Fairfield County

Fairfield County, South Carolina, has a population of approximately 20,000. The racial makeup includes around 60% African American, 37% White, and 3% other races. The median household income is roughly $35,000, with a poverty rate of about 23.5%. The population is distributed across various age groups, with a median age of about 43 years. Educational attainment shows that around 80% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, while approximately 16% hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

As of the most recent data, Fairfield County, SC, has a median home value of approximately $104,400. The median household income is around $42,245. Homeownership rate stands at 72.3%, while rental properties constitute about 27.7% of housings. The average rent is about $856 per month. Fairfield County's housing market has seen modest growth, with a 4.1% increase in home values over the past year. The housing inventory is balanced, offering options from single-family homes to rental units.

Fairfield County, SC, participates in local, state, and national elections. The Fairfield County Election Commission oversees local elections. In recent elections, offices include County Council seats, School Board positions, and County Sheriff.

For example, in the 2022 election cycle:

• County Council District 1 featured incumbent Bertha Goins (D) against challenger Moses Bell (D), with Goins winning 52-48%.
• The School Board had multiple contested seats, with candidates from both major parties and independents.

In national cycles, Fairfield County voters participate in U.S. House District 5 elections, most recently contested between incumbent Ralph Norman (R) and challenger Evangeline Hundley (D), where Norman won approximately 60-40%.

Voter turnout in the county typically ranges between 50-65% in presidential elections and 25-40% in midterms. For exact future election details, check the Fairfield County Election Commission or South Carolina State Election Commission websites.

Fairfield County, SC, has a relatively lower educational attainment compared to state and national averages. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (2020 data):

• High school graduate or higher (ages 25+): 81.0%
• Bachelor's degree or higher (ages 25+): 12.1%

For comparison:

• South Carolina:

  • High school graduate or higher: 88.5%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: 29.3%

• United States:

  • High school graduate or higher: 88.0%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: 33.1%

Fairfield County lags behind both the state and national averages, especially in higher education attainment. Efforts to improve educational infrastructure and opportunities in the county could help close these gaps.

Fairfield County, SC, has an employment distribution that reflects its rural and industrial character. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and other local employment data sources:

• Unemployment Rate: Approximately 4.8% in 2022, which is slightly above the national average of around 3.7% and the South Carolina state average of roughly 3.6%.
• Total Labor Force: Around 13,000 individuals.

Top Industries:

1. Manufacturing: 28% of employment.
2. Education Services, and Health Care and Social Assistance: 23%.
3. Retail Trade: 11%.

Compared to national averages, Fairfield County has a higher percentage of employment in manufacturing (U.S. average is about 8.5%) and a lower percentage in sectors like professional, scientific, and management services. Relative to South Carolina, Fairfield's manufacturing sector remains prominent, though the state also has strong hospitality and tourism sectors due to its coastal regions.

As of the latest available data, Fairfield County, SC has an average household income of approximately $43,000. Comparatively, the national average household income is around $68,700, while the state of South Carolina's average is approximately $54,000.

When comparing these figures, Fairfield County falls below both the national and state averages, indicating a lower income level in this rural area compared to broader metrics.

This data points to economic challenges within Fairfield County relative to wider benchmarks, potentially affecting local investments in infrastructure, education, and community services.

As of the latest reports, Fairfield County, SC, generally exhibits a lower crime rate compared to state and national averages. Here are some key statistics for the county:

Fairfield County benefits from a cohesive community and robust law enforcement initiatives, contributing to a safer environment. Nonetheless, continued vigilance and community-based programs are imperative for sustaining and improving these metrics.