Clarendon County, South Carolina

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Clarendon County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 31,144. The county seat is Manning. The county was established in 1785 and named for Edward Hyde, the 1st Earl of Clarendon.

History

Clarendon County was formed in 1785 as part of the larger Camden District. It was named after Edward Hyde, the 1st Earl of Clarendon, who was a prominent English statesman and historian. The county has a rich history, including its role in the American Civil War and the Civil Rights Movement.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 696 square miles (1,800 km²), of which 607 square miles (1,570 km²) is land and 89 square miles (230 km²) (12.8%) is water. The county is part of the Santee River basin and includes portions of Lake Marion.

Adjacent counties

• Sumter County - north
• Florence County - northeast
• Williamsburg County - east
• Berkeley County - south
• Orangeburg County - west
• Calhoun County - northwest

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 31,144 people, 12,789 households, and 8,678 families residing in the county. The population density was 51.3 inhabitants per square mile (19.8/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 50.2% White, 46.1% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

Economy

The economy of Clarendon County is diverse, with agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism being significant contributors. The county is known for its production of tobacco, cotton, and soybeans. Additionally, the presence of Lake Marion supports a thriving tourism industry, particularly for fishing and boating.

Education

Clarendon County is served by several public school districts, including Clarendon School District 1, Clarendon School District 2, and Clarendon School District 3. The county is also home to Central Carolina Technical College which offers a variety of programs and courses.

Transportation

Major highways in Clarendon County include Interstate 95, U.S. Route 301, and U.S. Route 521. The county is also served by the Santee Wateree Regional Transportation Authority which provides public transportation services.

Communities

Cities

• Manning (county seat)

Towns

• Summerton
• Turbeville

Unincorporated communities

• Alcolu
• Davis Station
• Gable
• Jordan
• Paxville
• Silver

Notable People

• Joe Frazier, former heavyweight boxing champion, was born in Beaufort but raised in Clarendon County.

See also

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