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Georgetown County, South Carolina

Coordinates: 33°25′N 79°18′W / 33.41°N 79.30°W / 33.41; -79.30
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Georgetown County
County
Georgetown County Courthouse
Georgetown County Courthouse
Official seal of Georgetown County
Seal
Official logo of Georgetown County
Logo
Map of South Carolina highlighting Georgetown County
Location within the U.S. state of South Carolina
Map of the United States highlighting South Carolina
South Carolina's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 33°25′N 79°18′W / 33.41°N 79.3°W / 33.41; -79.3
Country United States
State South Carolina
Founded1800
Named forKing George II
SeatGeorgetown
Largest communityMurrells Inlet
Area
 • Total1,035 sq mi (2,680 km2)
 • Land814 sq mi (2,110 km2)
 • Water221 sq mi (570 km2)  21%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total63,404
 • Density61/sq mi (24/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district7th
Websitewww.georgetowncountysc.org

Georgetown County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 63,404.[1] Its county seat is Georgetown.[2] The county was founded in 1769. It is named for George III of the United Kingdom.[3]

Georgetown County comprises the Georgetown, SC Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Myrtle Beach–Conway, SC–NC Combined Statistical Area.

History

The county was chartered in 1769 but only officially became a county in 1800.[4] It is named for George III of the United Kingdom.[3] The county seat is Georgetown while the largest community is Murrells Inlet.

Geography

Map
Interactive map of Georgetown County
Winnowing house, Mansfield Plantation, Georgetown County
Quercus virginica, Live oak in winter. A pasture in Georgetown County.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,035 square miles (2,680 km2), of which 814 square miles (2,110 km2) is land and 221 square miles (570 km2) (21%) is water.[5]

Georgetown County has several rivers, including the Great Pee Dee River, the Waccamaw River, Black River, and Sampit River, all of which flow into Winyah Bay. The Santee River, which forms the southern boundary of the county, empties directly into the Atlantic. The Intracoastal Waterway crosses the county and Winyah Bay. The rivers and the bay have had a decisive effect on human development of the area, especially as the city of Georgetown has an excellent seaport and harbor.

Georgetown County is a diverse county with four distinct areas:

1. The Atlantic coastline, also called Waccamaw Neck, including the communities of Murrells Inlet, Litchfield, Pawleys Island and DeBordieu, is part of "The Grand Strand" (beach), which includes Myrtle Beach to the north. The Georgetown County part of the Grand Strand used to be rural, but is exploding with development today. Condos line the shoreline at Litchfield, and many of the old cottages at Pawleys are being demolished for larger houses. DeBordieu is a gated community.

Empty beachfront has disappeared and wild areas are rapidly vanishing. A few wilder areas are being saved, as these provide critical habitat as part of the Atlantic Flyway for migratory birds. Huntington Beach State Park preserves some of the coastline and coastal marshes in the northern section, with nearby Brookgreen Gardens preserving a historical rice plantation and some forest. Brookgreen Gardens, with a nature center and many outdoor sculptures, is a popular tourist spot.

The University of South Carolina and Clemson University maintain the Belle W. Baruch research site at Hobcaw Barony on Waccamaw Neck. The islands around the outlet of Winyah Bay are designated as the "Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Heritage Preserve". This area is home to the northernmost naturally occurring hammocks of South Carolina's signature sabal palmetto tree.

2. The riverfronts have had little recent development. Such properties were once used for rice plantations, using a rice variety brought from Africa. After the Civil War, and the loss of slave labor, the plantations gradually ceased production. Today they are primarily wild areas, accessible only by boat. In some areas, the earthworks, such as dikes and water gates used for rice culture, still exist, as well as a few of the plantation houses. Litchfield Plantation has been redeveloped as a country inn; other properties have been developed as planned residential communities. Great blue herons, alligators, and an occasional bald eagle can be seen along the waterways. Fishing is a popular activity.

Fishing the Pee Dee off the old US 17 bridge near Georgetown

A tiny community accessible only by boat is on Sandy Island, in the Pee Dee River. Residents are descendants of slaves who worked plantations on the island, and they are trying to keep out development. Recently the Federal government began buying land along the rivers for the new Waccamaw Wildlife Refuge, which is intended to protect such wild areas. The headquarters of the refuge will be at Yauhannah in the northern part of the county.

3. Georgetown is a small historic city founded in colonial times. It is a popular tourist area and a port for shrimp boats. Yachting "snowbirds" are often seen at the docks in spring and fall; these people follow the seasons along the Intracoastal waterway.

4. The inland rural areas are thinly populated. Some upland areas are good for agriculture or forestry. Several Carolina bays are thought to be craters from a meteor shower. These areas are rich in biodiversity. Carvers Bay, the largest, was extensively damaged by use as a practice bombing range by US military forces during World War II. Draining of the bay has further damaged its environment.

International Paper Company on the Sampit River. It is the largest employer in Georgetown County.

National protected areas

State and local protected areas/sites

Major water bodies

Adjacent counties

Major highways

Major infrastructure

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
179022,122—
180022,9383.7%
181015,679−31.6%
182017,60312.3%
183019,94313.3%
184018,274−8.4%
185020,64713.0%
186021,3053.2%
187016,161−24.1%
188019,61321.4%
189020,8576.3%
190022,8469.5%
191022,270−2.5%
192021,716−2.5%
193021,7380.1%
194026,35221.2%
195031,76220.5%
196034,7989.6%
197033,500−3.7%
198042,46126.7%
199046,3029.0%
200055,79720.5%
201060,1587.8%
202063,4045.4%
2021 (est.)63,921[6]0.8%
U.S. Decennial Census[7]
1790-1960[8] 1900-1990[9]
1990-2000[10] 2010-2013[11] 2020[12]

2020 census

Georgetown County racial composition[13]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 41,186 64.96%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 18,051 28.47%
Native American 111 0.18%
Asian 258 0.41%
Pacific Islander 27 0.04%
Other/Mixed 1,546 2.44%
Hispanic or Latino 2,225 3.51%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 63,404 people, 25,498 households, and 17,334 families residing in the county.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 60,158 people, 24,524 households, and 17,282 families living in the county.[14] The population density was 73.9 inhabitants per square mile (28.5/km2). There were 33,672 housing units at an average density of 41.4 per square mile (16.0/km2).[15] The racial makeup of the county was 63.2% white, 33.6% black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 0.2% American Indian, 1.6% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.1% of the population.[14] In terms of ancestry, 13.5% were English, 9.0% were Irish, 8.7% were American, and 7.6% were German.[16]

Of the 24,524 households, 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.8% were married couples living together, 15.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 29.5% were non-families, and 25.4% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.89. The median age was 45.4 years.[14]

The median income for a household in the county was $42,666 and the median income for a family was $54,115. Males had a median income of $39,127 versus $28,390 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,942. About 13.2% of families and 19.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.3% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.[17]

2000 census

As of the 2020 United States census,[18] there were 55,797 people, 21,659 households, and 15,854 families living in the county. The population density was 68 people per square mile (26/km2). There were 28,282 housing units at an average density of 35 per square mile (13/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 59.69% White, 38.61% Black or African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.81% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. 1.65% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 21,659 households, out of which 30.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.10% were married couples living together, 15.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.80% were non-families. 23.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 25.20% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 25.90% from 25 to 44, 26.20% from 45 to 64, and 15.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,312, and the median income for a family was $41,554. Males had a median income of $31,110 versus $20,910 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,805. About 13.40% of families and 17.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.80% of those under age 18 and 14.00% of those age 65 or over.

Government and politics

United States presidential election results for Georgetown County, South Carolina[19]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 20,487 55.87% 15,822 43.15% 359 0.98%
2016 17,389 54.93% 13,310 42.04% 958 3.03%
2012 16,526 53.37% 14,163 45.74% 276 0.89%
2008 15,790 52.13% 14,199 46.88% 301 0.99%
2004 12,606 53.43% 10,602 44.94% 385 1.63%
2000 10,535 51.77% 9,445 46.41% 371 1.82%
1996 7,023 42.95% 8,298 50.75% 1,031 6.31%
1992 6,870 42.22% 7,494 46.05% 1,908 11.73%
1988 7,032 56.23% 5,402 43.20% 72 0.58%
1984 7,370 53.29% 6,392 46.22% 68 0.49%
1980 5,151 42.78% 6,701 55.65% 190 1.58%
1976 4,058 35.97% 7,169 63.54% 56 0.50%
1972 6,114 57.27% 4,446 41.64% 116 1.09%
1968 3,269 32.62% 4,110 41.01% 2,642 26.36%
1964 4,705 57.89% 3,423 42.11% 0 0.00%
1960 2,607 48.12% 2,811 51.88% 0 0.00%
1956 1,057 24.24% 1,020 23.39% 2,284 52.37%
1952 2,340 63.07% 1,370 36.93% 0 0.00%
1948 92 3.72% 432 17.49% 1,946 78.79%
1944 52 3.69% 1,197 85.01% 159 11.29%
1940 155 9.35% 1,503 90.65% 0 0.00%
1936 61 4.57% 1,273 95.43% 0 0.00%
1932 33 1.92% 1,684 98.08% 0 0.00%
1928 74 11.21% 586 88.79% 0 0.00%
1924 24 15.00% 134 83.75% 2 1.25%
1920 38 13.43% 245 86.57% 0 0.00%
1916 2 0.42% 470 98.74% 4 0.84%
1912 10 2.21% 405 89.60% 37 8.19%
1904 0 0.00% 728 100.00% 0 0.00%
1900 451 50.28% 446 49.72% 0 0.00%

Communities

City

Towns

Census-designated place

Unincorporated communities

See also

References

  1. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Georgetown County, South Carolina". www.census.gov. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ a b Gannett, Henry (1905). The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States. Govt. Print. Off. pp. 136.
  4. ^ "Georgetown County, South Carolina". www.carolana.com. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
  5. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  6. ^ "U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Georgetown County, South Carolina". www.census.gov. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  7. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  8. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  9. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 17, 2015.
  10. ^ "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 17, 2015.
  11. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  12. ^ "2020 Population and Housing State Data". US Census Bureau.
  13. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  14. ^ 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 9, 2016.
  15. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  16. ^ "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 9, 2016.
  17. ^ "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 9, 2016.
  18. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  19. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
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33°25′N 79°18′W / 33.41°N 79.30°W / 33.41; -79.30

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