Saluda County

As of the 2020 census, Saluda County, SC had a population of approximately 20,473. The racial makeup was roughly 61.2% White, 23.0% African American, 13.4% Hispanic or Latino, and 1.4% from two or more races. The median household income was around $42,813, with about 18.2% living below the poverty line. The county spans approximately 462 square miles.

As of the latest data, Saluda County, SC, has a median home value of approximately $150,000. The median rent is around $700 per month. The homeownership rate in the county is roughly 75%, while the rest are rental properties. Housing market trends indicate a modest annual appreciation rate of about 3-4%. The average household size in Saluda County is around 2.5 individuals. Housing availability is mixed, with a range of single-family homes, mobile homes, and some apartment options.

In Saluda County, South Carolina, elections cover various local, state, and federal offices. The Saluda County Voter Registration & Elections Office manages these elections, ensuring voter participation and integrity.

Recent key positions include:

1. County Council: Several seats, with candidates often representing major parties like Democrats and Republicans.
2. Sheriff: A significant post, typically contested by multiple candidates from different parties.
3. State Legislature: Saluda is part of Districts 10 (House) and 25 (Senate), regularly featuring candidates from both major parties.

Voter turnout in Saluda County varies, but recent general elections have seen about 55-60% participation. For local elections, the turnout can be lower, around 35-45%.

Specific candidate names and numerical values for voter turnout are updated per election cycle and can be accessed through the county’s official website or the South Carolina Election Commission.

As of the latest available data, Saluda County, SC, reveals disparities in educational attainment compared to state and national averages. Approximately 77.5% of residents have a high school diploma or higher, below the national average of 88.5% and South Carolina's average of 87.4%. Furthermore, around 12.4% of Saluda County residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 33.1% nationally and 28.1% statewide. These figures suggest lower educational attainment levels in Saluda County relative to broader benchmarks, highlighting a potential area for community and policy focus.

As of the latest available data, Saluda County, SC, has an employment figure of approximately 8,000 individuals. The top industries in Saluda County include Manufacturing (23%), Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting (12%), and Retail Trade (11%).

Comparison to State and National Averages:

• Manufacturing: Saluda's 23% is notably higher than the South Carolina average of 18% and the national average of 10%.
• Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting: At 12%, this sector far exceeds the state average of around 2% and the national average of 1%.
• Retail Trade: The county’s 11% is slightly below the state average of 13% and the national average of 12%.

These differences highlight Saluda County's strong reliance on manufacturing and agriculture compared to broader averages.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Saluda County, SC, is approximately $47,355. This figure is lower than both the national and state averages. For comparison, the median household income in the United States is $68,703, while South Carolina's median household income stands at around $56,227. Below is a table that compares these figures:

Saluda County's income levels fall below the state and national averages, highlighting potential economic disparities within the region.

As of the most recent data, Saluda County, South Carolina, has relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The crime rate in Saluda County is approximately 1,416 per 100,000 people annually. Below is a table summarizing different types of crimes and their occurrences per 100,000 residents:

These figures indicate that property crimes are more prevalent than violent crimes in Saluda County. The data helps residents and authorities understand and address safety concerns.