Oconee County, South Carolina

Oconee County
Oconee County
U.S. county
	Location within the U.S. state of South Carolina
	South Carolina's location within the U.S.
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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_Courthouse

Oconee_County_Logo

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

Demographics[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.