Laurens, South Carolina

South_Carolina_-_Laurens_-_NARA_-_68148877_(cropped)

South_Carolina_-_Laurens_-_NARA_-_68148879_(cropped)

Laurens, South Carolina
City
Location of Laurens, South Carolina
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	South Carolina
County	Laurens County
Founded	1785
Area
• Total	10.6 sq mi (27 km2)
• Land	10.5 sq mi (27 km2)
• Water	0.1 sq mi (0.3 km2)
Elevation	627 ft (191 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	9,126
• Density	860/sq mi (330/km2)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code	29360
Area code(s)	864
FIPS code	45-40595
GNIS feature ID	1246311

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 82°0′9″W

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. 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