Cherokee County, South Carolina
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| Cherokee County, South Carolina | |
| Map | |
 Location in the state of South Carolina |
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| Statistics | |
| Formed | |
|---|---|
| Seat | Gaffney |
| Area - Total - Land - Water |
1,029 km² (397 mi²) 1,017 km² (393 mi²) 12 km² (5 mi²), 1.16% |
| Population - (2000) - Density |
52,537 52/km² |
| Website: www.cherokeecountysc.com | |
Cherokee County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It was formed in 1897, from parts of York, Union, and Spartanburg Counties. It is included in the Gaffney, South Carolina Micropolitan Statistical Area (population 52,537 according to year 2000 U.S. Census figures.
As of 2005, the population estimate was 53,844, an increase of over a 1,000 people in five years. The two major towns in the county are Gaffney and Blacksburg. Both towns are experiencing slow population shifts to the county due to the high price of living within the municipal limits. The county seat is Gaffney6.
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[edit] Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,029 km² (397 mi²). 1,017 km² (393 mi²) of it is land and 12 km² (5 mi²) of it (1.16%) is water.
[edit] Adjacent Counties
- Cleveland County, North Carolina - north
- York County, South Carolina - east
- Union County, South Carolina - south
- Spartanburg County, South Carolina - west
- Rutherford County, North Carolina - northwest
[edit] Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 52,537 people, 20,495 households, and 14,612 families residing in the county. The population density was 52/km² (134/mi²). There were 22,400 housing units at an average density of 22/km² (57/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 76.92% White, 20.56% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.16% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races. 2.08% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 20,495 households out of which 32.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.30% were married couples living together, 15.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% were non-families. 25.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the county, the population was spread out with 25.80% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 29.60% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 12.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 93.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $33,787, and the median income for a family was $39,393. Males had a median income of $30,984 versus $21,298 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,421. About 11.00% of families and 13.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.90% of those under age 18 and 15.20% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Transportation
The lifeline of Cherokee County, I-85 runs through the city limits of Gaffney, contributing to much of the growth along Floyd Baker Blvd, the county's main thoroughfare, which bisects I-85. Much of the county's growth occurs along I-85. One of the nation's busiest airports, Charlotte/Douglas International Airport is located in nearby Charlotte 45 minutes away. For regional and national air travel Greenville-Spartanburg Airport is located in Greer, SC . A current and controversial study is now being conducted to determine the feasibility of constructing a municipal airport in the county. The county is also served by US 29 which parallels I-85 and is mostly used for local traffic. US 29 also serves as a major road in the downtown area of Gaffney. Several of the major South Carolina highways that serve the county are:
SC Highway 11, SC Highway 150, SC Highway 105, SC Highway 18, and SC Highway 5 serves the Blacksburg area
[edit] Entertainment
Many entertainment venues are available in Cherokee County. For those with a historical taste Cherokee County is the only county to have three national parks within its boundaries: Overmountain Victory Trail, this trail follows the path of major victories of American troops during the Revolutionary War, and spans South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee, Kings Mountain National Military Park, and Cowpens National Battlefield. Other historic homes dot the landscape of Cherokee County and while many of them are not open to the public several annual tours take place to display these beautiful and historic homes. For those with a taste for the arts, Gaffney Little Theatre and Limestone College offer world class plays and musicals ten to twelve times a year. For those with taste for shopping there's Prime Outlets-Gaffney (or the Yellow Mall, as locals call it), one of Cherokee County's most important destination it attracts almost 60,000 visitors per year, and offers merchandise to the most varied consumer with over 80 retail outlets. Floyd Baker Blvd., one of the fastest growing commercial areas in Cherokee County, is a taste of the big city in the small city of Gaffney. With a traffic count of almost 40,000 cars per day and a multitude of stores and restaurants it has something to offer to everyone, local and visitor alike. Uptown Gaffney offers many upscale boutiques, shops, cafes, and pubs. It is also a growing area in the city of Gaffney after it languished for many years after almost all commercial growth moved to I-85.
[edit] New Nuclear Power Plant
On March 16, 2006 Duke Power announced that a Cherokee County site had been selected for a potential new nuclear power plant. The site is jointly owned by Duke Power and Southern Company. Duke plans to develop the site for two Westinghouse Electric Company AP1000 (advanced passive) pressurized water reactors. Each reactor is capable of producing approximately 1,117 megawatts. (See Nuclear Power 2010 Program.)
[edit] Cities and towns
[edit] External links
- Cherokee County Government official website
- Cherokee County Development Board
- Cherokee County Historical & Preservation Society
- Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce
- Cherokee County School District
