Calhoun County, South Carolina

Calhoun_County_Courthouse

Calhoun County
U.S. county
Location within the U.S. state of South Carolina
South Carolina's location within the U.S.
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	South Carolina
Founded	1908
Seat	St. Matthews
Largest city	St. Matthews
Area
• Total	392 sq mi (1,020 km2)
• Land	381 sq mi (990 km2)
• Water	11 sq mi (30 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	14,553
• Density	38/sq mi (15/km2)

Calhoun County is a county located in the state of South Carolina, in the United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 14,553. The county seat and largest city is St. Matthews. The county was formed in 1908 and named after John C. Calhoun, the seventh Vice President of the United States.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 392 square miles (1,020 km²), of which 381 square miles (987 km²) is land and 11 square miles (28 km²) (2.8%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Richland County - north
• Sumter County - northeast
• Clarendon County - east
• Orangeburg County - south
• Lexington County - west

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 14,553 people, 5,800 households, and 4,000 families residing in the county. The population density was 38 people per square mile (15/km²).

Government and politics

Calhoun County is governed by a council-administrator system. The county council consists of five members elected from single-member districts. The council appoints a county administrator to oversee the day-to-day operations of the county.

Economy

The economy of Calhoun County is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and services being the primary sectors. The county is known for its production of crops such as cotton, soybeans, and corn.

Education

Calhoun County is served by the Calhoun County School District, which operates several public schools in the area. Higher education opportunities are available at nearby institutions such as Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College and University of South Carolina.

Transportation

Major highways in Calhoun County include:

• Interstate 26
• U.S. Route 21
• U.S. Route 176
• South Carolina Highway 6

Communities

• St. Matthews (county seat)
• Cameron
• Fort Motte
• Sandy Run

Notable people

• John C. Calhoun, the county's namesake, was a prominent American statesman and political theorist.

See also

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Calhoun County, South Carolina
• List of counties in South Carolina