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Orangeburg County, South Carolina

Coordinates: 33°26′N 80°48′W / 33.44°N 80.80°W / 33.44; -80.80
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Orangeburg County
County
Old Orangeburg County Jail
Old Orangeburg County Jail
Flag of Orangeburg County
Flag
Official seal of Orangeburg County
Seal
Motto: 
"Community & Character"
Map of South Carolina highlighting Orangeburg 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°26′N 80°48′W / 33.44°N 80.80°W / 33.44; -80.80
Country United States
State South Carolina
FoundedMarch 12, 1785
Named forWilliam of Orange
SeatOrangeburg
Largest communityOrangeburg
Area
 • Total1,127.89 sq mi (2,921.2 km2)
 • Land1,106.38 sq mi (2,865.5 km2)
 • Water21.51 sq mi (55.7 km2)  1.91%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total84,223
 • Estimate 
(2023)
82,820
 • Density76.12/sq mi (29.39/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts2nd, 6th
Websitewww.orangeburgcounty.org

Orangeburg County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 84,223.[1] Its county seat is Orangeburg.[2] The county was created in 1769.[3]

Orangeburg County comprises the Orangeburg, South Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Columbia-Sumter-Orangeburg, South Carolina Combined Statistical Area. It is located in the Midlands of South Carolina.

It is the home of South Carolina State University, the only public four-year historically Black university in South Carolina. It is also home to Claflin University, the oldest historically Black college or university (HBCU) in the state.

History

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The district was occupied for thousands of years by Indigenous peoples of the Southeastern Woodlands. By the time of European arrival, Eastern Siouan-speaking tribes, such as the Cheraw, Catawba, and Pedee, inhabited the Piedmont area above the fall line.

The Orangeburg Judicial District was chartered by European Americans in 1769 from a mostly unorganized upland area between the Congaree and Savannah rivers. A county, initially of the same name but later called Orange, was organized within the district but deorganized in 1791, after the American Revolutionary War.

The southwest portion bordering on the Savannah River, about half of Orangeburg District, was separated and organized as Barnwell District in 1800. In 1804 the northern third of the district was separated to form the new Lexington District, which gained another, smaller portion of Orangeburg District in 1832.

During the 19th century, the districts and counties were developed chiefly as cotton plantations for short-staple cotton. This development followed the invention of the cotton gin in the late 18th century, which made the processing of short-staple cotton profitable. The county became a center of labor by enslaved Black people on the plantations, who were transported from coastal areas and the Upper South to cultivate and process cotton. Those brought from the coastal areas were likely of the Gullah culture and language. The enslaved African Americans greatly outnumbered the white planters and non-slaveholding whites. Reflecting the patterns of 19th-century settlement, the area is still chiefly agricultural and has a majority African American population.

In 1868, under the revised state constitution during the Reconstruction era, South Carolina districts were organized as counties. Resident voters were enabled to elect their state representatives rather than having them chosen by the state legislature, as was done previously. Election of representatives by the state legislature had kept the districts dominated by the elite owners of major plantations in the Low Country and elsewhere. The changes in rules expanded participation in the franchise by more male residents. Emancipation of slaves after the war under newly ratified federal constitutional amendments resulted in freedmen voting. Using voter intimidation, white Democrats took control of the state legislature by the end of the century; they passed state electoral laws and a new constitution that essentially disfranchised most blacks, a situation that lasted until after the federal legislation of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

A small western portion of Orangeburg County was annexed in 1871 to the newly formed Aiken County during the Reconstruction era.

In 1908 the northern portion of the County along the Congaree River was separated and included in the newly formed Calhoun County, with its seat at Saint Matthews. In 1910 a small western portion of Berkeley County, around Holly Hill and Eutawville, was annexed to Orangeburg County, thus bringing the county to its present size.

Geography

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Map
Interactive map of Orangeburg County
First Baptist Church, downtown Orangeburg

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,127.89 square miles (2,921.2 km2), of which 1,106.38 square miles (2,865.5 km2) is land and 21.51 square miles (55.7 km2) (1.91%) is water.[4] It is the second-largest county in South Carolina by land area and fifth-largest by land area.

Orangeburg county is a fairly big county, covering 1,128 square miles, it is about 60 miles from the western part of the county to the eastern part of the county. Orangeburg county lies within 3 "regions" of South Carolina. The western part of the county lies in the "CSRA" (Central Savannah River Area). The middle part of Orangeburg county is included in the "Midlands" Region. The eastern and south eastern part of the county are located in the "Lowcountry" region of the state.

National protected areas

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State and local protected areas

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Major water bodies

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Adjacent counties

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
179018,513—
180015,766−14.8%
181013,229−16.1%
182015,65318.3%
183018,45317.9%
184018,5190.4%
185023,58227.3%
186024,8965.6%
187016,865−32.3%
188041,395145.4%
189049,39319.3%
190059,66320.8%
191055,893−6.3%
192064,90716.1%
193063,864−1.6%
194063,707−0.2%
195068,7267.9%
196068,559−0.2%
197069,7891.8%
198082,27617.9%
199084,8033.1%
200091,5828.0%
201092,5011.0%
202084,223−8.9%
2023 (est.)82,820[1]−1.7%
U.S. Decennial Census[6]
1790–1960[7] 1900–1990[8]
1990–2000[9] 2010[10] 2020[1]

2020 census

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Orangeburg County racial composition[11]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 27,787 32.99%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 50,802 60.32%
Native American 467 0.55%
Asian 892 1.06%
Pacific Islander 37 0.04%
Other/Mixed 2,271 2.7%
Hispanic or Latino 1,967 2.34%

As of the 2020 census, there were 84,223 people, 32,129 households, and 20,620 families residing in the county.

2010 census

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At the 2010 census, there were 92,501 people, 35,788 households, and 23,580 families in the county.[12][10] The population density was 83.6 inhabitants per square mile (32.3 inhabitants/km2). There were 42,504 housing units at an average density of 38.4 units per square mile (14.8 units/km2).[13] The racial makeup of the county was 62.2% black or African American, 34.3% white, 0.8% Asian, 0.5% American Indian, 0.9% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 1.9% of the population.[12] In terms of ancestry, 7.7% were American, and 5.1% were German.[14]

Of the 35,788 households, 32.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.1% were married couples living together, 22.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.1% were non-families, and 29.0% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.06. The median age was 38.1 years.[12]

The median household income was $32,849 and the median family income was $40,332. Males had a median income of $35,934 versus $28,508 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,579. About 21.1% of families and 25.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.9% of those under age 18 and 19.1% of those age 65 or over.[15]

2000 census

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At the 2000 census, there were 91,582 people, 34,118 households, and 23,882 families in the county. The population density was 83 people per square mile (32 people/km2). There were 39,304 housing units at an average density of 36 units per square mile (14 units/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 60.86% Black or African American, 37.17% White, 0.46% Native American, 0.43% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 0.70% from two or more races. 0.96% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.[16] Of the 34,118 households 32.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.10% were married couples living together, 20.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.00% were non-families. 26.00% of households were one person and 10.30% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.11.

The age distribution was 26.00% under the age of 18, 11.90% from 18 to 24, 26.10% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.20% 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 87.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.60 males.

The median household income was $29,567 and the median family income was $36,165. Males had a median income of $29,331 versus $20,956 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,057. About 17.00% of families and 21.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.20% of those under age 18 and 22.30% of those age 65 or over.

Government and politics

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Orangeburg is a solidly Democratic county in presidential elections; it has not voted Republican since 1972.

United States presidential election results for Orangeburg County, South Carolina[17]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 13,750 37.19% 22,832 61.76% 388 1.05%
2020 13,603 33.01% 27,295 66.24% 307 0.75%
2016 11,931 30.66% 26,318 67.64% 661 1.70%
2012 12,022 27.93% 30,720 71.37% 299 0.69%
2008 12,115 30.47% 27,263 68.58% 376 0.95%
2004 12,695 33.80% 24,698 65.75% 171 0.46%
2000 12,657 38.67% 19,802 60.49% 275 0.84%
1996 10,494 34.62% 18,610 61.39% 1,211 3.99%
1992 11,328 35.14% 18,440 57.21% 2,466 7.65%
1988 13,281 47.35% 14,655 52.25% 113 0.40%
1984 14,286 48.20% 15,121 51.02% 229 0.77%
1980 11,313 40.79% 16,178 58.33% 242 0.87%
1976 8,794 38.90% 13,652 60.40% 158 0.70%
1972 11,711 59.31% 7,652 38.75% 382 1.93%
1968 5,144 24.20% 8,971 42.20% 7,144 33.60%
1964 10,456 65.09% 5,607 34.91% 0 0.00%
1960 5,233 57.36% 3,890 42.64% 0 0.00%
1956 1,467 21.20% 2,511 36.28% 2,943 42.52%
1952 4,695 62.40% 2,829 37.60% 0 0.00%
1948 164 4.36% 435 11.56% 3,164 84.08%
1944 87 3.23% 2,440 90.61% 166 6.16%
1940 56 2.32% 2,356 97.68% 0 0.00%
1936 59 1.96% 2,947 98.04% 0 0.00%
1932 111 4.03% 2,643 95.87% 3 0.11%
1928 92 5.62% 1,545 94.38% 0 0.00%
1924 67 3.71% 1,727 95.57% 13 0.72%
1920 304 10.74% 2,526 89.23% 1 0.04%
1916 159 5.62% 2,641 93.29% 31 1.10%
1912 40 2.37% 1,550 91.99% 95 5.64%
1908 405 13.09% 2,687 86.87% 1 0.03%
1904 238 7.49% 2,941 92.51% 0 0.00%
1900 167 6.36% 2,457 93.64% 0 0.00%

Economy

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Orangeburg County is one of the largest agricultural producing counties in South Carolina, with fertile, slightly rolling land. Major crops are cotton, soybeans, corn, turf grass and watermelons.

  • Grain elevator in the county
    Grain elevator in the county
  • Soybeans ready for harvest, with center pivot irrigation setup
    Soybeans ready for harvest, with center pivot irrigation setup
  • Harvested cotton in modules ready for pickup
    Harvested cotton in modules ready for pickup

In 2022, the GDP was $3.4 billion (about $40,510 per capita),[18] and the real GDP was $2.8 billion (about $33,219 per capita) in chained 2017 dollars.[19]

As of April 2024, some of the largest employers in the county include Claflin University, GPM Investments, Husqvarna Group, Love's, Medical University of South Carolina, Orangeburg–Calhoun Technical College, South Carolina State University, Okonite, and Walmart.[20]

Employment and Wage Statistics by Industry in Orangeburg County, South Carolina - Q3 2023[20]
Industry Employment Counts Employment Percentage (%) Average Annual Wage ($)
Accommodation and Food Services 3,146 11.2 19,968
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 860 3.1 29,224
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 479 1.7 46,072
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 308 1.1 19,292
Construction 740 2.6 64,272
Educational Services 3,228 11.5 48,464
Finance and Insurance 460 1.6 55,068
Health Care and Social Assistance 3,973 14.2 35,516
Information 119 0.4 61,880
Manufacturing 4,839 17.3 63,960
Other Services (except Public Administration) 446 1.6 37,336
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 508 1.8 53,768
Public Administration 1,520 5.4 49,712
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 176 0.6 43,524
Retail Trade 4,074 14.6 29,796
Transportation and Warehousing 1,910 6.8 56,472
Utilities 321 1.1 72,436
Wholesale Trade 890 3.2 49,920
Total 27,997 100.0% 43,840

Transportation

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Major highways

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Railroads

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At least four railroad lines run through Orangeburg County; a former Southern Railway Line, and three CSX lines, the westernmost which was formerly a Seaboard Air Line Railroad line running along US 321.[21]

Major infrastructure

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Communities

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City

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Towns

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Census-designated places

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State-recognized tribes

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Orangeburg County is home to two state-recognized tribes.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "QuickFacts: Orangeburg County, South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 3, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ "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.
  4. ^ "2020 County Gazetteer Files – South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. August 23, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  5. ^ "SCDNR Public Lands". www2.dnr.sc.gov. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  6. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
  7. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
  8. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
  9. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Retrieved March 18, 2015.
  10. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 25, 2013.
  11. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 14, 2021.
  12. ^ 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.
  13. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 11, 2016.
  14. ^ "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.
  15. ^ "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.
  16. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  17. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
  18. ^ U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (January 1, 2001). "Gross Domestic Product: All Industries in Orangeburg County, SC". FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  19. ^ U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (January 1, 2001). "Real Gross Domestic Product: All Industries in Orangeburg County, SC". FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  20. ^ a b "Orangeburg County" (PDF). Community Profiles (04000075). Columbia, SC: S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce - Business Intelligence Department. April 19, 2024.
  21. ^ "South Carolina - Railroads". www.carolana.com. Retrieved October 15, 2023.
  22. ^ Holleman, Joey (January 28, 2006). "Three S.C. Indian tribes win recognition". The State (Columbia, South Carolina). No. 115, No. 38. Newspapers.com. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  23. ^ a b "Indian Entities Recognized by and Eligible To Receive Services From the United States Bureau of Indian Affairs". Indian Affairs Bureau. Federal Register. January 6, 2023. pp. 7554–58. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  24. ^ "South Carolina's Recognized Native American Indian Entities | Commission for Minority Affairs". cma.sc.gov. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
  25. ^ "2005-2006 Bill 4797: Santee Indian Organization". scstatehouse.gov. Retrieved December 28, 2023.
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