Dillon County, South Carolina

Dillon_County_Courthouse

Dillon County, South Carolina

Dillon County, South Carolina is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 28,292. The county seat is Dillon. The county was created in 1910 from portions of Marion County and was named after James W. Dillon, a key figure in the development of the area.

History

Dillon County was established in 1910, carved out from the western part of Marion County. The county was named in honor of James W. Dillon, who was instrumental in bringing the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad to the area, which significantly contributed to its development.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Dillon County has a total area of 407 square miles (1,050 km²), of which 405 square miles (1,050 km²) is land and 2.1 square miles (5.4 km²) (0.5%) is water.

Adjacent counties

• Robeson County, North Carolina - north
• Columbus County, North Carolina - northeast
• Horry County, South Carolina - southeast
• Marion County, South Carolina - south
• Florence County, South Carolina - southwest
• Marlboro County, South Carolina - northwest

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 28,292 people, 10,678 households, and 7,204 families residing in the county. The population density was 70 people per square mile (27/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 52.5% White, 42.3% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 2.8% from other races, and 1.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.5% of the population.

Economy

The economy of Dillon County is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing, and retail trade. The county is known for its production of tobacco, cotton, and soybeans. The presence of the Interstate 95 corridor has also facilitated the growth of retail businesses, particularly in the county seat of Dillon.

Education

Dillon County is served by several public school districts, including Dillon School District Four and Latta School District Three. Higher education opportunities are available at nearby institutions such as Francis Marion University and Northeastern Technical College.

Transportation

Dillon County is served by several major highways, including Interstate 95, U.S. Route 301, and South Carolina Highway 9. The county also has a small public airport, the Dillon County Airport, which provides general aviation services.

Communities

City

• Dillon (county seat)

Towns

• Lake View
• Latta

Unincorporated communities

• Bingham
• Fork
• Hamer
• Little Rock

Notable People

• Ben Bernanke, former Chairman of the Federal Reserve, was born in Augusta, Georgia, but grew up in Dillon County.

See also

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