Horry County, South Carolina

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Horry County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 351,029, making it the fourth-most populous county in the state. The county seat is Conway. Horry County is part of the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area.

History

Horry County was created in 1801 from Georgetown County. It was named after Peter Horry, a Revolutionary War hero and a prominent figure in South Carolina history. The county has a rich history, with significant developments in agriculture, industry, and tourism over the years.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,255 square miles (3,250 km²), of which 1,134 square miles (2,940 km²) is land and 121 square miles (310 km²) (9.6%) is water. Horry County is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, North Carolina to the north, and several other South Carolina counties to the west and south.

Adjacent counties

• Brunswick County, North Carolina - northeast
• Columbus County, North Carolina - north
• Marion County, South Carolina - west
• Georgetown County, South Carolina - southwest
• Dillon County, South Carolina - northwest

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 351,029 people, 144,053 households, and 92,165 families residing in the county. The population density was 309 people per square mile (119/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 79.1% White, 13.4% African American, 1.2% Asian, 0.4% Native American, and 5.9% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.7% of the population.

Economy

Horry County's economy is heavily influenced by tourism, particularly in the Myrtle Beach area. The county is home to numerous golf courses, resorts, and entertainment venues. Agriculture also plays a significant role, with tobacco, soybeans, and corn being major crops.

Education

Horry County is served by the Horry County Schools district, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. The county is also home to Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

Transportation

Horry County is served by several major highways, including U.S. Route 17, U.S. Route 501, and U.S. Route 701. The county also has an international airport, Myrtle Beach International Airport, which provides both domestic and international flights.

Government

Horry County is governed by a county council, which consists of 12 members elected from single-member districts. The council is responsible for enacting ordinances, adopting budgets, and overseeing county services.

Communities

Cities

• Conway
• Myrtle Beach
• North Myrtle Beach

Towns

• Atlantic Beach
• Aynor
• Briarcliffe Acres
• Loris

Unincorporated communities

• Bucksport
• Carolina Forest
• Forestbrook
• Garden City
• Little River
• Socastee

See also

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