 sq mi (23.1 km2) 1.93% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 18,862 |
• Estimate (2023) | 19,123 |
• Density | 41.66/sq mi (16.09/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Congressional district | 3rd |
Website | saludacounty |
Saluda County is a county in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,862.[1] Its county seat is Saluda.[2] The county was formed from northern and eastern portions of Edgefield County.[3]
Saluda County is part of the Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area.
History
The county was founded in 1895 with portions of Edgefield County and was named after the nearby Saluda River. The largest community and county seat is Saluda.
Geography
![Map](https://maps.wikimedia.org/img/osm-intl,8,34.01,-81.73,300x200.png?lang=en&domain=en.wikipedia.org&title=Saluda_County%2C_South_Carolina&revid=1230699479&groups=_ccb8ec4d1e447b756ed9f798500053400add44a9)
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 461.64 square miles (1,195.6 km2), of which 452.72 square miles (1,172.5 km2) is land and 8.92 square miles (23.1 km2) (1.93%) is water.[4] Saluda County is largely in the Saluda River basin with a small portion of western Saluda in the Savannah River basin.
National protected area
- Sumter National Forest (part)
Major water bodies
Adjacent Counties
- Newberry County – north
- Lexington County – east
- Aiken County – south
- Edgefield County – southwest
- Greenwood County – northwest
- McCormick County – west
Major highways
Major infrastructure
Demographics
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1900 | 18,966 | — | |
1910 | 20,943 | 10.4% | |
1920 | 22,088 | 5.5% | |
1930 | 18,148 | −17.8% | |
1940 | 17,192 | −5.3% | |
1950 | 15,924 | −7.4% | |
1960 | 14,554 | −8.6% | |
1970 | 14,528 | −0.2% | |
1980 | 16,150 | 11.2% | |
1990 | 16,357 | 1.3% | |
2000 | 19,181 | 17.3% | |
2010 | 19,875 | 3.6% | |
2020 | 18,862 | −5.1% | |
2023 (est.) | 19,123 | [1] | 1.4% |
U.S. Decennial Census[6] 1790–1960[7] 1900–1990[8] 1990–2000[9] 2010[10] 2020[1] |
2020 census
Race | Num. | Perc. |
---|---|---|
White (non-Hispanic) | 11,264 | 59.72% |
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 4,028 | 21.36% |
Native American | 44 | 0.23% |
Asian | 35 | 0.19% |
Other/Mixed | 479 | 2.54% |
Hispanic or Latino | 3,012 | 15.97% |
As of the 2020 census, there were 18,862 people, 7,094 households, and 5,132 families residing in the county.
2010 census
At the 2010 census, there were 19,875 people, 7,527 households, and 5,393 families living in the county.[12][10] The population density was 43.9 inhabitants per square mile (16.9/km2). There were 9,289 housing units at an average density of 20.5 per square mile (7.9/km2).[13] The racial makeup of the county was 61.1% white, 26.3% black or African American, 0.4% American Indian, 0.3% Pacific islander, 0.2% Asian, 10.3% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 14.4% of the population.[12] In terms of ancestry, 17.8% were American, 14.7% were German, 8.6% were English, and 8.2% were Irish.[14]
Of the 7,527 households, 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.6% were married couples living together, 15.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 28.4% were non-families, and 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.05. The median age was 39.6 years.[12]
The median income for a household in the county was $40,508 and the median income for a family was $45,173. Males had a median income of $31,264 versus $28,344 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,717. About 11.7% of families and 15.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.4% of those under age 18 and 15.0% of those age 65 or over.[15]
2000 census
At the 2000 census,[16] there were 19,181 people, 7,127 households, and 5,295 families living in the county. The population density was 42 people per square mile (16 people/km2). There were 8,543 housing units at an average density of 19 per square mile (7.3/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 65.80% White, 29.99% Black or African American, 0.23% Native American, 0.04% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 3.29% from other races, and 0.64% from two or more races. 7.30% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 7,127 households, out of which 31.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.20% were married couples living together, 14.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.70% were non-families. 22.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.07.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.90% under the age of 18, 9.20% from 18 to 24, 27.60% from 25 to 44, 23.80% from 45 to 64, and 14.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females there were 98.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.30 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $35,774, and the median income for a family was $41,603. Males had a median income of $29,221 versus $21,395 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,328. About 12.00% of families and 15.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.40% of those under age 18 and 16.30% of those age 65 or over.
Law and government
Law enforcement
In 2012, Saluda County Sheriff Jason Booth pled guilty to charges of misuse of office after using an inmate to make improvements at his home.[17]
Politics
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 6,210 | 66.96% | 2,963 | 31.95% | 101 | 1.09% |
2016 | 5,526 | 64.53% | 2,813 | 32.85% | 225 | 2.63% |
2012 | 5,135 | 59.96% | 3,328 | 38.86% | 101 | 1.18% |
2008 | 5,191 | 60.34% | 3,323 | 38.63% | 89 | 1.03% |
2004 | 4,537 | 59.87% | 3,001 | 39.60% | 40 | 0.53% |
2000 | 4,098 | 59.47% | 2,682 | 38.92% | 111 | 1.61% |
1996 | 2,825 | 49.56% | 2,486 | 43.61% | 389 | 6.82% |
1992 | 2,968 | 47.80% | 2,393 | 38.54% | 848 | 13.66% |
1988 | 3,225 | 61.64% | 1,984 | 37.92% | 23 | 0.44% |
1984 | 3,515 | 63.90% | 1,962 | 35.67% | 24 | 0.44% |
1980 | 2,450 | 47.40% | 2,651 | 51.29% | 68 | 1.32% |
1976 | 2,085 | 43.09% | 2,715 | 56.11% | 39 | 0.81% |
1972 | 3,095 | 73.85% | 1,022 | 24.39% | 74 | 1.77% |
1968 | 1,466 | 30.53% | 1,200 | 24.99% | 2,136 | 44.48% |
1964 | 2,524 | 64.17% | 1,409 | 35.83% | 0 | 0.00% |
1960 | 1,268 | 48.38% | 1,353 | 51.62% | 0 | 0.00% |
1956 | 341 | 14.92% | 1,080 | 47.24% | 865 | 37.84% |
1952 | 1,396 | 46.72% | 1,592 | 53.28% | 0 | 0.00% |
1948 | 15 | 0.78% | 187 | 9.77% | 1,712 | 89.45% |
1944 | 14 | 1.30% | 924 | 85.56% | 142 | 13.15% |
1940 | 15 | 1.33% | 1,115 | 98.67% | 0 | 0.00% |
1936 | 10 | 0.75% | 1,324 | 99.25% | 0 | 0.00% |
1932 | 7 | 0.53% | 1,307 | 99.47% | 0 | 0.00% |
1928 | 5 | 0.62% | 796 | 99.38% | 0 | 0.00% |
1924 | 3 | 0.27% | 1,094 | 99.55% | 2 | 0.18% |
1920 | 3 | 0.27% | 1,111 | 99.55% | 2 | 0.18% |
1916 | 1 | 0.08% | 1,227 | 99.51% | 5 | 0.41% |
1912 | 0 | 0.00% | 850 | 98.04% | 17 | 1.96% |
1904 | 7 | 0.74% | 938 | 99.26% | 0 | 0.00% |
1900 | 7 | 0.55% | 1,269 | 99.45% | 0 | 0.00% |
Economy
In 2022, the GDP was $572.2 million (about $29,921 per capita),[19] and the real GDP was $495.6 million (about $25,918 per capita) in chained 2017 dollars.[20]
As of April 2024, some of the top employers of the county include Food Lion.[21]
Industry | Employment Counts | Employment Percentage (%) | Average Annual Wage ($) |
---|---|---|---|
Accommodation and Food Services | 208 | 4.6 | 14,872 |
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 42 | 0.9 | 37,076 |
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | 443 | 9.9 | 53,040 |
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | 62 | 1.4 | 26,208 |
Construction | 136 | 3.0 | 44,980 |
Finance and Insurance | 48 | 1.1 | 58,448 |
Health Care and Social Assistance | 591 | 13.2 | 39,780 |
Manufacturing | 1,921 | 42.9 | 49,868 |
Other Services (except Public Administration) | 68 | 1.5 | 47,060 |
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 107 | 2.4 | 47,892 |
Public Administration | 336 | 7.5 | 44,044 |
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | 24 | 0.5 | 38,948 |
Retail Trade | 295 | 6.6 | 28,652 |
Transportation and Warehousing | 67 | 1.5 | 54,912 |
Utilities | 33 | 0.7 | 69,680 |
Wholesale Trade | 96 | 2.1 | 52,572 |
Total | 4,477 | 100.0% | 45,016 |
Communities
Towns
- Batesburg-Leesville (mostly in Lexington County)
- Monetta (mostly in Aiken County)
- Ridge Spring
- Saluda (county seat and largest community)
- Ward
Unincorporated communities
Notable person
- William B. Travis, Texas lieutenant colonel leading defense in the Battle of the Alamo
See also
- List of counties in South Carolina
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Saluda County, South Carolina
References
- ^ a b c "QuickFacts: Saluda County, South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
- ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
- ^ "South Carolina: Individual County Chronologies". South Carolina Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2009. Archived from the original on January 3, 2017. Retrieved March 21, 2015.
- ^ "2020 County Gazetteer Files – South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. August 23, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
- ^ "Airport". saludacounty.sc.gov. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
- ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
- ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
- ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
- ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
- ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
- ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
- ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
- ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
- ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
- ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
- ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
- ^ Jeffrey Collins (August 5, 2012). "Ex-Saluda sheriff pleads guilty to misconduct". Post and Courier. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
- ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org.
- ^ U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (January 1, 2001). "Gross Domestic Product: All Industries in Saluda County, SC". FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
- ^ U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (January 1, 2001). "Real Gross Domestic Product: All Industries in Saluda County, SC". FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
- ^ a b "Saluda County" (PDF). Community Profiles (04000081). Columbia, SC: S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce - Business Intelligence Department. April 19, 2024.
- ^ "Saluda County Historical Society: Voices from Old Mount Willing". Archived from the original on February 23, 2009.
- ^ "Mount Willing Populated Place Profile / Saluda County, South Carolina Data". southcarolina.hometownlocator.com.
External links
Geographic data related to Saluda County, South Carolina at OpenStreetMap
- Official website
- Saluda County Chamber of Commerce