Dorchester County | |
---|---|
Coordinates: 33°05′N80°24′W / 33.08°N 80.40°W | |
Country | United States |
State | South Carolina |
Founded | 1897 |
Named for | Dorchester, Massachusetts |
Seat | St. George |
Largest community | North Charleston |
Area | |
• Total | 571.18 sq mi (1,479.3 km2) |
• Land | 568.59 sq mi (1,472.6 km2) |
• Water | 2.59 sq mi (6.7 km2) 0.45% |
Population (2020) | |
• Total | 161,540 |
• Estimate (2023) | 169,833 |
• Density | 284.11/sq mi (109.70/km2) |
Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
Congressional districts | 1st, 6th |
Website | www |
Dorchester County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 161,540. [1] Its county seat is St. George. [2]
Dorchester County is included in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Dorchester County is named for its first settlement area, which was established by Congregationalists in 1696. These settlers applied the name "Dorchester" after their last residence in Dorchester, Massachusetts. [3]
Dorchester was not established as a separate county until 1897. However, when it was separately established, it came from parts of the neighboring Colleton and Berkeley counties. [4]
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 571.18 square miles (1,479.3 km2), of which 568.59 square miles (1,472.6 km2) is land and 2.59 square miles (6.7 km2) (0.45%) is water. [5]
Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
---|---|---|---|
1900 | 16,294 | — | |
1910 | 17,891 | 9.8% | |
1920 | 19,459 | 8.8% | |
1930 | 18,956 | −2.6% | |
1940 | 19,928 | 5.1% | |
1950 | 22,601 | 13.4% | |
1960 | 24,383 | 7.9% | |
1970 | 32,276 | 32.4% | |
1980 | 58,761 | 82.1% | |
1990 | 83,060 | 41.4% | |
2000 | 96,413 | 16.1% | |
2010 | 136,555 | 41.6% | |
2020 | 161,540 | 18.3% | |
2023 (est.) | 169,833 | [1] | 5.1% |
U.S. Decennial Census [7] 1790–1960 [8] 1900–1990 [9] 1990–2000 [10] 2010 [11] 2020 [1] |
Race | Num. | Perc. |
---|---|---|
White (non-Hispanic) | 99,145 | 61.37% |
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 38,278 | 23.7% |
Native American | 886 | 0.55% |
Asian | 3,286 | 2.03% |
Pacific Islander | 199 | 0.12% |
Other/Mixed | 8,885 | 5.5% |
Hispanic or Latino | 10,861 | 6.72% |
As of the 2020 census, there were 161,540 people, 57,768 households, and 41,473 families residing in the county.
At the 2010 census, there were 136,555 people, 50,259 households, and 36,850 families living in the county. [13] [11] The population density was 238.2 inhabitants per square mile (92.0/km2). There were 55,186 housing units at an average density of 96.3 units per square mile (37.2 units/km2). [14] The racial makeup of the county was 67.8% white, 25.8% black or African American, 1.5% Asian, 0.7% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 1.4% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 4.4% of the population. [13] In terms of ancestry, [15]
Of the 50,259 households, 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 26.7% were non-families, and 21.6% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.11. The median age was 35.6 years. [13]
The median household income was $55,034 and the median family income was $63,847. Males had a median income of $45,659 versus $32,221 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,497. About 9.0% of families and 11.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.4% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over. [16]
At the 2000 census, there were 96,413 people, 34,709 households, and 26,309 families living in the county. The population density was 168 people per square mile (65 people/km2). There were 37,237 housing units at an average density of 65 units per square mile (25 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 71.05% White, 25.08% Black or African American, 0.73% Native American, 1.13% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.59% from other races, and 1.36% from two or more races. 1.79% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. [17] Of the 34,709 households 40.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.20% were married couples living together, 14.60% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.20% were non-families. 20.20% of households were one person and 6.50% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.13.
The age distribution was 28.90% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 31.60% from 25 to 44, 22.60% from 45 to 64, and 9.10% 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.70 males.
The median household income was $43,316 and the median family income was $50,177. Males had a median income of $35,423 versus $24,405 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,840. About 7.10% of families and 9.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.40% of those under age 18 and 13.30% of those age 65 or over.
The governing body of Dorchester County was established in 1970, and was known as the Dorchester County Board of Directors with terms to commence in January 1971. Upon commencement, the body was re-titled as the “Dorchester County Council” and its meeting dates were determined by state law to be held the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month. The seven-member County Council is elected by single-member districts. Dorchester County operates under the Council-Administrator form of government whereby County Council appoints a County Administrator to oversee the day-to-day functions of county government. Jason L. Ward has served as the County Administrator since 2004. He is aided by a Deputy County Administrator and Chief Financial Officer (Daniel T. Prentice), Deputy County Administrator for Public Safety (Mario Formisano), and Assistant County Administrator for Communuity Services (Bryan Havir). This management team oversees multiple departments within their respective directorate.
In addition to senior management reporting to County Council through the County Administrator, seven Countywide elected officials serve four year terms and oversee the following functions:
The South Carolina Department of Corrections operates the Lieber Correctional Institution in Ridgeville in Dorchester County. [18] The prison houses the state's male death row. [19]
Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
2020 | 41,913 | 54.24% | 33,824 | 43.77% | 1,541 | 1.99% |
2016 | 34,987 | 55.92% | 24,055 | 38.45% | 3,525 | 5.63% |
2012 | 32,531 | 57.22% | 23,445 | 41.24% | 879 | 1.55% |
2008 | 29,929 | 57.11% | 21,806 | 41.61% | 670 | 1.28% |
2004 | 26,006 | 62.94% | 14,733 | 35.66% | 578 | 1.40% |
2000 | 20,734 | 61.63% | 12,168 | 36.17% | 739 | 2.20% |
1996 | 15,283 | 56.63% | 9,931 | 36.80% | 1,773 | 6.57% |
1992 | 15,004 | 53.53% | 9,160 | 32.68% | 3,865 | 13.79% |
1988 | 14,756 | 66.37% | 7,371 | 33.15% | 105 | 0.47% |
1984 | 15,289 | 68.26% | 7,037 | 31.42% | 73 | 0.33% |
1980 | 10,893 | 59.53% | 7,237 | 39.55% | 168 | 0.92% |
1976 | 6,695 | 45.30% | 8,046 | 54.44% | 38 | 0.26% |
1972 | 8,095 | 68.11% | 3,606 | 30.34% | 185 | 1.56% |
1968 | 3,354 | 31.21% | 3,855 | 35.87% | 3,539 | 32.93% |
1964 | 5,109 | 76.11% | 1,604 | 23.89% | 0 | 0.00% |
1960 | 3,525 | 59.93% | 2,357 | 40.07% | 0 | 0.00% |
1956 | 504 | 15.67% | 862 | 26.80% | 1,851 | 57.54% |
1952 | 2,319 | 73.13% | 852 | 26.87% | 0 | 0.00% |
1948 | 85 | 2.88% | 143 | 4.85% | 2,722 | 92.27% |
1944 | 65 | 3.88% | 1,181 | 70.47% | 430 | 25.66% |
1940 | 110 | 9.97% | 993 | 90.03% | 0 | 0.00% |
1936 | 28 | 3.05% | 889 | 96.95% | 0 | 0.00% |
1932 | 23 | 1.60% | 1,412 | 98.19% | 3 | 0.21% |
1928 | 44 | 3.83% | 1,105 | 96.17% | 0 | 0.00% |
1924 | 20 | 2.79% | 697 | 97.21% | 0 | 0.00% |
1920 | 60 | 6.42% | 874 | 93.58% | 0 | 0.00% |
1916 | 44 | 5.77% | 716 | 93.96% | 2 | 0.26% |
1912 | 18 | 2.97% | 576 | 94.89% | 13 | 2.14% |
1908 | 103 | 10.39% | 883 | 89.10% | 5 | 0.50% |
1904 | 69 | 8.90% | 706 | 91.10% | 0 | 0.00% |
1900 | 43 | 5.29% | 770 | 94.71% | 0 | 0.00% |
School districts include: [21]
Richland County is located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, its population was 416,147, making it the second-most populous county in South Carolina, behind only Greenville County. The county seat and largest community is Columbia, the state capital. The county was established on March 12, 1785. Richland County is part of the Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area. In 2020, the center of population of South Carolina was located in Richland County, in the city of Columbia. The county is also the location of the geographic center of South Carolina, southeast of Columbia.
Orangeburg County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 84,223. Its county seat is Orangeburg. The county was created in 1769.
Lee County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, its population was 16,531, making it the fifth-least populous county in South Carolina. Its county seat is Bishopville.
Colleton County is in the Lowcountry region of the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 38,604. Its county seat is Walterboro. The county is named after Sir John Colleton, 1st Baronet, one of the eight Lords Proprietor of the Province of Carolina. After two previous incarnations, the current Colleton County was created in 1800.
Charleston County is located in the U.S. state of South Carolina along the Atlantic coast. As of the 2020 census, the population was 408,235, making it the third-most populous county in South Carolina. Its county seat is Charleston. It is also the largest county in the state by total area, although Horry County has a larger land area. The county was created in 1800 by an act of the South Carolina State Legislature.
Berkeley County is a county in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, its population was 229,861. Its county seat is Moncks Corner, and the largest community is Goose Creek. After two previous incarnations of Berkeley County, the current county was created in 1882. Berkeley County is included in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Bonneau is a town in Berkeley County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 487 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Charleston–North Charleston–Summerville Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Jamestown is a town in Berkeley County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 72 at the 2010 census.
Moncks Corner is a town in and the county seat of Berkeley County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 7,885 at the 2010 census. As defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, Moncks Corner is included within the Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area.
St. Stephen is a town in Berkeley County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,697 at the 2010 census.
Lincolnville is a town in Charleston County, South Carolina, United States. A very small portion of the town extends into Dorchester County. The population was 1,139 at the 2010 census, up from 904 in 2000.
Harleyville is a town in Dorchester County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 677 at the 2010 census, up from 594 at the 2000 census. Harleyville is part of the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville metropolitan area. As of 2018 the population is 696.
Reevesville is a town in Dorchester County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 196 at the 2010 census. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes only, Reevesville is included within the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville metropolitan area.
Ridgeville is a town in Dorchester County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,979 at the 2010 census, up from 1,690 at the 2000 census. Ridgeville is part of the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville metropolitan area.
Saint George is a town in Dorchester County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,084 at the 2010 census, eight fewer than in 2000 census. It has been the county seat of Dorchester County since the county was formed from Colleton County in 1897.
Ridgeland is a town in Jasper and Beaufort counties, South Carolina, United States. The population was 3,749 at the 2020 census, a 7.1% decrease from 2010. It has been the county seat of Jasper County since the county's formation in 1912. As defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, Ridgeland is included within the Hilton Head Island–Bluffton metropolitan area.
Santee is a town in Orangeburg County along the Santee River Valley in central South Carolina, United States. It has become a resort town of note located centrally north-south along the Atlantic Seaboard of South Carolina. The region has been rural, with a primarily agricultural economy typical of Orangeburg County, but is now known primarily for its several golf courses in proximity to Lake Marion, Santee State Park and other Lake Marion attractions. Interstate 95 connects its attractions easily with tourists traveling by automobile. I-95 crosses a narrow arm of the lake into the town lands, along a causeway. Lake Marion is a man-made hydroelectric reservoir, which at 110,000 acres is one of the fifty largest lakes in the country.
Goose Creek is the most populous city in Berkeley County in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 45,946 at the 2020 census, making it the 7th-most populous city in the state. Most of the Naval Weapons Station Charleston is in Goose Creek. As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used only by the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies for statistical purposes, Goose Creek is included within the Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Ladson is a census-designated place (CDP) in Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 13,790 at the 2010 census. It is named in honor of the Ladson family, one of the oldest planter and merchant families in the Charleston area; one of its members was lieutenant governor James Ladson.
Summerville is a town in the U.S. state of South Carolina situated mostly in Dorchester County, with small portions in Berkeley and Charleston counties. It is part of the Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area. Summerville's population at the 2020 census was 50,915.