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Calhoun County, South Carolina
Calhoun County Courthouse
Calhoun County Courthouse
Map of South Carolina highlighting Calhoun County
Location in the state of South Carolina
Map of the U.S
South Carolina's location in the U.S.
Founded 1908
Named for John C. Calhoun
Seat St. Matthews
Largest town St. Matthews
Area
 - Total
 - Land
 - Water

392 sq mi (1,015 km²)
381 sq mi (987 km²)
11 sq mi (28 km²), 2.9
Population
 - (2020)
 - Density

14,119
Congressional district 6th
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website www.calhouncounty.sc.gov

Calhoun County is a county in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, its population was 14,119,[1] making it the third-least populous county in the state. Its county seat is St. Matthews.[2]

Located in a rural upland area long devoted to cotton plantations, part of the Black Belt of the South, the county was formed in 1908 from portions of Lexington and Orangeburg counties. It is named for John C. Calhoun, the former U.S. Vice-President, Senator, Representative and cabinet member from South Carolina,[3] although Calhoun was from nearby Abbeville, South Carolina.

Calhoun County is part of the Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area. It has an overall score of 52 including factors health, crime, equity, education, and housing.[4] It is one of 11 counties with the same name in the United States.

History[]

Calhoun County was home to the Congaree Tribe. As early as 1715 maps show them living in the region. As well, arrowheads and other artifacts continue to be found in lakes and near rivers.[5]

During the American Revolutionary War, Calhoun County was home to the famous Siege of Fort Motte. The Fort Motte Battle Site is accessible today.[6]

Geography[]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 392 square miles (1,020 km2), of which 381 square miles (990 km2) is land and 11 square miles (28 km2) (2.9%) is water.[7] It is the second-smallest county in South Carolina by land area and smallest by total area.

Calhoun County includes features such as Lake Marion, and the Congaree Bluffs, accessible publicly via the Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve.[8]

Calhoun County borders Congaree National Park, the only Federally recognized Park which is a Swamp. Astonishing biodiversity exists in Congaree National Park, the largest intact expanse of old growth bottomland hardwood forest remaining in the southeastern United States. Waters from the Congaree and Wateree Rivers sweep through the floodplain, carrying nutrients and sediments that nourish and rejuvenate this ecosystem and support the growth of national and state champion trees.[9] Although the park lies outside the boundaries of Calhoun County, much of the environment is similar.

The upper boundary for Calhoun County is the Congaree River.

Adjacent counties[]

Transportation[]

Calhoun County is home to parts of Interstate I-26, as well as state highways 21, 6, 33, 176, 601, and 267.[10] Calhoun County is part of the evacuation route for Hurricanes and coastal flooding. During such times there are lane reversals where interstate highway I-26 goes in one direction (Northwest).[11]

Government[]

The county government is a five-member council, elected from single-member districts. At the first meeting of the year, they choose a chairperson for the term; it is a rotating position.[12]

Other elected positions in the county are Sheriff, Auditor, Coroner, Treasurer, and Clerk of Court. appointed positions are Coroner and Probate Judge.[12]

Calhoun County Library is a historic library building located at St. Matthews, Calhoun County. It was built about 1877, and is a one-story, medium-gabled white clapboard structure in the Greek Revival style. It was originally built as a residence, but was adapted for use as a county library in 1949.

Tire mound[]

As of 2011, Calhoun County contained an illegal dumping of an estimated 250,000 vehicle tires, a mound of tires so large it could reportedly be seen from space.[13]

Economy[]

Although much of Calhoun County is rural, there are many factories including Devro, a UK company that makes sausage casings.[14] Other factories include Starbucks (Roasting Facility), DAK Americas, Zeus Industrial Products, Fitts Co Inc, and Thermo King Columbia, Inc. In the same part of the county Country Clear, Inc. produces bottled water.[15]

Calhoun County offers the Calhoun County I-26 Industrial Park for businesses.[16]

Hunting[]

Calhoun County is a hunters paradise.Template:Strip categories World famous Buck n' Boar hunting club imports game from all over the world, and currently has the U.S.' largest herd of pure Eurasian swine.[17] In addition to Buck n' Boar Calhoun County is home to many private hunting preserves.

Politics[]

United States presidential election results for Calhoun County, South Carolina[18]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 4,305 51.92% 3,905 47.10% 81 0.98%
2016 3,787 50.17% 3,573 47.33% 189 2.50%
2012 3,707 47.32% 4,045 51.63% 82 1.05%
2008 3,695 47.75% 3,970 51.31% 73 0.94%
2004 3,448 49.83% 3,393 49.04% 78 1.13%
2000 3,216 50.46% 3,063 48.06% 94 1.47%
1996 2,520 45.02% 2,716 48.52% 362 6.47%
1992 2,418 41.85% 2,770 47.94% 590 10.21%
1988 2,585 54.00% 2,175 45.44% 27 0.56%
1984 2,742 53.83% 2,315 45.45% 37 0.73%
1980 1,767 45.86% 2,043 53.02% 43 1.12%
1976 1,382 39.87% 2,055 59.29% 29 0.84%
1972 1,867 60.91% 1,148 37.46% 50 1.63%
1968 885 28.74% 1,216 39.49% 978 31.76%
1964 1,591 72.22% 612 27.78% 0 0.00%
1960 852 61.38% 536 38.62% 0 0.00%
1956 146 12.37% 341 28.90% 693 58.73%
1952 1,107 74.25% 384 25.75% 0 0.00%
1948 4 0.45% 36 4.09% 841 95.46%
1944 1 0.15% 602 87.76% 83 12.10%
1940 3 0.45% 657 99.55% 0 0.00%
1936 1 0.12% 821 99.88% 0 0.00%
1932 10 1.42% 694 98.58% 0 0.00%
1928 7 1.20% 577 98.80% 0 0.00%
1924 5 0.83% 593 99.00% 1 0.17%
1920 41 6.10% 631 93.90% 0 0.00%
1916 41 5.52% 665 89.50% 37 4.98%
1912 15 3.05% 460 93.69% 16 3.26%
1908 54 7.45% 669 92.28% 2 0.28%



Demographics[]

In 2017, Calhoun County, SC had a population of 14.8k people with a median age of 45.9 and a median household income of $44,010. Between 2016 and 2017 the population of Calhoun County, SC declined from 14,886 to 14,808, a -0.524% decrease and its median household income grew from $42,779 to $44,010, a 2.88% increase. The population of Calhoun County, SC is 53.6% White Alone, 41.6% Black or African American Alone, and 3.58% Hispanic or Latino. N/A% of the people in Calhoun County, SC speak a non-English language, and 98.3% are U.S. citizens. The median property value in Calhoun County, SC is $103,900, and the homeownership rate is 79.3%. Most people in Calhoun County, SC commute by Drove Alone, and the average commute time is 27.2 minutes. The average car ownership in Calhoun County, SC is 2 cars per household.[19]

Historical populations
Census Pop.
1910 16,634
1920 18,384 10.5%
1930 16,707 −9.1%
1940 16,229 −2.9%
1950 14,753 −9.1%
1960 12,256 −16.9%
1970 10,780 −12.0%
1980 12,206 13.2%
1990 12,753 4.5%
2000 15,185 19.1%
2010 15,175 −0.1%
U.S. Decennial Census[20]
1790-1960[21] 1900-1990[22]
1990-2000[23] 2010-2020[1]

2000 census[]

As of the census[24] of 2000, there were 15,185 people, 5,917 households, and 4,272 families living in the county. The population density was 40 people per square mile (15/km2). There were 6,864 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile (7/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 50.03% White, 48.69% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.24% from other races, and 0.69% from two or more races. 1.40% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 5,917 households, out of which 30.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.00% were married couples living together, 15.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.80% were non-families. 24.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.10% under the age of 18, 7.40% from 18 to 24, 27.00% from 25 to 44, 26.70% from 45 to 64, and 13.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,736, and the median income for a family was $39,823. Males had a median income of $31,431 versus $22,267 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,446. About 13.20% of families and 16.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 20.40% of those under age 18 and 18.30% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census[]

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 15,175 people, 6,080 households, and 4,204 families living in the county.[25] The population density was 39.8 inhabitants per square mile (15.4 /km2). There were 7,340 housing units at an average density of 19.3 per square mile (7.5 /km2).[26] The racial makeup of the county was 53.9% white, 42.6% black or African American, 0.3% American Indian, 0.2% Asian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 1.8% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.0% of the population.[25] In terms of ancestry, respondents identified as 42.6% of African American (which may include European ancestry; 15.4% American, 14.9% German, 8.5% Irish, and 7.1% of English heritage.[27]

Of the 6,080 households, 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.6% were married couples living together, 15.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.9% were non-families, and 26.8% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.99. The median age was 43.4 years.[25]

The median income for a household in the county was $36,790 and the median income for a family was $51,975. Males had a median income of $42,394 versus $31,001 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,845. About 11.6% of families and 15.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.4% of those under age 18 and 15.6% of those age 65 or over.[28]

2020 census[]

Calhoun County Racial Composition[29]
Race Num. Perc.
White 7,783 55.12%
Black or African American 5,361 37.97%
Native American 62 0.44%
Asian 27 0.19%
Pacific Islander 6 0.04%
Other/Mixed 393 2.78%
Hispanic or Latino 487 3.45%

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 14,119 people, 6,179 households, and 3,910 families residing in the county.

Communities[]

Towns[]

  • Cameron
  • St. Matthews (county seat)

Unincorporated communities[]

  • Creston
  • Fort Motte
  • Lone Star
  • Sandy Run

See also[]

  • Lake Marion
  • National Register of Historic Places listings in Calhoun County, South Carolina

External links[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/45/45017.html. 
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx. 
  3. ^ Federal Writers' Project (1941). Palmetto Place Names. Sloane Printing Co.. p. 12. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.c056089075&view=1up&seq=18. 
  4. ^ US News & World Report, University of Missouri Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems (CARES). "Calhoun County SC Report". US News. University of Missouri Center for Applied Research and Engagement Systems (CARES).. https://www.usnews.com/news/healthiest-communities/south-carolina/calhoun-county. 
  5. ^ "Columbia’s First Residents: The Congaree Indians". Fun After Fifty. Fun After Fifty. https://funafterfifty.net/2016/11/02/columbias-first-residents-the-congaree-indians/. 
  6. ^ "Fort Motte Battle Site". https://www.scpictureproject.org/calhoun-county/fort-motte-battle-site.html. 
  7. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. http://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/counties_list_45.txt. 
  8. ^ County, Calhoun. "Congaree Bluffs Heritage Preserve". https://www.sctrails.net/trails/trail/congaree-bluffs. 
  9. ^ "Congaree National Park". NPS.GOV. https://www.nps.gov/cong/index.htm.  PD-icon This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  10. ^ "SC DOT - Calhoun County Map". http://info2.scdot.org//GISMapping/GISMapdl/Calhoun_County.pdf. 
  11. ^ Holdman, Jessica. "How Dorian evacuation SC highway lane reversals will work". Post and Courier. https://www.postandcourier.com/hurricanewire/how-dorian-evacuation-sc-highway-lane-reversals-will-work/article_4e7c829e-cd15-11e9-b4c9-83f8276694b7.html. 
  12. ^ a b Officials: Calhoun County, SC website, 2016; accessed 29 December 2016
  13. ^ "Illegal Calhoun County Tire Pile Seen From Space". https://www.postandcourier.com/free-times/archives/illegal-calhoun-county-tire-pile-seen-from-space/article_39fc877d-e0bc-5dc9-8f63-7de08239147d.html. 
  14. ^ Good, Steve. "Devro.com". Devro.com. https://www.devro.com/about/at-a-glance/. 
  15. ^ "Country Clear". https://countryclear.com/. 
  16. ^ "SC Power Team". https://www.scpowerteam.com/featured_site/calhoun-county-i-26-industrial-park/. 
  17. ^ Ayer, Troy. "Buck n Boar". https://www.boar-hunter.com/buck_and_boar_trophy_hunting.html. 
  18. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS. 
  19. ^ USA, Data. "Calhoun County SC statistics". https://datausa.io/profile/geo/calhoun-county-sc. 
  20. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html. 
  21. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu. 
  22. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/sc190090.txt. 
  23. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000". United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf. 
  24. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov. 
  25. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_DP/DPDP1/0500000US45017. 
  26. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/DEC/10_SF1/GCTPH1.CY07/0500000US45017. 
  27. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP02/0500000US45017. 
  28. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. http://factfinder.census.gov/bkmk/table/1.0/en/ACS/10_5YR/DP03/0500000US45017. 
  29. ^ "Explore Census Data". https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=0500000US45017&tid=DECENNIALPL2020.P2. 

Coordinates: 33°40′N 80°47′W / 33.67, -80.78


This page uses content from the English language Wikipedia. The original content was at Calhoun County, South Carolina. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with this Familypedia wiki, the content of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons License.
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