Chesterfield County, South Carolina | |
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 Flag  Seal | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofSouth Carolina | |
 Interactive map of Chesterfield County, South Carolina | |
| Coordinates:34°38′N80°10′W / 34.64°N 80.16°W /34.64; -80.16 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  South Carolina |
| Founded | 1785 |
| Named after | Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield |
| Seat | Chesterfield |
| Largest community | Cheraw |
| Area | |
• Total | 805.66 sq mi (2,086.6 km2) |
| • Land | 798.99 sq mi (2,069.4 km2) |
| • Water | 6.67 sq mi (17.3 km2) 0.83% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 43,273 |
• Estimate (2024) | 44,488 |
| • Density | 54.160/sq mi (20.911/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 7th |
| Website | www |
Chesterfield County is acounty located in theU.S. state ofSouth Carolina. As of the2020 census, its population was 43,273.[1] Itscounty seat isChesterfield.[2] The largest community in the county isCheraw. It is located north of theMidlands, in thePee Dee region, on the border withNorth Carolina.
The county is named forPhilip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, a British politician who opposed the Stamp Act of 1765, which was deeply unpopular in South Carolina, and who was known for always speaking up for the rights of the colonists while he was serving in theBritish Parliament and when he served as BritishSecretary of State.[3]
The county was formed in 1785, but was part of what was then known as Cheraws District until 1800, at which time Chesterfield became a district itself. In the 1700s, the area that would become Chesterfield County was settled primarily by immigrants fromEngland andWales, as well as by smaller numbers of immigrants fromCounty Antrim, Ireland, in what has since becomeNorthern Ireland. Northern Irish immigrants were overwhelmingly Presbyterians of Scottish descent, due to the fact that they were from Ireland but were of Scottish origins. They were referred to by the rest of colonial society as "Scotch-Irish" however this was not a term they self-applied, preferring to refer to themselves as "Ulstermen" or "Irish Presbyterians."[4] Under the post-American Civil War (1861–1865) state constitution of 1867, passed during theReconstruction era, South Carolina districts became counties withhome rule.
On April 10, 2020, a case ofInfluenza A virus subtype H7N3 was confirmed in whatThe Post and Courier described as "a commercialturkey flock" which resulted in the disinfecting & quarantine of the farm.[5] This is the 1st confirmed case of H7N3 in theUnited States since another case was found inLincoln County, Tennessee on March 5, 2017.[6] Four days later on April 14, a second case was confirmed at a turkey farm inJefferson, South Carolina resulting in the euthanization of 32,000 turkeys.[7]Clemson University released the map of the control area for the first turkey farm infected by the virus on May 4.[8]
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 805.66 square miles (2,086.6 km2), of which 798.99 square miles (2,069.4 km2) is land and 6.67 square miles (17.3 km2) (0.83%) is water.[9]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1800 | 5,216 | — | |
| 1810 | 5,564 | 6.7% | |
| 1820 | 6,645 | 19.4% | |
| 1830 | 8,472 | 27.5% | |
| 1840 | 8,574 | 1.2% | |
| 1850 | 10,790 | 25.8% | |
| 1860 | 11,834 | 9.7% | |
| 1870 | 10,584 | −10.6% | |
| 1880 | 16,345 | 54.4% | |
| 1890 | 18,468 | 13.0% | |
| 1900 | 20,401 | 10.5% | |
| 1910 | 26,301 | 28.9% | |
| 1920 | 31,969 | 21.6% | |
| 1930 | 34,334 | 7.4% | |
| 1940 | 35,963 | 4.7% | |
| 1950 | 36,236 | 0.8% | |
| 1960 | 33,717 | −7.0% | |
| 1970 | 33,667 | −0.1% | |
| 1980 | 38,161 | 13.3% | |
| 1990 | 38,577 | 1.1% | |
| 2000 | 42,768 | 10.9% | |
| 2010 | 46,734 | 9.3% | |
| 2020 | 43,273 | −7.4% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 44,488 | [11] | 2.8% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[12] 1790–1960[13] 1900–1990[14] 1990–2000[15] 2010[16] 2020[1] | |||
| Race | Num. | Perc. |
|---|---|---|
| White (non-Hispanic) | 25,829 | 59.69% |
| Black or African American (non-Hispanic) | 13,150 | 30.39% |
| Native American | 184 | 0.43% |
| Asian | 269 | 0.62% |
| Pacific Islander | 4 | 0.01% |
| Other/Mixed | 1,751 | 4.05% |
| Hispanic orLatino | 2,086 | 4.82% |
As of the2020 census, the county had a population of 43,273, 17,538 households, and 12,399 families, with a median age of 42.9 years; 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18 and 19.4% were 65 years of age or older. For every 100 females there were 94.6 males, and for every 100 females age 18 and over there were 91.9 males age 18 and over.[18]
Of those households, 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them and 32.1% had a female householder with no spouse or partner present. Individuals made up 30.1% of households and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. There were 20,408 housing units, 14.1% of which were vacant; owner-occupied units represented 72.7% of the occupied housing stock while renter-occupied units accounted for 27.3%, resulting in homeowner and rental vacancy rates of 1.7% and 10.6%, respectively.[18]
The racial makeup was 60.5% White, 30.6% Black or African American, 0.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 2.8% from some other race, and 4.9% from two or more races; Hispanic or Latino residents of any race comprised 4.8% of the population.[17]
16.8% of residents lived in urban areas while 83.2% lived in rural areas.[19]
At the2010 census, there were 46,734 people, 18,173 households, and 12,494 families living in the county.[20][16] The population density was 58.5 inhabitants per square mile (22.6/km2). There were 21,482 housing units at an average density of 26.9 per square mile (10.4/km2).[21] The racial makeup of the county was 62.8% white, 32.6% black or African American, 0.5% American Indian, 0.4% Asian, 2.0% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.6% of the population.[20] In terms of ancestry, 16.3% wereAmerican, 6.8% wereEnglish, 6.0% wereGerman, and 5.9% wereIrish.[22]
Of the 18,173 households, 34.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.6% were married couples living together, 18.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 31.2% were non-families, and 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.05. The median age was 39.3 years.[20]
The median income for a household in the county was $32,979 and the median income for a family was $41,225. Males had a median income of $35,965 versus $26,881 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,162. About 17.6% of families and 22.7% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 33.6% of those under age 18 and 18.0% of those age 65 or over.[23]
At the2000 census,[24] there were 42,768 people, 16,557 households, and 11,705 families living in the county. Thepopulation density was 54 people per square mile (21 people/km2). There were 18,818 housing units at an average density of 24 per square mile (9.3/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 64.34%White, 33.22%Black orAfrican American, 0.34%Native American, 0.30%Asian, 0.02%Pacific Islander, 1.04% fromother races, and 0.75% from two or more races. 2.27% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race.
There were 16,557 households, out of which 33.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.60% were married couples living together, 16.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.30% were non-families. 25.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.60% under the age of 18, 8.50% from 18 to 24, 29.00% from 25 to 44, 23.90% from 45 to 64, and 12.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 93.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $29,483, and the median income for a family was $36,200. Males had a median income of $30,205 versus $20,955 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $14,233. About 16.70% of families and 20.30% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 24.70% of those under age 18 and 24.20% of those age 65 or over.
After the2020 Redistricting Cycle, theSouth Carolina House of Representatives, Chesterfield County is located in South Carolina's 53rd, 54th, and 65th House districts and is represented by RepublicanRichie Yow in the 53rd, Democrat Representative Patricia Moore "Pat" Henegan in the 54th, and Republican RepresentativeCody Mitchell in the 65th. In theSouth Carolina Senate, Chesterfield is located in Senate district 27 and 29. It was represented by Democrat, and former 2010 candidate for governor,Vincent Sheheen, in District 27 until 2020. The district is now represented by RepublicanPenry Gustavson.[25][26][27]
In theUS House of Representatives, Chesterfield County is entirely located in South Carolina's7th Congressional District. As of the2022 House elections, it is represented byRepublicanRussell Fry, who comes fromHorry County. Chesterfield County was formerly located in South Carolina's5th Congressional District which was one of the seats that theDemocrats lost to the Republicans during the 2010 election; before the 2010 election, congressmanJohn M. Spratt had represented the district since 1983 but was defeated 55% to 45% byRepublicanMick Mulvaney in 2010.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1900 | 56 | 4.09% | 1,314 | 95.91% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1904 | 12 | 1.03% | 1,158 | 98.97% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1912 | 0 | 0.00% | 1,178 | 99.58% | 5 | 0.42% |
| 1916 | 3 | 0.16% | 1,883 | 99.63% | 4 | 0.21% |
| 1920 | 14 | 0.67% | 2,066 | 99.33% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1924 | 11 | 0.71% | 1,539 | 99.23% | 1 | 0.06% |
| 1928 | 23 | 1.66% | 1,362 | 98.34% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1932 | 23 | 1.08% | 2,109 | 98.92% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1936 | 18 | 0.56% | 3,192 | 99.44% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1940 | 20 | 0.69% | 2,880 | 99.31% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1944 | 15 | 0.46% | 3,222 | 98.77% | 25 | 0.77% |
| 1948 | 31 | 1.24% | 912 | 36.51% | 1,555 | 62.25% |
| 1952 | 1,776 | 27.56% | 4,668 | 72.44% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1956 | 795 | 15.94% | 3,559 | 71.35% | 634 | 12.71% |
| 1960 | 1,372 | 23.57% | 4,450 | 76.43% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1964 | 2,449 | 34.58% | 4,634 | 65.42% | 0 | 0.00% |
| 1968 | 2,564 | 25.47% | 3,180 | 31.59% | 4,324 | 42.95% |
| 1972 | 5,230 | 63.56% | 2,938 | 35.70% | 61 | 0.74% |
| 1976 | 2,537 | 24.77% | 7,687 | 75.04% | 20 | 0.20% |
| 1980 | 3,478 | 34.88% | 6,393 | 64.11% | 101 | 1.01% |
| 1984 | 5,451 | 54.15% | 4,593 | 45.62% | 23 | 0.23% |
| 1988 | 4,999 | 51.35% | 4,699 | 48.27% | 37 | 0.38% |
| 1992 | 4,183 | 37.31% | 5,691 | 50.76% | 1,338 | 11.93% |
| 1996 | 4,028 | 38.11% | 5,734 | 54.25% | 807 | 7.64% |
| 2000 | 6,266 | 50.02% | 6,111 | 48.79% | 149 | 1.19% |
| 2004 | 7,252 | 51.62% | 6,729 | 47.90% | 68 | 0.48% |
| 2008 | 8,325 | 50.89% | 7,842 | 47.94% | 192 | 1.17% |
| 2012 | 8,490 | 51.16% | 7,958 | 47.96% | 146 | 0.88% |
| 2016 | 9,312 | 56.16% | 6,858 | 41.36% | 411 | 2.48% |
| 2020 | 11,297 | 59.85% | 7,431 | 39.37% | 148 | 0.78% |
| 2024 | 11,682 | 63.52% | 6,520 | 35.45% | 189 | 1.03% |
As of 2023, the current sheriff is Cambo Streater.[29] In 2014, Sheriff Sam Parker was found guilty of charges that he used inmates for personal work and provided them contraband such as alcohol and aniPad. He was sentenced to two years of prison.[30][31][32]
In 2022, the GDP of Chesterfield County was $1.7 billion (about $38,443 per capita).[33] This is a real GDP of $1.4 billion (approx. $31,029 per capita) inchained 2017 dollars.[34] In 2022 through 2024, the unemployment rate has fluctuated between 2-4.5%.[35]
As of April 2024[update], some of the top employers in the county includeBlack+Decker,Chesterfield County School District,Crown Holdings,McLeod Health,Northeastern Technical College, andWalmart.[36]
| Industry | Employment Counts | Employment Percentage (%) | Average Annual Wage ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation and Food Services | 974 | 7.3 | 15,652 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 584 | 4.4 | 49,868 |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | 292 | 2.2 | 41,236 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | 36 | 0.3 | 21,320 |
| Construction | 510 | 3.8 | 40,560 |
| Finance and Insurance | 186 | 1.4 | 51,688 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | 1,401 | 10.5 | 49,244 |
| Information | 149 | 1.1 | 60,372 |
| Manufacturing | 4,786 | 35.8 | 56,888 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | 96 | 0.7 | 66,924 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | 226 | 1.7 | 38,324 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | 132 | 1.0 | 45,448 |
| Public Administration | 630 | 4.7 | 38,636 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | 46 | 0.3 | 37,544 |
| Retail Trade | 1,232 | 9.2 | 28,340 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | 1,655 | 12.4 | 55,796 |
| Utilities | 117 | 0.9 | 69,160 |
| Wholesale Trade | 300 | 2.2 | 56,108 |
| Total | 13,352 | 100.0% | 47,713 |
The county's youth are educated through theChesterfield County School District. The South Point Christian School is a private school inPageland that offers Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Northeastern Technical College has branches in Pageland andCheraw.
Chesterfield County supports several fine arts organizations ranging from High School Marching Bands to community theatres to municipal arts commissions.
Chesterfield County features many different types of recreation. Although each town varies in its offerings, facilities such as baseball and softball fields, walking tracks, parks, and other outdoor areas are common throughout the area. Golf is extremely popular and many local courses are frequented by visitors from throughout the region. There is a lot of hunting and fishing in the swamps of the Black Creek and Lake Robinson.
Geographic data related toChesterfield County, South Carolina atOpenStreetMapPlaces adjacent to Chesterfield County, South Carolina | |
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Municipalities and communities ofChesterfield County, South Carolina,United States | ||
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| Footnotes | ‡This populated place also has portions in an adjacent county or counties | |
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