Laurens, South Carolina

South_Carolina_-_Laurens_-_NARA_-_68148877_(cropped)

South_Carolina_-_Laurens_-_NARA_-_68148879_(cropped)

City in South Carolina, United States

Laurens, South Carolina

General Information
Name	Laurens, South Carolina
Native Name
Other Names
Settlement Type	City
Transliteration
Language 1
Type 1
Info 1
Location
Coordinates	34°30 4°N
Map
Population
Total	9126
Density	per km²
Area
Total	km²
Land	km²
Water	km²
Government
Type
Leader
Time Zone
Standard	UTC-5
DST	UTC-4

Laurens is a city in Laurens County, South Carolina, United States. It is the county seat of Laurens County. The city is part of the Greenville-Mauldin-Easley Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the population of Laurens was 9,126.

History

Laurens was established in 1785 and named after Henry Laurens, a South Carolina merchant and rice planter who was a delegate to the Second Continental Congress during the American Revolution. The city has a rich history, with several buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

Laurens is located at

   
       34°30 
       4°N
   

. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 10.6 square miles, of which 10.5 square miles is land and 0.1 square miles is water.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 9,126 people, 3,800 households, and 2,400 families residing in the city. The population density was approximately 869.1 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the city was 55.2% White, 40.1% African American, and other races making up the remainder.

Economy

Historically, Laurens' economy was based on textile manufacturing, but it has diversified in recent years. The city is home to several manufacturing plants and has a growing service sector. The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce plays a significant role in promoting economic development in the area.

Education

Laurens is served by the Laurens County School District 55. The city is home to several elementary schools, a middle school, and Laurens District 55 High School. Higher education opportunities are available at nearby institutions such as Presbyterian College and Lander University.

Culture and Recreation

Laurens hosts several annual events, including the Squealin' on the Square barbecue festival and the Laurens County Fair. The city has multiple parks and recreational facilities, including the Laurens City Park and the Laurens County Museum.

Notable People

• Henry Laurens - Namesake of the city, delegate to the Second Continental Congress.
• William Dunlap Simpson - Former Governor of South Carolina and Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court.

See also

• Laurens County, South Carolina
• Greenville-Mauldin-Easley Metropolitan Statistical Area
• Henry Laurens