Dorchester County

As of the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, Dorchester County, SC, has a population of approximately 161,000 people. The racial makeup is about 64% White, 27% Black or African American, 6% Hispanic or Latino, and 2% Asian. The median household income is around $67,000, and about 9% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county's population is fairly young, with a median age of 36. The educational attainment shows approximately 88% of residents aged 25 and older have a high school diploma, and 30% have a bachelor's degree or higher.

As of 2023, Dorchester County, SC, has a median home value of $265,000. The housing market has seen a 10% increase over the past year. The average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,350 per month. Owner-occupied housing units constitute 73% of the market, with a vacancy rate of 6%. The average property tax rate is around 0.5%. Housing market trends indicate steady growth due to the county's expanding population and economic development.

In Dorchester County, SC, elections are managed by the Dorchester County Board of Voter Registration and Elections. As of the 2022 election cycle, the county had approximately 114,000 registered voters. Key elective positions include seats on the County Council, School Board, and various municipal offices.

For example, the 2022 general election featured races for the Dorchester County Council across multiple districts. In District 1, candidates included Harriet Holman (R) and Rodney Williams (D). For School Board seats, candidates like Barbara Crosby and Tanya Robinson competed.

Turnout for local elections typically hovers around 20-30%, but this can vary significantly depending on the election cycle and key issues on the ballot. For more detailed and updated information, the Dorchester County Elections Office website and specific voter guides can be consulted.

Dorchester County, SC, has a relatively well-educated population compared to state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (latest data):

• High school graduates: Approximately 91.1% of residents aged 25 and older, compared to the national average of 88.5% and the South Carolina state average of 87.1%.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: Around 29.4%, compared to the national average of 33.1% and the state average of 28.1%.

Overall, Dorchester County surpasses state averages in educational attainment and is close to national levels in high school graduation rates but falls slightly behind in higher education attainment.

As of the latest data, Dorchester County, SC, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 62.5%, with an unemployment rate around 4.5%. The county has about 75,000 employed individuals.

Top Industries:

1. Manufacturing: Employs 20% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average (8.5%) and the state average (12%).
2. Retail Trade: Represents 14% of employment, close to the national average of 10%.
3. Health Care and Social Assistance: Accounts for 13%, similar to national (~15%) and state averages.

Comparisons:

• Manufacturing: Higher in Dorchester compared to national and state averages.
• Retail Trade: Slightly above the national average.
• Health Care and Social Assistance: Comparable to both national and state figures.

Overall, employment in Dorchester County is heavily reliant on manufacturing, more so than state and national averages.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Dorchester County, SC, is approximately $74,000 per year. For comparison, the median household income in the United States is about $68,700, while South Carolina’s median household income stands around $56,200.

Here’s a concise statistics table for clarity:

Dorchester County’s income generally surpasses both the state and national averages, indicating a relatively higher economic standing within the region.

As of the most recent available data, Dorchester County, South Carolina, has a crime rate that is generally lower than the national average. The annual crime rate per 1,000 residents is approximately 22.5.

Here's a breakdown of crime statistics in Dorchester County by type:

These statistics provide an overview of the prevalent types of crimes and can be useful for understanding the safety landscape in Dorchester County, SC.