Laurens County

As of the 2020 Census, Laurens County, SC has a population of approximately 67,539. The racial makeup is 69.2% White, 24.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race are 4.6% of the population. The median household income is $42,927, and about 17.3% of the population lives below the poverty line. The county spans 714 square miles with a population density of roughly 94.6 per square mile.

As of recent data, Laurens County, SC, has a median home value of approximately $120,000. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $600 per month. The homeownership rate is about 73%, and the vacancy rate is near 12%. Housing appreciation over the past year is approximately 5%. Please refer to local listings and real estate agents for the most current information, as these values can fluctuate.

Laurens County, SC, conducts elections for various local, state, and federal positions. The Laurens County Board of Voter Registration and Elections oversees these processes. For the 2022 mid-term elections, key races included:

1. County Council: Several seats are contested. Key districts include District 1, 4, and 7.
2. State House: Districts 14 and 16 often see competitive races.
3. Federal: U.S. House representatives for the 3rd Congressional District, currently represented by Republican Jeff Duncan.

Voter turnout in Laurens County during the 2020 Presidential election was approximately 72%. Candidates commonly represent the Republican and Democratic parties, with occasional independent contenders. It's crucial to check current records since candidates and turnout can vary significantly by election.

As of the latest available data, Laurens County, SC, shows the following educational statistics: approximately 80.6% of residents aged 25 and older have obtained a high school diploma or higher. Around 11.9% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. In comparison, the national averages are about 88% for high school graduates and 33% for bachelor's degree holders. The state of South Carolina’s averages are approximately 87.1% for high school graduates and 29.5% for bachelor's degrees. Laurens County thus lags behind both national and state averages in terms of educational attainment, particularly in higher education levels. Efforts to boost educational outcomes in the county are crucial to bridging these gaps.

As of the latest data, Laurens County, SC has an employment rate consistent with local economic patterns. Manufacturing dominates as a primary industry, employing approximately 24% of the workforce, significantly higher than the U.S. average of 8.5% and South Carolina's average of 12.7%. Retail trade and healthcare follow, comprising around 14% and 13% of jobs, respectively, approximating state averages but below national averages of 15% and 14.5%. The county's unemployment rate stood at about 4.2% in 2022, which is close to the national average of 3.6% and slightly above South Carolina's average of 3.2%. This robust manufacturing sector showcases the county's industrial focus compared to broader employment trends.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce

As of the most recent data available, Laurens County, South Carolina, has an average household income of approximately $42,000 per year. In comparison, the median household income in South Carolina is around $54,000, while the national median household income is about $68,700.

These figures highlight that Laurens County has a lower average household income compared to both state and national averages, indicating potential economic challenges in the region.

As of the latest data available, Laurens County, SC, has a mixed crime profile. The crime rate is 31.8 per 1,000 residents annually. The chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Laurens County is 1 in 32. Below is a summary of crime rates by type, represented per 1,000 residents:

These numbers highlight areas of concern, particularly in property crimes, which are significantly higher than the national average.