Aiken County is located in the heart of South Carolina, bordering six counties. To the north, it borders Edgefield and Saluda Counties; to the east, Barnwell County; to the south, Lexington and Richland Counties; and to the west, Greenwood County. Aiken County is approximately 900 square miles in size with a population of around 160,000 people. See Countryaah – Counties in South Carolina. The county seat is Aiken which is also the largest city in the area. Aiken has a rich history and culture that dates back to before it was even founded in 1871. The county was formed from parts of Edgefield and Barnwell Counties and named after William Aiken who was president of the South Carolina Railroad Company at that time.
The landscape of Aiken County is diverse with rolling hills, pine forests, cotton fields, wetlands, and more. There are two rivers that run through Aiken County—the Savannah River on its northern border and the Edisto River on its southern border—as well as several creeks throughout the county. There are also numerous state parks for outdoor enthusiasts to explore including Hitchcock Woods, Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site, Whiskey Road Recreational Area, Silver Bluff Audubon Sanctuary, Clay Hill Wildlife Management Area and more. All of these parks provide opportunities for hiking trails as well as fishing ponds or lakes for visitors to enjoy year-round recreation activities like camping or bird watching.
Demographics of Aiken County, South Carolina
Aiken County is a diverse and vibrant community located in the heart of South Carolina. According to the 2010 census, the population of Aiken County was 160,099 people with a population density of 181 people per square mile. The racial makeup of Aiken County was 69.9% White, 25.1% African American, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 2.4% Asian, and 0.4% Native American according to the 2010 census data.
Aiken County has a median household income of $41,574 which is slightly lower than the state average of $46,898 but higher than the national average of $50,046 according to 2016 US Census Bureau data estimates. The poverty rate in Aiken County is 17%, which is slightly higher than the state average of 16%.
The largest employers in Aiken County are SRS (Savannah River Site), University Hospital and Medical Center (UHMC), Aiken Regional Medical Centers (ARMC), and Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC (BATO). These organizations provide jobs for thousands of people living in Aiken County as well as many other counties throughout South Carolina and beyond.
Places of Interest in Aiken County, South Carolina
Aiken County is home to a variety of places of interest including historical sites, outdoor recreation areas, shopping districts and more.
Historical sites in Aiken County include the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum which celebrates the area’s rich equestrian history; Redcliffe Plantation State Historic Site which preserves the antebellum plantation house; and Hopelands Gardens which is a 14-acre public garden filled with lush foliage, reflecting pools, and walking trails.
Outdoor recreation areas in Aiken County include Hitchcock Woods, Whiskey Road Recreational Area, Silver Bluff Audubon Sanctuary, Clay Hill Wildlife Management Area and more. These parks provide opportunities for hiking trails as well as fishing ponds or lakes for visitors to enjoy year-round recreation activities like camping or bird watching.
The shopping district in Aiken County includes downtown Aiken with its unique shops and restaurants as well as its many malls and outlets. The downtown area also features a variety of cultural events throughout the year such as the annual Arts & Antiques Festival.
Overall, Aiken County has something for everyone to enjoy whether you’re looking for history or outdoor recreation activities or even just a day out at the mall.
Notable People of Aiken County, South Carolina
Aiken County, South Carolina is home to a variety of notable people from all walks of life. These include politicians, athletes, actors, musicians, and more.
Politicians from Aiken County include former United States Senator Strom Thurmond and current United States Representative Joe Wilson. Both men were born and raised in Aiken County and have gone on to serve the state of South Carolina in various roles throughout their careers.
Athletes from Aiken County include NFL Hall of Famer Harry Carson, professional golfer Charles Warren and professional baseball player Pete Mackanin. All three men have achieved success in their respective sports as well as having deep roots in the Aiken community.
Actors and musicians from Aiken County include actor Chadwick Boseman who was raised in the county before going on to star in blockbuster movies such as Black Panther; singer-songwriter Darius Rucker who was born and raised in the county before becoming a successful country music artist; and actor Lee Majors who starred in hit television series such as The Six Million Dollar Man.
Overall, Aiken County has produced a variety of notable people who have gone on to achieve great things both locally and nationally.
