McCormick County, South Carolina

McCormick_County_Courthouse,_McCormick,_South_Carolina

McCormick County, South Carolina is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 9,526, making it the least populous county in South Carolina. The county seat is McCormick.

History

McCormick County was formed in 1916 from parts of Edgefield, Abbeville, and Greenwood counties. It was named after Cyrus McCormick, the inventor of the mechanical reaper, who owned significant land in the area.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 394 square miles (1,020 km²), of which 359 square miles (930 km²) is land and 35 square miles (91 km²) (8.9%) is water. The county is part of the Savannah River basin.

Adjacent counties

• Abbeville County - north
• Greenwood County - northeast
• Edgefield County - southeast
• Columbia County, Georgia - south
• Lincoln County, Georgia - southwest
• Elbert County, Georgia - west

National protected areas

• Sumter National Forest (part)

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 9,526 people, 4,200 households, and 2,800 families residing in the county. The population density was 26 people per square mile (10/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 45.6% White, 52.1% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.2% of the population.

Communities

Towns

• McCormick (county seat)
• Parksville
• Plum Branch

Unincorporated communities

• Modoc
• Willington

Education

McCormick County is served by the McCormick County School District. The district operates several schools, including McCormick Elementary School, McCormick Middle School, and McCormick High School.

Economy

The economy of McCormick County is primarily based on agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. The county is known for its historical sites, outdoor recreational activities, and proximity to the Savannah River.

Transportation

Major highways in McCormick County include:

• U.S. Route 221
• South Carolina Highway 28
• South Carolina Highway 81

Notable people

• Cyrus McCormick, inventor of the mechanical reaper, after whom the county is named.

See also

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