Orangeburg County, South Carolina
Encyclopedia
Orangeburg County is a county located in the U.S. state
of South Carolina
. As of 2000, the population was 91,582. The 2005 Census Estimate placed the population at 92,167. Its county seat
is Orangeburg
.
, the county has a total area of 1,128 square miles (2,922 km²), of which 1,106 square miles (2,865 km²) is land and 22 square miles (57 km²) (1.94%) is water.
and Savannah
rivers. A county, initially of the same name but later Orange, was organized within the district but deorganized in 1791.
About half of Orangeburg District, the southwest portion bordering on the Savannah River, was separated as Barnwell District
in 1800. In 1804 the northern third of the county was separated to form the new Lexington District, which gained another, smaller portion of Orangeburg District in 1832.
In 1868, under the revised state constitution, South Carolina districts became counties, with officials elected by the resident voters rather than by state officials, as done previously.
A small western portion of Orangeburg County was annexed to the newly formed Aiken County
in 1871. 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.
of 2000, there were 91,582 people, 34,118 households, and 23,882 families residing in the county. The population density
was 83 people per square mile (32/km²). There were 39,304 housing units at an average density of 36 per square mile (14/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.
There were 34,118 households out of which 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 all households were made up of individuals and 10.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the county, the population was spread out with 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% who were 65 years of age 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 income for a household in the county was $29,567, and the median income for a family 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.
tribes (such as the Beaver Creek Indians
and the Pee Dee Indian Nation of Beaver Creek) are between the two forks of the Edisto River
in Orangeburg County, and especially along Beaver Creek. Historical accounts refer to them in this area as far back as the 18th century. Many of the tribe members still live in this area. The Beaver Creek Indians achieved state recognition on January 27, 2006 but are still working toward federal recognition. The tribe was formed as a non-profit organization in 1998. Their original language family was Siouan (though today all speak English). Common family names within the tribe are: Chavis, Hutto, Williams, Barr, Bolin, Jackson, Huffman and Gleaton.
, soybeans, corn
, turf grass and watermelon
s.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
. As of 2000, the population was 91,582. The 2005 Census Estimate placed the population at 92,167. Its county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Orangeburg
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Orangeburg, also known as "The Garden City," is the principal city in and the county seat of Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The city is also the fifth oldest city in the state of South Carolina. The city population was 12,765 at the 2000 census, within a Greater Orangeburg...
.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 1,128 square miles (2,922 km²), of which 1,106 square miles (2,865 km²) is land and 22 square miles (57 km²) (1.94%) is water.
History
Orangeburg Judicial District was chartered in 1769 from a mostly unorganized upland area between the CongareeCongaree River
The Congaree River is a short but wide river in South Carolina in the United States; It flows for only 47 miles . The river serves an important role as the final outlet channel for the entire Lower Saluda and Lower Broad watersheds, before merging with the Wateree River just north of Lake Marion to...
and Savannah
Savannah River
The Savannah River is a major river in the southeastern United States, forming most of the border between the states of South Carolina and Georgia. Two tributaries of the Savannah, the Tugaloo River and the Chattooga River, form the northernmost part of the border...
rivers. A county, initially of the same name but later Orange, was organized within the district but deorganized in 1791.
About half of Orangeburg District, the southwest portion bordering on the Savannah River, was separated as Barnwell District
Barnwell County, South Carolina
-History:The Barnwell District was created in 1798 from the southwestern portion of the Orangeburg District, along the Savannah River...
in 1800. In 1804 the northern third of the county was separated to form the new Lexington District, which gained another, smaller portion of Orangeburg District in 1832.
In 1868, under the revised state constitution, South Carolina districts became counties, with officials elected by the resident voters rather than by state officials, as done previously.
A small western portion of Orangeburg County was annexed to the newly formed Aiken County
Aiken County, South Carolina
Aiken County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2000, its population was 142,552; in 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that its population had reached 160,099...
in 1871. In 1908 the northern portion of the County along the Congaree River was separated and included in the newly formed Calhoun County
Calhoun County, South Carolina
Calhoun County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2000, its population was 15,185; a 2005 Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 15,100. It is named for John C. Calhoun, the former U.S. Vice-President, Senator, Representative and cabinet member from South...
, with its seat at Saint Matthews. In 1910 a small western portion of Berkeley County
Berkeley County, South Carolina
Berkeley County is a county in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2000, its population was 142,651. The 2005 Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 151,673. Its county seat is Moncks Corner....
, around Holly Hill and Eutawville, was annexed to Orangeburg County, thus bringing the county to its present size.
Adjacent Counties
- Calhoun County, South CarolinaCalhoun County, South CarolinaCalhoun County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2000, its population was 15,185; a 2005 Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 15,100. It is named for John C. Calhoun, the former U.S. Vice-President, Senator, Representative and cabinet member from South...
- north - Clarendon County, South Carolina - northeast
- Dorchester County, South Carolina - southeast
- Berkeley County, South CarolinaBerkeley County, South CarolinaBerkeley County is a county in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2000, its population was 142,651. The 2005 Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 151,673. Its county seat is Moncks Corner....
- southeast - Bamberg County, South CarolinaBamberg County, South Carolina-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 16,658 people, 6,123 households, and 4,255 families residing in the county. The population density was 42 people per square mile . There were 7,130 housing units at an average density of 18 per square mile...
- south - Colleton County, South Carolina - south
- Aiken County, South CarolinaAiken County, South CarolinaAiken County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2000, its population was 142,552; in 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that its population had reached 160,099...
- west - Barnwell County, South CarolinaBarnwell County, South Carolina-History:The Barnwell District was created in 1798 from the southwestern portion of the Orangeburg District, along the Savannah River...
- west - Lexington County, South Carolina - northwest
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 91,582 people, 34,118 households, and 23,882 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 83 people per square mile (32/km²). There were 39,304 housing units at an average density of 36 per square mile (14/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 60.86% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 37.17% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.46% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.43% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.02% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.36% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 0.70% from two or more races. 0.96% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 34,118 households out of which 32.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.10% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 20.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.00% were non-families. 26.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.11.
In the county, the population was spread out with 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% who were 65 years of age 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 income for a household in the county was $29,567, and the median income for a family was $36,165. Males had a median income of $29,331 versus $20,956 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
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.
Local Native Americans
The traditional lands of the Pee DeePee Dee (tribe)
The Pee Dee tribe are a nation of Native Americans of the southeast United States, especially the Low Country of present-day South Carolina. Several tribes are recognized by the state, although none has federal recognition. The Pee Dee River and the Pee Dee region of South Carolina were named for...
tribes (such as the Beaver Creek Indians
Beaver Creek Indians
The Beaver Creek Indians are a unrecognized tribe located in South Carolina which achieved state recognition on January 27, 2006. It is seeking federal recognition. The tribe was formed as a non-profit organization in 1998....
and the Pee Dee Indian Nation of Beaver Creek) are between the two forks of the Edisto River
Edisto River
The Edisto River is the longest completely undammed / unleveed blackwater river in North America, flowing 206 meandering miles from its sources in Saluda and Edgefield counties, to its Atlantic Ocean mouth at Edisto Beach, SC...
in Orangeburg County, and especially along Beaver Creek. Historical accounts refer to them in this area as far back as the 18th century. Many of the tribe members still live in this area. The Beaver Creek Indians achieved state recognition on January 27, 2006 but are still working toward federal recognition. The tribe was formed as a non-profit organization in 1998. Their original language family was Siouan (though today all speak English). Common family names within the tribe are: Chavis, Hutto, Williams, Barr, Bolin, Jackson, Huffman and Gleaton.
Agriculture
Orangburg County is one of the largest agricultural producing counties in South Carolina, with fertile, slightly rolling land. Major crops are cottonCotton
Cotton is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective capsule, around the seeds of cotton plants of the genus Gossypium. The fiber is almost pure cellulose. The botanical purpose of cotton fiber is to aid in seed dispersal....
, soybeans, corn
Maize
Maize known in many English-speaking countries as corn or mielie/mealie, is a grain domesticated by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica in prehistoric times. The leafy stalk produces ears which contain seeds called kernels. Though technically a grain, maize kernels are used in cooking as a vegetable...
, turf grass and watermelon
Watermelon
Watermelon is a vine-like flowering plant originally from southern Africa. Its fruit, which is also called watermelon, is a special kind referred to by botanists as a pepo, a berry which has a thick rind and fleshy center...
s.
Cities, Towns, & CDPs
- BowmanBowman, South CarolinaBowman is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,198 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Bowman is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all of it land.-History:...
- BranchvilleBranchville, South CarolinaBranchville is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,083 at the 2000 census.When the train depot was in use, three presidents stopped by the depot: William H...
- BrookdaleBrookdale, South CarolinaBrookdale is a census-designated place in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 4,724 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Brookdale is located at ....
- CopeCope, South CarolinaCope is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 107 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Cope is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all of it land....
- CordovaCordova, South CarolinaCordova is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 157 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Cordova is located at 33°26′N 80°55′W ....
- ElloreeElloree, South CarolinaElloree is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 742 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Elloree is located at ....
- EutawvilleEutawville, South CarolinaEutawville is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. Prior to 1910 it was located in the northwest portion of Saint James Goose Creek Township, Berkeley County...
- Holly HillHolly Hill, South CarolinaHolly Hill is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 1,281 at the 2000 census. Prior to 1910 it was located in the northwest portion of Saint James Goose Creek Township, Berkeley County.-Geography:...
- LivingstonLivingston, South CarolinaLivingston is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 148 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Livingston is located at ....
- NeesesNeeses, South CarolinaNeeses is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 413 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Neeses is located at ....
- NorthNorth, South CarolinaNorth is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 813 at the 2000 census.-Geography:North is located at ....
- NorwayNorway, South CarolinaNorway is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 389 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Norway is located at ....
- OrangeburgOrangeburg, South CarolinaOrangeburg, also known as "The Garden City," is the principal city in and the county seat of Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The city is also the fifth oldest city in the state of South Carolina. The city population was 12,765 at the 2000 census, within a Greater Orangeburg...
- RowesvilleRowesville, South CarolinaRowesville is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 378 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Rowesville is located at ....
- SanteeSantee, South CarolinaSantee is a town in Orangeburg County along the Santee River Valley in central South Carolina of the United States. It has become a resort town of note located centrally north-south along the Atlantic Seaboard of South Carolina...
- SpringfieldSpringfield, South CarolinaSpringfield is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 504 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Springfield is located at ....
- VanceVance, South CarolinaVance is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 208 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Vance is located at ....
- Wilkinson HeightsWilkinson Heights, South CarolinaWilkinson Heights is a census-designated place in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 3,068 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Wilkinson Heights is located at ....
- WoodfordWoodford, South CarolinaWoodford is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 196 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Woodford is located at ....
See also
- Lake MarionLake Marion (South Carolina)Lake Marion is the largest lake in South Carolina, centrally located and with territory within five counties. The lake is referred to as South Carolina's inland sea. It has a shoreline and covers nearly 110,000 acres of rolling farmlands, former marshes, and river valley landscape...
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Orangeburg County, South CarolinaNational Register of Historic Places listings in Orangeburg County, South CarolinaThis is a list of the National Register of Historic Places listings in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.This is intended to be a complete list of the properties and districts on the National Register of Historic Places in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States...