Laurens County, South Carolina

Laurens_County_Courthouse

Laurens_County_Logo

Laurens County is a county located in the state of South Carolina, in the United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 67,539. The county seat is Laurens. The county was formed 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.

History

Laurens County was established in 1785 as part of the Ninety-Six District. It was named in honor of Henry Laurens, who was a prominent figure in the American Revolution. The county has a rich history, including its role in the Revolutionary War and the Civil War.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 724 square miles (1,880 km²), of which 715 square miles (1,850 km²) is land and 9.3 square miles (24 km²) (1.3%) is water. The county is part of the Piedmont region of South Carolina.

Adjacent counties

• Greenville County - north
• Spartanburg County - northeast
• Union County - east
• Newberry County - southeast
• Greenwood County - south
• Abbeville County - southwest
• Anderson County - west

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, there were 67,539 people, 25,000 households, and 17,000 families residing in the county. The population density was 94 people per square mile (36/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 68.5% White, 27.5% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 3.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.

Economy

The economy of Laurens County is diverse, with manufacturing, agriculture, and retail trade being significant sectors. The county is home to several large employers, including ZF Transmissions, Laurens County Health Care System, and Walmart.

Education

Laurens County is served by two public school districts: Laurens County School District 55 and Laurens County School District 56. The county is also home to Presbyterian College, a private liberal arts college located in Clinton.

Transportation

Major highways in Laurens County include Interstate 26, Interstate 385, U.S. Route 76, and U.S. Route 221. The county is also served by the Laurens County Airport, which provides general aviation services.

Communities

Cities

• Clinton
• Laurens

Towns

• Cross Hill
• Fountain Inn (partly in Greenville County)
• Gray Court
• Waterloo

Unincorporated communities

• Hickory Tavern
• Mountville
• Owings

Notable people

• Henry Laurens, namesake of the county and a prominent figure in the American Revolution.
• William Dunlap Simpson, former Governor of South Carolina and Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court.

See also

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