Hampton County, South Carolina

Hampton_County_Courthouse_3

Hampton 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	1878
Named for	Wade Hampton III
Seat	Hampton
Largest city	Hampton
Area
• Total	563 sq mi (1,460 km2)
• Land	560 sq mi (1,500 km2)
• Water	3.2 sq mi (8 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	18,078
• Density	32/sq mi (12/km2)

Hampton County is a county located in the state of South Carolina, in the United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 18,078. The county seat and largest city is Hampton. The county was created in 1878 and named for Wade Hampton III, a Confederate general, and Governor of South Carolina.

History

Hampton County was formed in 1878 from portions of Beaufort and Colleton counties. It was named after Wade Hampton III, a prominent figure in South Carolina's history. The county has a rich history that includes significant events from the American Civil War and the Reconstruction era.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 563 square miles (1,460 km²), of which 560 square miles (1,450 km²) is land and 3.2 square miles (8.3 km²) (0.6%) is water. The county is part of the Lowcountry region of South Carolina.

Adjacent counties

• Allendale County - north
• Colleton County - east
• Beaufort County - southeast
• Jasper County - south
• Effingham County, Georgia - southwest
• Screven County, Georgia - west

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 18,078 people, 6,951 households, and 4,678 families residing in the county. The population density was 32 people per square mile (12/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 53.4% White, 42.1% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 1.9% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. 3.5% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Economy

The economy of Hampton County is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing, and services. The county has a diverse agricultural sector that includes crops such as cotton, soybeans, and peanuts. Additionally, the county has several manufacturing facilities that contribute to the local economy.

Education

Hampton County is served by the Hampton County School District, which includes several elementary, middle, and high schools. The county also has access to higher education institutions in nearby counties, including Technical College of the Lowcountry and University of South Carolina Beaufort.

Communities

Towns

• Brunson
• Estill
• Fairfax
• Gifford
• Hampton
• Luray
• Scotia
• Varnville

Unincorporated communities

• Crocketville
• Early Branch
• Furman
• Garnett
• Miley
• Yemassee (partly in Beaufort County)

Notable people

• Wade Hampton III, Confederate general and Governor of South Carolina
• Robert Smalls, African American politician and former slave who served in the U.S. House of Representatives

See also

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