Cherokee County, South Carolina

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,029 km² (397 mi²). 1,017 km² (393 mi²) of it is land and 12 km² (5 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 1.16% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 52,537 people, 20,495 households, and 14,612 families residing in the county. The population density is 52/km² (134/mi²). There are 22,400 housing units at an average density of 22/km² (57/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 76.92% White, 20.56% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.16% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races. 2.08% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 20,495 households out of which 32.70% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.30% are married couples living together, 15.40% have a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% are non-families. 25.00% of all households are made up of individuals and 9.40% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.53 and the average family size is 3.01.

In the county, the population is spread out with 25.80% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 29.60% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 12.40% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 35 years. For every 100 females there are 93.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 90.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $33,787, and the median income for a family is $39,393. Males have a median income of $30,984 versus $21,298 for females. The per capita income for the county is $16,421. 13.90% of the population and 11.00% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 16.90% are under the age of 18 and 15.20% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Blacksburg
• Chesnee
• East Gaffney
• Gaffney
• Smyrna