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Berkeley County, South Carolina

Coordinates: 33°13′N 79°57′W / 33.21°N 79.95°W / 33.21; -79.95
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Berkeley County
County
Old Berkeley County Courthouse
Old Berkeley County Courthouse
Official seal of Berkeley County
Seal
Official logo of Berkeley County
Logo
Motto(s): 
"One Berkeley"
"Rich History. Bright Future."
Map of South Carolina highlighting Berkeley County
Location within the U.S. state of South Carolina
Map of the United States highlighting South Carolina
South Carolina's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 33°13′N 79°57′W / 33.21°N 79.95°W / 33.21; -79.95
Country United States
State South Carolina
Founded1882
Named forSir William Berkeley
SeatMoncks Corner
Largest communityGoose Creek
Government
 • County SupervisorJohnny Cribb
Area
 • Total1,233.88 sq mi (3,195.7 km2)
 • Land1,103.62 sq mi (2,858.4 km2)
 • Water130.26 sq mi (337.4 km2)  10.56%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total229,861
 • Estimate 
(2023)
255,217
 • Density208.28/sq mi (80.42/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district1st
Websitewww.berkeleycountysc.gov

Berkeley County is a county in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of the 2020 census, its population was 229,861.[1] Its county seat is Moncks Corner, and the largest community is Goose Creek.[2] After two previous incarnations of Berkeley County, the current county was created in 1882.[3] Berkeley County is included in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History

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Berkeley County was established in 1682. It was named after John and William Berkeley, co-owners of the Province of Carolina.[4] It became part of the Charleston District in 1769. It did not exist as a District during most of the 19th century and generally was part of the Low Country culture. In 1882, after Democrats regained control of the state legislature following the Reconstruction era, they established the current incarnation of Berkeley County, with its seat at Mount Pleasant. The county seat was moved in 1895 to Moncks Corner.[3] Berkeley is also known for Revolutionary War connections. The Old Berkeley County Courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.[5]

Geography

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Map
Interactive map of Berkeley County

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,233.88 square miles (3,195.7 km2), of which 1,103.62 square miles (2,858.4 km2) is land and 130.26 square miles (337.4 km2), or 10.56%, is water.[6]

National protected areas

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State and local protected areas/sites

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Major water bodies

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Adjacent counties

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Major highways

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Major infrastructure

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Demographics

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Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
189055,428—
190030,454−45.1%
191023,487−22.9%
192022,558−4.0%
193022,236−1.4%
194027,12822.0%
195030,25111.5%
196038,19626.3%
197056,19947.1%
198094,72768.6%
1990128,77635.9%
2000142,65110.8%
2010177,84324.7%
2020229,86129.2%
2023 (est.)255,217[1]11.0%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790–1960[9] 1900–1990[10]
1990–2000[11] 2010[12] 2020[1]

2020 census

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Berkeley County racial composition[13]
Race Num. Perc.
White (non-Hispanic) 137,840 59.97%
Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 51,784 22.53%
Native American 1,035 0.45%
Asian 5,353 2.33%
Pacific Islander 173 0.08%
Other/Mixed 13,348 5.81%
Hispanic or Latino 20,328 8.84%

As of the 2020 census, there were 229,861 people, 80,640 households, and 57,117 families residing in the county.

2010 census

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At the 2010 census, there were 177,843 people, 65,419 households, and 47,141 families living in the county.[14][12] The population density was 161.8 inhabitants per square mile (62.5/km2). There were 73,372 housing units at an average density of 66.8 per square mile (25.8/km2).[15] The racial makeup of the county was 66.5% white, 25.0% black or African American, 2.3% Asian, 0.6% American Indian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 2.8% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 6.0% of the population.[14][16]

Of the 65,419 households, 38.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 15.3% had a female householder with no husband present, 27.9% were non-families, and 22.0% of households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 3.10. The median age was 34.5 years.[14]

The median household income was $50,777 and the median family income was $56,869. Males had a median income of $40,534 versus $30,997 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,865. About 9.9% of families and 12.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.2% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.[17]

2000 census

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At the 2000 census, there were 142,651 people, 49,922 households, and 37,691 families living in the county. The population density was 130 people per square mile (50 people/km2). There were 54,717 housing units at an average density of 50 per square mile (19/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 68.00% White, 26.63% Black or African American, 0.52% Native American, 1.87% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 1.20% from other races, and 1.70% from two or more races. 2.76% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 16.4% were of American, 10.0% German, 8.4% Irish and 7.7% English ancestry according to Census 2000.[18] Of the 49,922 households 39.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were married couples living together, 14.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.50% were non-families. 19.40% of households were one person and 5.60% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.15.

The age distribution was 28.00% under the age of 18, 11.70% from 18 to 24, 31.20% from 25 to 44, 21.20% from 45 to 64, and 7.90% 65 or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.20 males.

The median household income was $39,908 and the median family income was $44,242. Males had a median income of $31,583 versus $22,420 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,879. About 9.70% of families and 11.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.60% of those under age 18 and 12.90% of those age 65 or over.

Government and politics

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County government (as of 2023):[19]

Berkeley County Council:

  • District 1: Dan Owens
  • District 2: Josh Whitley
  • District 3: Phillip Obie II
  • District 4: Tommy Newell
  • District 5: Amy Stern
  • District 6: Marshall West
  • District 7: Caldwell Pinckney, Jr.
  • District 8: Steve Davis

Other Elected Officials:

  • 9th Circuit Solicitor: Scarlett A Wilson
  • County Auditor: Janet Brown Jurosko
  • County Supervisor: Johnny Cribb
  • Clerk of Court: Leah Guerry Dupree
  • County Coroner: Darnell Hartwell
  • Probate Judge: Hon. Keith Kornahrens
  • Register of Deeds: Cindy Forte
  • Sheriff: S. Duane Lewis
  • Treasurer: Carolyn Umphlett

In 2020, Joe Biden received 43.3% of the vote, the best performance for a Democrat since Jimmy Carter in 1976.

United States presidential election results for Berkeley County, South Carolina[20]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 64,777 57.41% 46,416 41.14% 1,641 1.45%
2020 57,397 54.95% 45,223 43.29% 1,838 1.76%
2016 44,587 56.07% 30,705 38.61% 4,225 5.31%
2012 38,475 56.42% 28,542 41.85% 1,178 1.73%
2008 36,205 55.89% 27,755 42.84% 821 1.27%
2004 32,104 60.65% 20,142 38.05% 691 1.31%
2000 24,796 57.24% 17,707 40.88% 813 1.88%
1996 17,691 53.22% 13,358 40.18% 2,193 6.60%
1992 18,048 50.87% 12,533 35.33% 4,898 13.81%
1988 16,779 63.81% 9,312 35.41% 206 0.78%
1984 16,972 69.24% 7,380 30.11% 159 0.65%
1980 12,830 55.63% 9,850 42.71% 384 1.66%
1976 6,981 41.60% 9,741 58.05% 59 0.35%
1972 9,345 66.66% 4,497 32.08% 177 1.26%
1968 4,021 28.89% 5,089 36.56% 4,808 34.55%
1964 6,100 63.30% 3,537 36.70% 0 0.00%
1960 2,422 48.79% 2,542 51.21% 0 0.00%
1956 1,055 28.24% 902 24.14% 1,779 47.62%
1952 2,482 59.24% 1,708 40.76% 0 0.00%
1948 58 3.02% 323 16.83% 1,538 80.15%
1944 32 4.47% 521 72.77% 163 22.77%
1940 91 15.66% 490 84.34% 0 0.00%
1936 8 1.15% 690 98.85% 0 0.00%
1932 22 2.28% 941 97.72% 0 0.00%
1928 42 13.21% 276 86.79% 0 0.00%
1924 26 4.93% 501 95.07% 0 0.00%
1920 24 4.20% 548 95.80% 0 0.00%
1916 6 1.30% 457 98.70% 0 0.00%
1912 5 1.47% 323 94.72% 13 3.81%
1908 235 27.84% 609 72.16% 0 0.00%
1904 115 14.74% 665 85.26% 0 0.00%
1900 112 19.18% 472 80.82% 0 0.00%
1896 183 25.96% 513 72.77% 9 1.28%
1892 1,171 52.30% 1,037 46.32% 31 1.38%

Economy

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In 2022, the GDP of Berkeley County was $10.6 billion (approx. $46,147 per capita).[21] In chained 2017 dollars, its real GDP was $9 billion (about $39,335 per capita).[22] From 2022 through 2024, its unemployment rate has fluctuated around 3%.[23]

As of April 2024, some of the largest employers in the county include Blackbaud, Booz Allen Hamilton, Nucor, Publix, Volvo, and Walmart.[24]

Employment and Wage Statistics by Industry in Berkeley County, South Carolina[24]
Industry Employment Counts Employment Percentage (%) Average Annual Wage ($)
Accommodation and Food Services 6,306 10.6 23,088
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services 2,507 4.2 41,756
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 96 0.2 62,504
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 1,031 1.7 28,808
Construction 3,757 6.3 72,072
Finance and Insurance 1,519 2.6 79,092
Health Care and Social Assistance 4,243 7.1 57,096
Information 1,886 3.2 124,384
Management of Companies and Enterprises 376 0.6 95,680
Manufacturing 9,406 15.8 79,976
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction 132 0.2 78,156
Other Services (except Public Administration) 2,238 3.8 56,888
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 5,911 9.9 91,988
Public Administration 2,964 5.0 51,636
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 889 1.5 75,556
Retail Trade 8,271 13.9 36,036
Transportation and Warehousing 3,881 6.5 59,956
Utilities 1,517 2.6 92,560
Wholesale Trade 2,487 4.2 70,824
Total 59,417 100.0% 62,118

Education

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All of the county is in the Berkeley County School District.[25]

Attractions

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Communities

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Cities

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Towns

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Census-designated places

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Unincorporated communities

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c "QuickFacts: Berkeley County, South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 22, 2024.
  2. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ^ a b "South Carolina: Individual County Chronologies". South Carolina Atlas of Historical County Boundaries. The Newberry Library. 2009. Archived from the original on January 3, 2017. Retrieved March 20, 2015.
  4. ^ Federal Writers' Project (1941). Palmetto Place Names. Sloane Printing Co. p. 12.
  5. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  6. ^ "2020 County Gazetteer Files – South Carolina". United States Census Bureau. August 23, 2022. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d e "SCDNR Public Lands". www2.dnr.sc.gov. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  8. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  9. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  10. ^ Forstall, Richard L., ed. (March 27, 1995). "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  11. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. April 2, 2001. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved March 16, 2015.
  12. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved November 22, 2013.
  13. ^ "Explore Census Data". data.census.gov. Retrieved December 15, 2021.
  14. ^ a b c "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  15. ^ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  16. ^ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  17. ^ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006-2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
  18. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved May 14, 2011.
  19. ^ "County Officials". www.berkeleycountysc.gov. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  20. ^ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved March 13, 2018.
  21. ^ U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (January 1, 2001). "Gross Domestic Product: All Industries in Berkeley County, SC". FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  22. ^ U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (January 1, 2001). "Real Gross Domestic Product: All Industries in Berkeley County, SC". FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  23. ^ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (January 1, 1990). "Unemployment Rate in Berkeley County, SC". FRED, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Retrieved April 30, 2024.
  24. ^ a b "Berkeley County" (PDF). Community Profiles (04000015). Columbia, South Carolina: S.C. Department of Employment & Workforce - Business Intelligence Department. April 19, 2024.
  25. ^ "2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Berkeley County, SC" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved August 1, 2022. - Text list
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