Beaufort County, South Carolina
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| Beaufort County, South Carolina | |
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| Map | |
 Location in the state of South Carolina |
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| Statistics | |
| Formed | 1769 |
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| Seat | Beaufort |
| Area - Total - Land - Water |
2,390 km² (923 mi²) 1,520 km² (587 mi²) 870 km² (336 mi²), 36.41% |
| Population - (2000) - Density |
120,937 (137,849 2005 estimate) 80/km² |
| Website: www.co.beaufort.sc.us | |
Beaufort County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. As of 2000, the population was 120,937 (137,849 in 2005 estimate). Its county seat is Beaufort6.
Beaufort County is one of the South's fastest growing counties, primarily because of the development of resorts at Hilton Head and the other Sea Islands. There is also a strong military presence around the city of Beaufort. As defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Hilton Head Island-Beaufort Micropolitan Area is comprised of Beaufort and Jasper Counties. Beaufort County's population is over 70% urban.
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[edit] Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2,390 km² (923 mi²). 1,520 km² (587 mi²) of it is land and 870 km² (336 mi²) of it (36.41%) is water.
[edit] Adjacent Counties
- Colleton County, South Carolina - north
- Jasper County, South Carolina - west
- Hampton County, South Carolina - northwest
[edit] Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 120,937 people, 45,532 households, and 33,056 families residing in the county. The population density was 80/km² (206/mi²). There were 60,509 housing units at an average density of 40/km² (103/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 70.66% White, 23.98% Black or African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.79% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.84% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. 6.79% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 45,532 households out of which 30.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.20% were married couples living together, 11.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% were non-families. 21.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 2.90.
In the county, the population was spread out with 23.30% under the age of 18, 12.00% from 18 to 24, 27.20% from 25 to 44, 22.10% from 45 to 64, and 15.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 102.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.00 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $46,992, and the median income for a family was $52,704. Males had a median income of $30,541 versus $25,284 for females. The per capita income for the county was $25,377. About 8.00% of families and 10.70% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.40% of those under age 18 and 6.70% of those age 65 or over.
As of the 2000 census, the population of Beaufort County was 71% urban and 29% rural. It contained the Beaufort (2000 pop.: 46,227), Hilton Head Island (34,400), and Bluffton (6,136) Urban Clusters. The Hilton Head and Bluffton clusters may be merged by the 2010 census. The populations of Beaufort and Jasper Counties are joined as the Hilton Head Island-Beaufort Micropolitan Area with a total 2005 estimated population of 159,247 (87% within Beaufort County).
[edit] Cities and towns
- Beaufort
- Bluffton
- Burton
- Hilton Head Island
- Laurel Bay
- Parris Island
- Port Royal
- Shell Point
- Yemassee
[edit] Islands
Some islands are also townships.
- Dawtaw Island
- Daufuskie Island
- Fripp Island
- Harbor Island
- Hilton Head Island
- Hunting Island
- Lady's Island
- Parris Island
- Port Royal
- Saint Helena
[edit] Further reading
- Lawrence S. Rowland; " The History of Beaufort County, South Carolina"; 1996, University of South Carolina Press, ISBN 1-57003-090-1.
