Richland County, South Carolina
Encyclopedia
Richland County is a county located in the U.S. state
of South Carolina
. The 2000 U.S. census recorded its population to be 320,677. In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau recorded that its population had reached 384,504. It is the second most populous county in South Carolina, behind only Greenville County
. The county seat
is Columbia
, the state capital. It is also the center of population
of South Carolina.
Richland County is part of the Columbia, South Carolina, Metropolitan Statistical Area
.
, which is also the state capital. In 1786 the state legislature decided to move the capital from Charleston to a more central location. A site was chosen in Richland County, which is in the geographic center of the state, and a new town was laid out. Cotton from the surrounding plantations was shipped through Columbia and later manufactured into textiles there. General William T. Sherman captured Columbia during the Civil War, and his troops burned the town and parts of the county on February 17, 1865. The U. S. Army returned on more friendly terms in 1917, when Fort Jackson was established, which is now the largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center in the U.S. Army.
, who hold concurrent four year terms. Richland county is governed under the Council-Administrator form of government, which is very similar to the Council Manager form of government. The major difference between the Council Manager and Council Administrator forms of government is the title of the chief executive, being manager in one in administrator in the other.
In March 2008, the Richland County sheriff department acquired an armored personnel carrier equipped with a .50 caliber
machine gun
. This acquisition was criticized by Reason
magazine as "overkill
".
, the county has a total area of 772 square miles (1,999.5 km²), of which 756 square miles (1,958 km²) is land and 15 square miles (38.8 km²) (1.98%) is water. Richland County is situated in the center of South Carolina.
and the City of Forest Acres
, the towns of Irmo
, Blythewood
, and Eastover
.
There are three common school districts, Richland District One, Richland District Two, and Richland-Lexington District Five serving the county.
of 2000, there were 320,677 people, 120,101 households, and 76,384 families residing in the county. The population density
was 424 people per square mile (164/km²). There were 129,793 housing units at an average density of 172 per square mile (66/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 50.29% White
, 45.16% Black
or African American
, 0.24% Native American
, 1.72% Asian
, 0.08% Pacific Islander
, 1.16% from other races
, and 1.35% from two or more races. 2.72% of the population were Hispanic
or Latino
of any race.
There were 120,101 households out of which 31.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.70% were married couples
living together, 16.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.40% were non-families. 29.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the county, the population was spread out with 24.20% under the age of 18, 13.80% from 18 to 24, 31.60% from 25 to 44, 20.60% from 45 to 64, and 9.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 93.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $39,961, and the median income for a family was $49,466. Males had a median income of $34,346 versus $25,909 for females. The per capita income
for the county was $20,794. About 10.10% of families and 13.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.50% of those under age 18 and 12.00% of those age 65 or over.
, headquartered in Columbia
and in Richland County, operates several correctional facilities in Columbia and in Richland County. They include the Broad River Correctional Institution
, the Goodman Correctional Institution, the Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution
, the Stevenson Correctional Institution, and the Campbell Pre-Release Center. Graham houses the state's female death row. The State of South Carolina execution chamber is located at Broad River. From 1990 to 1997 Broad River housed the state's male death row.
.
U.S. state
A U.S. state is any one of the 50 federated states of the United States of America that share sovereignty with the federal government. Because of this shared sovereignty, an American is a citizen both of the federal entity and of his or her state of domicile. Four states use the official title of...
of South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
. The 2000 U.S. census recorded its population to be 320,677. In 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau recorded that its population had reached 384,504. It is the second most populous county in South Carolina, behind only Greenville County
Greenville County, South Carolina
- External Links :*...
. The county seat
County seat
A county seat is an administrative center, or seat of government, for a county or civil parish. The term is primarily used in the United States....
is Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan...
, the state capital. It is also the center of population
Center of population
In demographics, the center of population of a region is a geographical point that describes a centerpoint of the region's population...
of South Carolina.
Richland County is part of the Columbia, South Carolina, Metropolitan Statistical Area
Columbia, South Carolina metropolitan area
As defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, and used by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes only, the Columbia Metropolitan Statistical Area, is an area consisting of six counties in central South Carolina, anchored by the city of Columbia. As of the 2000 census, the MSA had...
.
History
Richland County was probably named for its "rich land." The county was formed in 1785 as part of the large Camden District. A small part of Richland later went to Kershaw County (1791). The county seat is ColumbiaColumbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan...
, which is also the state capital. In 1786 the state legislature decided to move the capital from Charleston to a more central location. A site was chosen in Richland County, which is in the geographic center of the state, and a new town was laid out. Cotton from the surrounding plantations was shipped through Columbia and later manufactured into textiles there. General William T. Sherman captured Columbia during the Civil War, and his troops burned the town and parts of the county on February 17, 1865. The U. S. Army returned on more friendly terms in 1917, when Fort Jackson was established, which is now the largest and most active Initial Entry Training Center in the U.S. Army.
Governance
Richland County is governed by an eleven-member County CouncilCounty council
A county council is the elected administrative body governing an area known as a county. This term has slightly different meanings in different countries.-United Kingdom:...
, who hold concurrent four year terms. Richland county is governed under the Council-Administrator form of government, which is very similar to the Council Manager form of government. The major difference between the Council Manager and Council Administrator forms of government is the title of the chief executive, being manager in one in administrator in the other.
| Board of Commissioners | |
|---|---|
| District | Commissioner |
| District 1 | Bill Malinowski |
| District 2 | Joyce Dickerson |
| District 3 | Damon Jeter |
| District 4 | Paul Livingston |
| District 5 | Seth Rose |
| District 6 | Greg Pearce |
| District 7 | Gwen Kennedy |
| District 8 | Jim Manning |
| District 9 | Val Hutchinson |
| District 10 | Kelvin Washington |
| District 11 | Norman Jackson |
In March 2008, the Richland County sheriff department acquired an armored personnel carrier equipped with a .50 caliber
12 mm caliber
This article lists firearm cartridges which have a bullet in the to caliber range.*Length refers to the cartridge case length.*OAL refers to the overall length of the cartridge.*Bullet refers to the diameter of the bullet....
machine gun
Machine gun
A machine gun is a fully automatic mounted or portable firearm, usually designed to fire rounds in quick succession from an ammunition belt or large-capacity magazine, typically at a rate of several hundred rounds per minute....
. This acquisition was criticized by Reason
Reason (magazine)
Reason is a libertarian monthly magazine published by the Reason Foundation. The magazine has a circulation of around 60,000 and was named one of the 50 best magazines in 2003 and 2004 by the Chicago Tribune.- History :...
magazine as "overkill
Overkill
Overkill is the use of excessive force or action that goes further than is necessary to achieve its goal.-Nuclear weapons:Overkill is especially used to refer to a destructive nuclear capacity exceeding the amount needed to destroy an enemy...
".
Geography
According to the U.S. Census BureauUnited States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the county has a total area of 772 square miles (1,999.5 km²), of which 756 square miles (1,958 km²) is land and 15 square miles (38.8 km²) (1.98%) is water. Richland County is situated in the center of South Carolina.
Municipalities
Richland County contains five (5) municipalities including the City of ColumbiaColumbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan...
and the City of Forest Acres
Forest Acres, South Carolina
Forest Acres is an upscale city in Richland County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 10,558 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
, the towns of Irmo
Irmo, South Carolina
Irmo is a town in Lexington and Richland counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina and a suburb of Columbia. It is 12 miles outside of the city center of Columbia and is part of the Columbia Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, Blythewood
Blythewood, South Carolina
Blythewood is a town in Fairfield and Richland counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 2,034 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area....
, and Eastover
Eastover, South Carolina
Eastover is a town in Richland County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 830 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Eastover is located at ....
.
There are three common school districts, Richland District One, Richland District Two, and Richland-Lexington District Five serving the county.
Adjacent counties
- Fairfield County, South Carolina - north
- Kershaw County, South Carolina - northeast
- Sumter County, South Carolina - east
- Calhoun County, South CarolinaCalhoun County, South CarolinaCalhoun County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. In 2000, its population was 15,185; a 2005 Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 15,100. It is named for John C. Calhoun, the former U.S. Vice-President, Senator, Representative and cabinet member from South...
- south - Lexington County, South Carolina - west
- Newberry County, South Carolina - Northwest
Demographics
As of the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 320,677 people, 120,101 households, and 76,384 families residing in the county. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 424 people per square mile (164/km²). There were 129,793 housing units at an average density of 172 per square mile (66/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 50.29% White
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 45.16% Black
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or African American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.24% Native American
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.72% Asian
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 0.08% Pacific Islander
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, 1.16% from other races
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
, and 1.35% from two or more races. 2.72% of the population were Hispanic
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
or Latino
Race (United States Census)
Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, as defined by the Federal Office of Management and Budget and the United States Census Bureau, are self-identification data items in which residents choose the race or races with which they most closely identify, and indicate whether or not they are...
of any race.
There were 120,101 households out of which 31.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.70% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 16.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.40% were non-families. 29.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.05.
In the county, the population was spread out with 24.20% under the age of 18, 13.80% from 18 to 24, 31.60% from 25 to 44, 20.60% from 45 to 64, and 9.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females there were 93.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.80 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $39,961, and the median income for a family was $49,466. Males had a median income of $34,346 versus $25,909 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the county was $20,794. About 10.10% of families and 13.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.50% of those under age 18 and 12.00% of those age 65 or over.
Government and infrastructure
The South Carolina Department of CorrectionsSouth Carolina Department of Corrections
The South Carolina Department of Corrections is the agency responsible for corrections in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It currently has about 6,000 employees and 23,000 inmates, in 28 institutions. The agency has its headquarters in Columbia....
, headquartered in Columbia
Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan...
and in Richland County, operates several correctional facilities in Columbia and in Richland County. They include the Broad River Correctional Institution
Broad River Correctional Institution
Broad River Correctional Institution is a South Carolina Department of Corrections state prison for men located in Columbia, South Carolina. The State of South Carolina execution chamber is located in Broad River....
, the Goodman Correctional Institution, the Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution
Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution
Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution is a South Carolina Department of Corrections state prison for women in Columbia, South Carolina. The Women’s Reception and Evaluation Center, which processes all females entering SCDC, is in the prison....
, the Stevenson Correctional Institution, and the Campbell Pre-Release Center. Graham houses the state's female death row. The State of South Carolina execution chamber is located at Broad River. From 1990 to 1997 Broad River housed the state's male death row.
Attractions
- Congaree National ParkCongaree National ParkCongaree National Park preserves the largest tract of old growth bottomland hardwood forest left in the United States. Located in South Carolina, the 26,546-acre national park received that designation in 2003 as the culmination of a grassroots campaign which had started in 1969...
- Lake MurrayLake Murray (South Carolina)Lake Murray is a reservoir in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It is approximately 50,000 acres in size, and has roughly 500 miles of shoreline. It was impounded in the late 1920s to provide hydroelectric power to the state of South Carolina. Lake Murray is fed by the Saluda River, which flows...
- Riverbanks ZooRiverbanks ZooThe Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a zoo, aquarium, and botanical garden located at 500 Wildlife Parkway, along the Saluda River, in Columbia, South Carolina, USA.Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums ....
- Sesquicentennial State ParkSesquicentennial State ParkSesquicentennial State Park is a state park in the Sandhills region of South Carolina. Located in the suburbs of the state capital, Columbia, Sesquicentennial State Park's include a lake. Sesquicentennial State Park also includes many hiking trails, meeting facilities, a dorm, a ropes course,...
- South Carolina State MuseumSouth Carolina State MuseumThe South Carolina State Museum, located in Columbia, South Carolina, is the largest museum in the Southeastern United States. Positioned on an old shipping canal on the Congaree River that dates back to pre-Civil War times, the museum is widely recognized as a resource for South Carolina history...
- Martin Luther King Park
- Woodrow Wilson's boyhood home
- Richland County Public LibraryRichland County Public LibraryRichland County Public Library is the public library system of Richland County, South Carolina. It has 11 branches including its Main Library. In 2001, it was named the National Library of the Year by the Library Journal and the Gale Group.-History:...
Cities and towns
- Arcadia LakesArcadia Lakes, South CarolinaArcadia Lakes is a town in Richland County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 882 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Arcadia Lakes is located at ....
(pop. 2,450) - BlythewoodBlythewood, South CarolinaBlythewood is a town in Fairfield and Richland counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 2,034 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area....
(pop. 500) - CayceCayce, South CarolinaCayce is a city in Lexington and Richland counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina, along the Congaree River. The population was 12,150 at the 2000 census...
(Part) (pop. 12,597) - ColumbiaColumbia, South CarolinaColumbia is the state capital and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 129,272 according to the 2010 census. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a portion of the city extends into neighboring Lexington County. The city is the center of a metropolitan...
(pop. 129,333) - EastoverEastover, South CarolinaEastover is a town in Richland County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 830 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Eastover is located at ....
(pop. 830) - Forest AcresForest Acres, South CarolinaForest Acres is an upscale city in Richland County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 10,558 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
(pop. 10,908) - IrmoIrmo, South CarolinaIrmo is a town in Lexington and Richland counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina and a suburb of Columbia. It is 12 miles outside of the city center of Columbia and is part of the Columbia Metropolitan Statistical Area...
(pop. 11,039)
Unincorporated communities
- Arthurtown
- BallentineBallentine, South CarolinaBallentine is an unincorporated community in Richland County, South Carolina, United States. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area....
- Boyden Arbor
- Capitol View
- DentsvilleDentsville, South CarolinaDentsville is a census-designated place in Richland County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 13,009 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:...
(Pop. 13,009) - Eau ClaireEau Claire, South Carolina-Location:The Eau Claire community is bordered by Main St. and Monticello Rd. to the east, River Drive and Sunset Drive to the south, the Broad River to the west, and Interstate 20 to the north.-External links:*...
- GadsdenGadsden, South CarolinaGadsden is an unincorporated community in Richland County, South Carolina serving SC 48 and SC 769. The population of the town is 799 and it is part of the Columbia, South Carolina metropolitan area.-External links:...
- Harbison
- Hilton
- HopkinsHopkins, South CarolinaHopkins is an unincorporated community in Richland County, South Carolina, United States that was founded in circa 1836 named after John Hopkins...
- Horrell HillHorrell Hill, South CarolinaHorrel Hill is an unincorporated community in Lower Richland County, South Carolina, South Carolina. Situated south of Fort Jackson and northwest of McEntire Joint National Guard Base, it is centered at about the intersection of Garner's Ferry Road and Harmon Road/Horrel Hill Road...
- Killian
- Kingville
- Lake MurrayLake Murray of Richland, South CarolinaLake Murray of Richland is a census-designated place in Richland County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 3,526 at the 2000 census...
- Leesburg
- Lykes
- Mountain Brook
- Olympia
- Pontiac
- Riverside
- St. AndrewsSt. Andrews, South CarolinaSt. Andrews is a census-designated place in Richland County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 21,814 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:St...
(Pop. 21,814) - Spring Hill
- State Park
- Wateree
- Windsor Estates
- White RockWhite Rock, South CarolinaWhite Rock is an unincorporated community in northwestern Richland County, South Carolina, United States, a few miles north of Lake Murray. Although it is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP Code of 29177. The population of the ZCTA for ZIP Code 29177 was 463 at the 2000...
- WoodfieldWoodfield, South CarolinaWoodfield is a census-designated place in Richland County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 9,238 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Columbia, South Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area.-Geography:Woodfield is located at ....
(Pop. 9,238)
Rivers and lakes
- Broad RiverBroad River (Carolinas)The Broad River is a principal tributary of the Congaree River, about 150 miles long, in western North Carolina and northern South Carolina in the United States. Via the Congaree, it is part of the watershed of the Santee River, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean...
- Congaree RiverCongaree RiverThe Congaree River is a short but wide river in South Carolina in the United States; It flows for only 47 miles . The river serves an important role as the final outlet channel for the entire Lower Saluda and Lower Broad watersheds, before merging with the Wateree River just north of Lake Marion to...
- Lake MurrayLake Murray (South Carolina)Lake Murray is a reservoir in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It is approximately 50,000 acres in size, and has roughly 500 miles of shoreline. It was impounded in the late 1920s to provide hydroelectric power to the state of South Carolina. Lake Murray is fed by the Saluda River, which flows...
- Little RiverLittle River (Broad River)The Little River is a tributary of the Broad River flowing through Fairfield County, South Carolina and forming a small portion of Fairfield's border with Richland County.-References:1. http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Jenkinsville&state=SC...
- Saluda RiverSaluda RiverThe Saluda River is a principal tributary of the Congaree River, about 200 mi long, in northern and western South Carolina in the United States...
- Wateree RiverWateree RiverThe Wateree River, about 75 mi long, is a tributary of the Santee River in central South Carolina in the United States, which flows to the Atlantic Ocean...
Transportation
Public transportation in Richland County is provided by the Central Midlands Regional Transit AuthorityCentral Midlands Regional Transit Authority
The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority is the operator of mass transportation in Richland and Lexington Counties in South Carolina. Eighteen standard, all-day routes serve metropolitan Columbia, while eight peak hour routes and one weekend special are also operated by the transit...
.