Oconee County

As of the 2020 census, Oconee County, SC, had a population of approximately 78,607 people. The racial composition was 86.5% White, 7.8% African American, 1.6% Asian, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals made up about 5.9% of the population. The county had around 34,000 households with an average household size of 2.31. The median age was 46.2 years, and the median household income was roughly $47,793. Approximately 14.6% of the population lived below the poverty line. Households typically consisted of a mix of families and individuals.

As of 2023, Oconee County, SC, has a median home price of approximately $250,000. The county features a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments, with an average rent around $1,100 per month. The homeownership rate in Oconee County is about 72%, reflecting a strong preference for owning over renting. Property taxes are relatively low, averaging 0.48% of a home's assessed value. The real estate market is growing, with an annual appreciation rate of around 4-5%. The area offers scenic lakefront properties, particularly around Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell.

Oconee County, SC, participates in federal, state, and local elections. Key positions often include County Council seats, School Board members, and a range of municipal roles, with varying numbers of candidates depending on the election cycle.

For the most recent elections:

• County Council: Typically, 5 districts with elections staggered; candidates include Republicans, Democrats, and sometimes Independents.
• School Board: 5 seats, non-partisan, each with multiple candidates as incumbents or new entrants.
• Voter turnout: In presidential election years, can exceed 60-70%, whereas midterms may see around 40-50%.

For accurate timings, candidate names, and precise numerical data, refer to the Oconee County Voter Registration and Elections office or the South Carolina Election Commission website.

Note: The specific candidates and numerical values vary per election cycle.

As of the latest available data, Oconee County, SC, has a high school graduation rate of approximately 85%, which is slightly below the national average of around 88%. About 21.7% of Oconee County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of approximately 33% and the South Carolina state average of roughly 27%. The county's educational attainment reflects a moderate level of education but indicates room for improvement, especially in higher education, when compared to both state and national figures.

As of the most recent data, Oconee County, SC has an employment rate of around 92.5%, with a labor force participation rate of approximately 57%. Notably, the county’s top industries include manufacturing, retail trade, healthcare, and social assistance, followed by educational services. Manufacturing alone employs about 30% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of roughly 8.5% and the South Carolina state average of 13.8%.

Retail trade employs around 13% of Oconee's workforce, compared to the national average of 10%. Healthcare and social assistance account for about 11% of the employment, close to the national average of 14%. Educational services also play a crucial role, aligning closely with national trends.

These industry concentrations highlight Oconee County’s strong manufacturing presence and diversified economy, contributing to its relatively stable employment situation compared to broader state and national benchmarks.

As of the most recent available data, Oconee County, SC, has a median household income of approximately $46,500. Comparatively, the median household income in South Carolina is around $56,227, while the national median is approximately $68,703.

Oconee County's median income is lower than both the state and national averages, reflecting economic disparities within this region. This data underscores the need for localized economic development efforts to boost household incomes in Oconee County.

As of the last available comprehensive crime data, Oconee County, SC has a crime rate of approximately 3,274 incidents per 100,000 residents. The data below provides a breakdown of various types of crimes reported in the county:

These numbers reflect annual statistics and may vary slightly year to year. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consulting local law enforcement or recent crime reports is recommended.