Lee County, South Carolina

Lee County
County
Lee County Courthouse
Seal
Motto:  "Experience The Beauty of Lee County"
Location within the U.S. state of South Carolina
South Carolina's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 34°10′N80°15′W / 34.16°N 80.25°W / 34.16; -80.25
Country	United States
State	South Carolina
Founded	December 15, 1902
Named for	Robert E. Lee
Seat	Bishopville
Largest community	Bishopville
Area
• Total	411.23 sq mi (1,065.1 km2)
• Land	410.18 sq mi (1,062.4 km2)
• Water	1.05 sq mi (2.7 km2)  0.26%
Population  (2020)
• Total	16,531
• Estimate  (2023)	15,967
• Density	40.30/sq mi (15.56/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district	5th
Website	www.leecountysc.org

Lee County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, its population was 16,531, ^[1] making it the fifth-least populous county in South Carolina. Its county seat is Bishopville. ^[2]

History

The county is named for Confederate general Robert E. Lee. ^[3] A previous incarnation of Lee County was established in 1898, but was negated by the State Supreme Court in 1899. The current Lee County formed on February 25, 1902, from Darlington, Kershaw, and Sumter counties. ^[4] Minor boundary changes were made in 1914 (11.9 sq mi [31 km²] to Sumter), in 1921 (4.24 sq mi [11.0 km²] to Kershaw), and in 1925 (1.58 sq mi [4.1 km²] from Kershaw). ^{[5] [6]}

Geography

Interactive map of Lee County

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 411.23 square miles (1,065.1 km²), of which 410.18 square miles (1,062.4 km²) is land and 1.05 square miles (2.7 km²) (0.26%) is water. ^[7]

State and local protected areas

• Lee State Natural Area
• Longleaf Pine Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area ^[8]
• Lynchburg Savanna Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area ^[8]
• Mary McLeod Bethune Birthplace

Major water bodies

• Black River
• Lynches River

Adjacent counties

• Darlington County - northeast
• Florence County - east
• Sumter County - south
• Kershaw County - northwest

Major highways

• I-20
• US 15
• US 76
• US 401
• SC 34
• SC 154
• SC 341
• SC 441

Demographics

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1910	25,318		—
1920	26,827		6.0%
1930	24,096		−10.2%
1940	24,908		3.4%
1950	23,173		−7.0%
1960	21,832		−5.8%
1970	18,323		−16.1%
1980	18,929		3.3%
1990	18,437		−2.6%
2000	20,119		9.1%
2010	19,220		−4.5%
2020	16,531		−14.0%
2023 (est.)	15,967	[1]	−3.4%
U.S. Decennial Census [9] 1790–1960 [10] 1900–1990 [11] 1990–2000 [12] 2010 [13] 2020 [1]

2020 census

Lee County racial composition ^[14]

Race	Num.	Perc.
White (non-Hispanic)	5,721	34.61%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic)	10,054	60.82%
Native American	49	0.3%
Asian	34	0.21%
Other/Mixed	378	2.29%
Hispanic or Latino	295	1.78%

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 16,531 people, 6,423 households, and 3,971 families residing in the county.

2010 census

At the 2010 census, there were 19,220 people, 6,797 households, and 4,567 families living in the county. ^{[15] [13]} The population density was 46.9 inhabitants per square mile (18.1/km²). There were 7,775 housing units at an average density of 19.0 per square mile (7.3/km²). ^[16] The racial makeup of the county was 64.3% black or African American, 33.4% white, 0.3% Asian, 0.3% American Indian, 0.8% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.7% of the population. ^[15] In terms of ancestry, 24.9% were American, and 5.1% were English. ^[17]

Of the 6,797 households, 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.5% were married couples living together, 24.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 32.8% were non-families, and 29.3% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.15. The median age was 38.9 years. ^[15]

The median household income was $23,378 and the median family income was $35,279. Males had a median income of $32,721 versus $26,769 for females. The per capita income for the county was $12,924. About 25.8% of families and 29.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.9% of those under age 18 and 16.7% of those age 65 or over. ^[18]

2000 census

At the 2000 census, there were 20,119 people, 6,886 households, and 4,916 families living in the county. The population density was 49 people per square mile (19 people/km²). There were 7,670 housing units at an average density of 19 per square mile (7.3/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 63.56% Black or African American, 35.03% White, 0.13% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.59% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. 1.31% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. ^[19] Of the 6,886 households 32.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.00% were married couples living together, 23.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.60% were non-families. 25.90% of households were one person and 10.60% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.23.

The age distribution was 25.80% under the age of 18, 10.00% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 22.60% from 45 to 64, and 12.40% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 101.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.10 males.

The median household income was $26,907 and the median family income was $34,209. Males had a median income of $26,512 versus $18,993 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,896. About 17.70% of families and 21.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.60% of those under age 18 and 27.90% of those age 65 or over.

Law and government

Law enforcement

In 2010, Lee County Sheriff Edgar Jerome “E.J.” Melvin and six others were arrested on federal drug conspiracy charges. Court documents stated that he dealt cocaine from his police SUV, and other dealers gave him the nickname "Big Dog." ^{[20] [21]} Melvin was found guilty and sentenced to 17 years in prison. ^[22]

Politics

United States presidential election results for Lee County, South Carolina ^[23]

Year	Republican		Democratic		Third party(ies)
	No.	%	No.	%	No.	%
2024	3,078	38.11%	4,505	55.78%	493	6.10%
2020	3,008	35.68%	5,329	63.21%	94	1.11%
2016	2,803	34.37%	5,199	63.74%	154	1.89%
2012	2,832	31.80%	5,977	67.10%	98	1.10%
2008	3,074	33.58%	5,960	65.12%	119	1.30%
2004	2,901	36.73%	4,960	62.80%	37	0.47%
2000	2,675	40.27%	3,899	58.70%	68	1.02%
1996	1,973	33.40%	3,588	60.73%	347	5.87%
1992	2,730	34.90%	4,454	56.94%	638	8.16%
1988	2,936	46.17%	3,423	53.83%	0	0.00%
1984	3,548	47.31%	3,912	52.16%	40	0.53%
1980	2,952	37.48%	4,818	61.17%	107	1.36%
1976	2,357	37.69%	3,869	61.86%	28	0.45%
1972	3,076	60.31%	1,996	39.14%	28	0.55%
1968	1,219	22.23%	2,151	39.23%	2,113	38.54%
1964	2,489	68.29%	1,156	31.71%	0	0.00%
1960	1,297	46.59%	1,487	53.41%	0	0.00%
1956	250	10.14%	943	38.26%	1,272	51.60%
1952	1,669	64.29%	927	35.71%	0	0.00%
1948	36	2.70%	142	10.65%	1,155	86.65%
1944	50	5.71%	764	87.31%	61	6.97%
1940	20	2.37%	825	97.63%	0	0.00%
1936	5	0.48%	1,045	99.52%	0	0.00%
1932	10	1.33%	742	98.67%	0	0.00%
1928	6	1.00%	593	99.00%	0	0.00%
1920	18	2.39%	734	97.35%	2	0.27%
1916	14	1.74%	779	96.65%	13	1.61%
1912	3	0.52%	571	98.45%	6	1.03%
1908	58	5.67%	963	94.13%	2	0.20%
1904	18	1.57%	1,128	98.43%	0	0.00%

Economy

In 2022, the GDP was $425.5 million (about $26,648 per capita), ^[24] and the real GDP was $345 million (about $21,607 per capita) in chained 2017 dollars. ^[25]

As of April 2024 ^[update] , some of the largest employers in the county include Ardagh Group, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Food Lion and Lee Academy. ^[26]

Employment and Wage Statistics by Industry in Lee County, South Carolina - Q3 2023 ^[26]

Industry	Employment Counts	Employment Percentage (%)	Average Annual Wage ($)
Accommodation and Food Services	250	7.0	17,524
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services	261	7.3	42,588
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting	78	2.2	29,588
Construction	50	1.4	36,660
Educational Services	366	10.2	39,000
Finance and Insurance	65	1.8	47,112
Health Care and Social Assistance	635	17.8	60,372
Information	23	0.6	91,416
Manufacturing	406	11.4	67,132
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services	120	3.4	58,032
Public Administration	568	15.9	49,556
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing	6	0.2	26,520
Retail Trade	463	13.0	26,156
Transportation and Warehousing	173	4.8	53,924
Wholesale Trade	108	3.0	62,608
Total	3,572	100.0%	47,072

Communities

Towns

• Bishopville (county seat and largest community)
• Lynchburg

Census-designated places

• Ashwood
• Browntown
• Elliott
• Manville
• St. Charles
• Wisacky

Other unincorporated communities

• Alcot
• Lucknow
• Spring Hill
• Una

See also

• List of counties in South Carolina
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Lee County, South Carolina
• List of memorials to Robert E. Lee
• Lizard Man of Scape Ore Swamp

References

1. "QuickFacts: Lee County, South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
2. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
3. 2001-2002 Bill 1044: Lee County's 100th Birthday Archived March 12, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
4. "Lee County, South Carolina". www.carolana.com. Retrieved September 8, 2022.
5. "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.
6. "1930 Census District Map for Lee County, SC: United States Enumeration District Maps for the Twelfth through the Sixteenth US Censuses, 1900-1940" (images). FamilySearch. Roll 58, South Carolina, Abbeville-York; South Dakota, Armstrong-Douglas 1900-1940. Image 464 of 1036. Shows boundary changes in 1914, 1921, and 1925.
7. "2020 County Gazetteer Files - South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. August 23, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
8. "SCDNR Public Lands". www2.dnr.sc.gov. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
9. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
10. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
11. Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
12. "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 18, 2015.
13. "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
14. "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
15. "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.
16. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
17. "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.
18. "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.
19. "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved May 14, 2011.
20. "South Carolina Sheriff Accused of Dealing Drugs From Police SUV". Associated Press. March 26, 2015. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
21. "Lee County Sheriff E.J. Melvin Arrested with Six Others on Federal Drug Conspiracy Charges". FBI. May 1, 2010. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
22. "Former Lee County sheriff gets 17 years". Post and Courier. March 18, 2011. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
23. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
24. U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (January 1, 2001). "Gross Domestic Product: All Industries in Lee County, SC". FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
25. U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (January 1, 2001). "Real Gross Domestic Product: All Industries in Lee County, SC". FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
26. "Lee County" (PDF). Community Profiles (04000061). Columbia, SC: S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce - Business Intelligence Department. April 19, 2024.

External links

• Geographic data related to Lee County, South Carolina at OpenStreetMap
• Official website
• Lee County School District