Dillon County is located in the northeastern corner of South Carolina. It is one of the smallest counties in the state, with a population of just over 32,000 people. Despite its small size, Dillon County is rich in history and culture and offers a unique experience to residents and visitors alike. See top counties in South Carolina.
The largest city in Dillon County is Latta, which has an estimated population of 2,851 people as of 2020. Other smaller cities include Lake View (1,913), Little Rock (1,339), and Fork (1,105). There are also several unincorporated villages spread throughout the county such as Sardis and Hoffman that have populations ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand people each.
Dillon County has seen steady growth over the past decade with its population increasing by 7% since 2010. This growth has been driven by new businesses moving into the area as well as an influx of young professionals looking for affordable housing options close to Florence or Myrtle Beach. With its rural charm and close proximity to major cities in South Carolina it’s no wonder why so many people are choosing to make Dillon County their home.
The county seat for Dillon County is located in downtown Latta at the historic courthouse built in 1835. This beautiful two-story building still stands today and serves as a reminder of Dillon’s proud heritage. The courthouse also houses the county’s historical society which offers various educational programs throughout the year including lectures on local history and genealogy classes for those interested in tracing their family tree back generations.
Dillon County also boasts numerous outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, camping, bird watching, horseback riding and more. There are four public parks located within the county offering various amenities including picnic areas, playgrounds, tennis courts, basketball courts and more for all ages to enjoy year-round. For those looking for a bit more adventure, there are several secluded fishing spots along Lake View Creek or one can take an ATV excursion through Little Rock State Forest where they can get up close to nature while admiring stunning views over Dillon Lake off in the distance.
History of Dillon County, South Carolina
Dillon County is located in the southeastern corner of South Carolina and has a long and storied history. The county was formed in 1910 from the eastern portion of Marion County, and was named after James W. Dillon, a prominent local businessman who had previously served as a state senator. The county seat is located in downtown Latta, which was founded in 1835 and has been the county’s largest city since its formation.
Prior to European settlement, the area now known as Dillon County was inhabited by Native American tribes including the Catawba, Pee Dee, Cheraw, and Waxhaw tribes. Europeans began settling in the area in the early 1700s and established several small towns such as Little Rock and Fork that still exist today. During the Civil War, Dillon County favored secession but largely avoided direct conflict due to its rural location. Afterward, cotton farming became common practice throughout much of Dillon County until it declined due to soil depletion in the early 20th century.
In more recent years, Dillon County has seen steady growth driven by new businesses moving into the area as well as an influx of young professionals looking for affordable housing options close to Florence or Myrtle Beach. Agriculture still plays an important role in Dillon County with many farms dotting its rural landscape; however, it is increasingly being supplemented by manufacturing jobs at local factories such as DAK Americas and Sonoco Products Company located just outside Latta city limits.
Dillon County also boasts numerous outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, hunting, boating, camping bird watching horseback riding and more. There are four public parks located within the county offering various amenities including picnic areas playgrounds tennis courts basketball courts and more for all ages to enjoy year-round.
From its Native American roots to its modern-day attractions Dillon County has something for everyone to enjoy throughout each season making it one of South Carolina’s most beloved counties both past and present.
Major cities and towns in Dillon County, South Carolina
Dillon County, South Carolina is a vibrant and diverse region located in the Pee Dee area of the state. The county is home to several cities and towns, each with its own unique charm and culture. The largest city in Dillon County is Latta, which was founded in 1835 and serves as the county seat. Latta is a bustling small city that offers a variety of amenities including restaurants, retail stores, hotels, parks, and more. Other popular cities in Dillon County include Little Rock, Fork, Hamer, Lake View, and Clio.
Little Rock is one of the oldest towns in Dillon County with roots dating back to the early 1700s. It’s located just northwest of Latta near Lake Wallace and has been home to many generations of families over the years. Little Rock offers a variety of shopping opportunities including local specialty shops as well as larger chain stores like Walmart. It also has several parks including Tatum Park which features walking trails as well as picnic areas and playgrounds for children to enjoy.
Fork is another small town located just south of Latta that dates back to the late 1700s. It’s known for its rural setting and charming downtown area that features numerous antique shops as well as restaurants serving traditional Southern cuisine such as fried chicken or barbeque sandwiches. The town also hosts an annual festival each summer known as “Fork Fest” which includes rides carnival games food vendors arts & crafts booths live music & more.
Hamer is a small town located near Fork that was established in 1845 by John Hamer who served in both World Wars I & II before returning home to build his namesake community from scratch. Today, Hamer retains its traditional small-town charm while also offering modern amenities such as a library a community center & several churches for residents to enjoy.
Lake View is situated along Lake Wallace just east of Latta & it’s one of the most popular destinations for outdoor recreation activities such as fishing boating sailing swimming etc… The town also features two public parks – Lake View Park & Freedom Park – which offer amenities such as picnic areas playgrounds tennis courts basketball courts & more.
Clio is located near Lake Wallace about 12 miles south of Latta & it’s known for its friendly atmosphere & welcoming attitude toward visitors. Clio was established in 1845 by William Clio who served in both World Wars I & II before returning home to build his namesake community from scratch. Today, Clio retains its traditional small-town charm while also offering modern amenities such as restaurants shopping centers banks local businesses etc…
From bustling cities like Latta to charming rural towns like Fork Dillon County has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for outdoor recreation activities or simply want to experience true Southern hospitality there’s something here for everyone.
Population in Dillon County, South Carolina
According to Iamaccepted, Dillon County is located in South Carolina and is home to a population of approximately 32,000 people. The county seat is Dillon, which is the largest city in the county. The county has a population density of 69 people per square mile, which is slightly lower than the South Carolina average of 79 people per square mile. The racial makeup of the county is primarily white at 63%, followed by Black or African American at 24%, Hispanic or Latino at 8%, and other races at 5%.
The median household income in Dillon County is $33,369, which is lower than the South Carolina median household income of $50,570. The poverty rate in Dillon County is 22.7%, which is higher than the South Carolina poverty rate of 16%. The unemployment rate in Dillon County stands at 5.4%, which is lower than the national unemployment rate of 6.9%.
The major industries in Dillon County are manufacturing, retail trade, and health care and social assistance. The largest employers include Marlowe Manufacturing Company, Walmart Supercenter, Pee Dee Regional Medical Center, and Dillon School District Two. There are also many small businesses located throughout the county that provide goods and services to residents and visitors alike.
Education in Dillon County consists of one public school district with seven elementary schools, three middle schools, two high schools (Dillon High School and Lake View High School), one career center (Dillon Career & Technology Center), one alternative school (Pee Dee Academy), two private schools (St. Edwards Catholic School and First Baptist Christian Academy), as well as several post-secondary institutions such as Florence-Darlington Technical College and Francis Marion University – Pee Dee Regional Campus.
Dillon County provides its residents with an affordable cost of living combined with a variety of educational opportunities making it an attractive place to live for families looking for a rural lifestyle without sacrificing access to amenities found in larger cities nearby such as Florence or Myrtle Beach. With its small-town charm combined with modern amenities such as restaurants shopping centers banks local businesses etc., it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this area home.