Georgetown County, South Carolina

Infobox U.S. County
county = Georgetown County
state = South Carolina




map size = 200
founded = 1769
seat = Georgetown | area_total_sq_mi =1035
area_land_sq_mi =815
area_water_sq_mi =220
area percentage = 21.27%
census yr = 2000
pop = 55797
density_km2 =26
web = www.georgetowncountysc.org
|

Georgetown County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2000, its population was 55,797; in 2005, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that its population had reached 60,983. [http://www.census.gov/popest/counties/tables/CO-EST2005-01-45.xls] Its county seat is Georgetown.GR|6

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,035 square miles (2,681 km²), of which, 815 square miles (2,110 km²) of it is land and 220 square miles (570 km²) of it (21.27%) is water.

Georgetown County has several rivers including the Great Pee Dee River, the Waccamaw River, Black River, and Sampit River, all of which flow into Winyah Bay. The Santee River, which forms the southern boundary of the county, empties directly into the Atlantic. The Intracoastal Waterway also crosses the county and Winyah Bay. The rivers and the bay have had a decisive effect on human development of the area, especially as the city of Georgetown has an excellent seaport and harbor.

Georgetown County is a diverse county with four distinct areas:

1. The Atlantic coastline, also called "Waccamaw Neck", including the communities of Murrells Inlet, Litchfield, Pawleys Island and DeBordieu are part of "The Grand Strand" which includes Myrtle Beach to the north. The Georgetown County part of the Grand Strand used to be quaint and somewhat wild, but is exploding with development today. Condos line the shoreline at Litchfield, and many of the old cottages at Pawleys are also being demolished for more upscale homes. DeBordieu is a gated community.

Empty beachfront has disappeared and wild areas are also rapidly vanishing. A few wilder areas are being saved. Huntington Beach State Park preserves a little bit of coastline and coastal marshes in the northern section, with nearby Brookgreen Gardens keeping a historical rice plantation and some forest. Brookgreen Gardens, with a nature center and many outdoor sculptures is a very popular tourist spot. The University of South Carolina and Clemson University maintain the Belle W. Baruch research site at Hobcaw Barony on Waccamaw Neck. The islands around the outlet of Winyah Bay are designated as the "Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Heritage Preserve". This area is home to the northernmost natural occurring hammocks of South Carolina's signature sabal palmetto tree.

2. The wild riverfronts have very little development, although the areas once thrived as rice plantations, using a rice variety brought from Africa. After the Civil War, and the loss of slave labor, the plantations gradually ceased production. Today they are primarily wild areas, accessible only by boat, with occasional remnants of the old dikes and water gates used for rice culture, as well as a few of the old plantation houses. Some of the plantations, such as Litchfield Plantation, have been redeveloped as Country Inns or planned communities. Great blue herons, alligators, and even an occasional bald eagle can be seen along the waterways. Fishing is a popular activity.

A tiny community exists on Sandy Island, in the Pee Dee River, which is accessible only by boat. The folks who live there are descendants of slaves, and are trying to keep out development. Recently the Federal government began buying land along the rivers for the new Waccamaw Wildlife Refuge which is intended to protect such wild areas. The headquarters of the refuge will be at Yauhannah in the northern part of the county.

3. The city of Georgetown is a small historic city that dates back to colonial times. It is a popular tourist area and a port for shrimp boats. Yachting "snowbirds" are often seen at the docks in spring and fall; these people follow the seasons along the Intracoastal waterway.

4. The inland rural areas are thinly populated. Some higher land is good for agriculture or forestry. There are several Carolina bays, thought to be old craters from a striking meteor shower. These areas are rich in biodiversity, although the largest of them, Carvers Bay, was extensively damaged by use as a practice bombing range during World War II, and by draining.

Adjacent Counties

*Marion County, South Carolina - north
*Horry County, South Carolina - northeast
*Berkeley County, South Carolina - southwest
*Charleston County, South Carolina - southwest
*Williamsburg County, South Carolina - northwest

Demographics

As of the censusGR|2 of 2000, there were 55,797 people, 21,659 households, and 15,854 families residing in the county. The population density was 68 people per square mile (26/km²). There were 28,282 housing units at an average density of 35 per square mile (13/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 59.69% White, 38.61% Black or African American, 0.14% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.81% from other races, and 0.49% from two or more races. 1.65% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 21,659 households out of which 30.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.10% were married couples living together, 15.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.80% were non-families. 23.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the county, the population was spread out with 25.20% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 25.90% from 25 to 44, 26.20% from 45 to 64, and 15.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 91.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $35,312, and the median income for a family was $41,554. Males had a median income of $31,110 versus $20,910 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,805. About 13.40% of families and 17.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.80% of those under age 18 and 14.00% of those age 65 or over.

Cities and towns

*Andrews
*Georgetown
*Murrells Inlet
*Pawleys Island

Unincorporated communities

*DeBordieu
*Litchfield
*North Santee
*Plantersville
*Sandy Island, South Carolina
*Yauhannah

References

External links

* [http://inlet.geol.sc.edu/ Belle W. Baruch Institude for Marine and Coastal Sciences]
* [http://www.visitgeorgetowncountysc.com/ Georgetown County Visitors Bureau]