Oconee County, South Carolina

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Oconee County
U.S. county
Location within the U.S. state of South Carolina
South Carolina's location within the U.S.
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	South Carolina
Founded	1868
Seat	Walhalla
Area
• Total	674 sq mi (1,750 km2)
• Land	626 sq mi (1,620 km2)
• Water	48 sq mi (120 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	78,707
• Density	120/sq mi (45/km2)
Website	[[1] oconeesc.com/%20Oconee%20County]]

Oconee County is a county located in the northwestern part of the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, the population was 78,707. The county seat is Walhalla, and the largest city is Seneca. Oconee County is part of the Seneca Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History

Oconee County was formed in 1868 from part of Pickens County. The name "Oconee" is derived from a Cherokee word meaning "land beside the water." The area was originally inhabited by the Cherokee people before European settlers arrived.

Geography

Oconee County is located in the northwestern corner of South Carolina, bordered by North Carolina to the north and Georgia to the west. The county is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and features a diverse landscape of mountains, lakes, and rivers.

Adjacent counties

• Jackson County, North Carolina - North
• Transylvania County, North Carolina - Northeast
• Pickens County, South Carolina - East
• Anderson County, South Carolina - Southeast
• Hart County, Georgia - South
• Franklin County, Georgia - Southwest
• Stephens County, Georgia - West
• Rabun County, Georgia - Northwest

Major highways

• Interstate 85
• U.S. Route 76
• U.S. Route 123
• South Carolina Highway 11

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Oconee County had a population of 78,707. The county has a diverse population with a mix of urban and rural communities. The largest city, Seneca, serves as a commercial hub for the region.

Economy

The economy of Oconee County is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, and education. The county is home to several large employers, including Duke Energy and BorgWarner. Tourism also plays a significant role, with attractions such as Lake Keowee, Lake Jocassee, and the Sumter National Forest drawing visitors to the area.

Education

Oconee County is served by the School District of Oconee County, which operates several elementary, middle, and high schools. Higher education institutions in the area include Tri-County Technical College and Clemson University, located nearby in Clemson.

Communities

Cities

• Seneca
• Walhalla (county seat)
• Westminster

Towns

• Salem

Census-designated places

• Fair Play
• Long Creek
• Mountain Rest
• Newry
• Oakway
• Richland
• Tamassee
• Utica

Attractions

Oconee County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. Popular attractions include:

• Lake Keowee
• Lake Jocassee
• Sumter National Forest
• Oconee State Park
• Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel

See also

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

External links

• Oconee County official website