Chesterfield County
County
Old Chesterfield County Courthouse
Old Chesterfield County Courthouse
Flag of Chesterfield County
Flag
Official seal of Chesterfield County
Seal
Motto(s): 
"Nestled between Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC, these metropolitan areas allow for access to many of life’s pleasures while remaining relatively unspoiled by urban sprawl."
Map of South Carolina highlighting Chesterfield County
Location within the U.S. state of South Carolina
Map of the United States highlighting South Carolina
South Carolina's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 34°38′13″N 80°09′33″W / 34.637018°N 80.159227°W / 34.637018; -80.159227
Country United States
State South Carolina
Founded1785
Named forPhilip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
SeatChesterfield
Largest communityCheraw
Area
 • Total805.66 sq mi (2,086.6 km2)
 • Land798.99 sq mi (2,069.4 km2)
 • Water6.67 sq mi (17.3 km2)  0.83%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total43,273
 • Estimate 
(2022)
43,683
 • Density54.16/sq mi (20.91/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district7th
Websitewww.chesterfieldcountysc.com

Chesterfield County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, its population was 43,273.[1] Its county seat is Chesterfield.[2] The largest community in the county is Cheraw. It is located north of the Midlands, in the Pee Dee region, on its border with North Carolina.

History

The county is named for Philip 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 the British Parliament and when he served as British Secretary 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 from England and Wales, as well as by smaller numbers of immigrants from County Antrim, Ireland, in what has since become Northern 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 the Reconstruction era, South Carolina districts became counties with home rule.

On April 10, 2020, a case of Influenza A virus subtype H7N3 was confirmed in what The Post and Courier described as "a commercial turkey flock" which resulted in the disinfecting & quarantine of the farm.[5] This is the 1st confirmed case of H7N3 in the United States since another case was found in Lincoln County, Tennessee on March 5, 2017.[6] Four days later on April 14, a second case was confirmed at a turkey farm in Jefferson, 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]

Geography

According to the U.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]

National protected area

State and local protected areas

Major water bodies

Adjacent counties

Major highways

Major infrastructure

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
18005,216—
18105,5646.7%
18206,64519.4%
18308,47227.5%
18408,5741.2%
185010,79025.8%
186011,8349.7%
187010,584−10.6%
188016,34554.4%
189018,46813.0%
190020,40110.5%
191026,30128.9%
192031,96921.6%
193034,3347.4%
194035,9634.7%
195036,2360.8%
196033,717−7.0%
197033,667−0.1%
198038,16113.3%
199038,5771.1%
200042,76810.9%
201046,7349.3%
202043,273−7.4%
2022 (est.)43,683[1]0.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[11]
1790–1960[12] 1900–1990[13]
1990–2000[14] 2010[15] 2020[1]

2020 census

Chesterfield County racial composition[16]
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 or Latino 2,086 4.82%

As of the 2020 census, there were 43,273 people, 17,900 households, and 12,399 families residing in the county.

2010 census

At the 2010 census, there were 46,734 people, 18,173 households, and 12,494 families living in the county.[17][15] 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).[18] 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.[17] In terms of ancestry, 16.3% were American, 6.8% were English, 6.0% were German, and 5.9% were Irish.[19]

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.[17]

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 the poverty line, including 33.6% of those under age 18 and 18.0% of those age 65 or over.[20]

2000 census

At the 2000 census,[21] there were 42,768 people, 16,557 households, and 11,705 families living in the county. The population 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 or African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.30% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.04% from other races, and 0.75% from two or more races. 2.27% of the population were Hispanic or Latino 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. The per capita income for the county was $14,233. About 16.70% of families and 20.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.70% of those under age 18 and 24.20% of those age 65 or over.

Law and Government

Politics

After the 2020 Redistricting Cycle, the South Carolina House of Representatives, Chesterfield County is located in South Carolina's 53rd, 54th, and 65th House districts and is represented by Republican Richie Yow in the 53rd, Democrat Representative Patricia Moore "Pat" Henegan in the 54th, and Republican Representative Cody Mitchell in the 65th. In the South 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 Republican Penry Gustavson.[22][23][24]

In the US House of Representatives, Chesterfield County is entirely located in South Carolina's 7th Congressional District. As of the 2022 House elections, it is represented by Republican Russell Fry, who comes from Horry County. Chesterfield County was formerly located in South Carolina's 5th Congressional District which was one of the seats that the Democrats lost to the Republicans during the 2010 election; before the 2010 election, congressman John M. Spratt had represented the district since 1983 but was defeated 55% to 45% by Republican Mick Mulvaney in 2010.

United States presidential election results for Chesterfield County, South Carolina[25]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 11,297 59.85% 7,431 39.37% 148 0.78%
2016 9,312 56.16% 6,858 41.36% 411 2.48%
2012 8,490 51.16% 7,958 47.96% 146 0.88%
2008 8,325 50.89% 7,842 47.94% 192 1.17%
2004 7,252 51.62% 6,729 47.90% 68 0.48%
2000 6,266 50.02% 6,111 48.79% 149 1.19%
1996 4,028 38.11% 5,734 54.25% 807 7.64%
1992 4,183 37.31% 5,691 50.76% 1,338 11.93%
1988 4,999 51.35% 4,699 48.27% 37 0.38%
1984 5,451 54.15% 4,593 45.62% 23 0.23%
1980 3,478 34.88% 6,393 64.11% 101 1.01%
1976 2,537 24.77% 7,687 75.04% 20 0.20%
1972 5,230 63.56% 2,938 35.70% 61 0.74%
1968 2,564 25.47% 3,180 31.59% 4,324 42.95%
1964 2,449 34.58% 4,634 65.42% 0 0.00%
1960 1,372 23.57% 4,450 76.43% 0 0.00%
1956 795 15.94% 3,559 71.35% 634 12.71%
1952 1,776 27.56% 4,668 72.44% 0 0.00%
1948 31 1.24% 912 36.51% 1,555 62.25%
1944 15 0.46% 3,222 98.77% 25 0.77%
1940 20 0.69% 2,880 99.31% 0 0.00%
1936 18 0.56% 3,192 99.44% 0 0.00%
1932 23 1.08% 2,109 98.92% 0 0.00%
1928 23 1.66% 1,362 98.34% 0 0.00%
1924 11 0.71% 1,539 99.23% 1 0.06%
1920 14 0.67% 2,066 99.33% 0 0.00%
1916 3 0.16% 1,883 99.63% 4 0.21%
1912 0 0.00% 1,178 99.58% 5 0.42%
1904 12 1.03% 1,158 98.97% 0 0.00%
1900 56 4.09% 1,314 95.91% 0 0.00%

Law enforcement

As of 2023, the current sheriff is Cambo Streater.[26] 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 an iPad. He was sentenced to two years of prison.[27][28][29]

Education

The county's youth are provided with an education through the Chesterfield County School District. The South Point Christian School is a private school located in Pageland and offers Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Northeastern Technical College has branches in Pageland and Cheraw.

High schools

Middle schools

  • Chesterfield/Ruby Middle School, Chesterfield/Ruby
  • Long Middle School, Cheraw
  • New Heights Middle School, Jefferson

Elementary schools

  • Cheraw Intermediate School, Cheraw
  • Edwards Elementary School, Chesterfield
  • Jefferson Elementary School, Jefferson
  • McBee Elementary School, McBee
  • Pageland Elementary School, Pageland
  • Plainview Elementary School, Plainview
  • Ruby Elementary School, Ruby

Primary schools

  • Cheraw Primary School, Cheraw
  • Petersburg Primary School, Pageland

Culture

Chesterfield County supports several fine arts organizations ranging from High School Marching Bands to community theatres to municipal arts commissions.

  • The Central High Sound of Central
  • The Cheraw Tribe Marching Band
  • The Chesterfield Marching Pride
  • The Spirit of McBee High Marching Band
  • The Cheraw Arts Commission
  • The Chesterfield Arts Commission

Recreation

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.

Communities

Towns

Unincorporated communities

  • Angelus
  • Cash
  • Middendorf
  • Minden

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "QuickFacts: Chesterfield County, South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
  2. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 9, 2015. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ↑ History of Chesterfield County, South Carolina by Yates Snowden pg. 3
  4. ↑ History of Chesterfield County, South Carolina by Yates Snowden pg. 49
  5. ↑ Pitt, David (April 11, 2020). "Industry scrambles to stop fatal bird flu in SC". The Post and Courier.
  6. ↑ "Fatal bird flu found on turkey farm in South Carolina". WCMH-TV. April 11, 2020.
  7. ↑ Worthington, Don (April 14, 2020). "Fatal bird flu strikes flock in Jefferson". www.pagelandprogressive.com.
  8. ↑ Hallman, Tom (May 4, 2020). "State releases avian influenza control area in Chesterfield County". Clemson University.
  9. ↑ "2020 County Gazetteer Files – South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. August 23, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "SCDNR Public Lands". www2.dnr.sc.gov. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  11. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  12. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  13. ↑ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  14. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  15. 1 2 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  16. ↑ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  17. 1 2 3 "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  18. ↑ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  19. ↑ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  20. ↑ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  21. ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  22. ↑ "South Carolina Legislature Online - Member Biography". www.scstatehouse.gov. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  23. ↑ "South Carolina Legislature Online - Member Biography". www.scstatehouse.gov. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  24. ↑ "DRA 2020". Daves Redistricting. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  25. ↑ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". Uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved January 2, 2018.
  26. ↑ "Home - Chesterfield County SC Sheriff's Office". www.chesterfieldsheriff.org. Retrieved March 24, 2023.
  27. ↑ Collins, Jeffrey (April 7, 2014). "Chesterfield County sheriff's trial has colleagues watching". The Greenville News. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  28. ↑ Staff, W. I. S. "Indictment: Inmates got alcohol, women and an iPad". WIS News. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
  29. ↑ "Former Chester County Sheriff Alex Underwood, deputies guilty of conspiracy, jury rules". www.msn.com. April 23, 2021. Retrieved November 9, 2021.

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