Loris, South Carolina

As of the census^GR2 of 2000, there were 2,079 people, 819 households, and 546 families residing in the city. The population density was 258.1/km² (668.2/mi²). There were 922 housing units at an average density of 114.5/km² (296.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was link title56.66% White, 40.45% African American, 0.10% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 1.30% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.69% of the population.

There were 819 households out of which 25.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.7% were married couples living together, 21.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.3% were non-families. 29.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the city the population was spread out with 22.5% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 82.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 74.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,250, and the median income for a family was $33,036. Males had a median income of $25,750 versus $17,180 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,779. About 22.7% of families and 28.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 44.7% of those under age 18 and 20.7% of those age 65 or over.

[edit] Brief History

Development in the late 1800's drove the Chadbourn Lumber Company ^[1] to purchase a tract of land on December 7, 1887 from James Patterson. The five sided lot was purchased for $1 and Loris, South Carolina was born. The railroad company built a depot on the land to service their trains and a successful timber business.

The town was named after either a novel or a favorite dog of the Chadbourn children.

By 1890, there were four stores near Todd's Ferry Road, now Main Street. Grew by leaps and bounds during the early 1900's. On July 26, 1902, Loris was incorporated with a one mile radius. The first mayor was D. J. Butler.

The Agribusiness industry has always been driving force for growth in the area. At one time Loris had the largest tobacco market and best cotton market in the state of South Carolina. ^[2] The 20's and 30's saw the city grow into an economic center for Northern Horry County.

[edit] Government

The city is run by an elected Mayor-council government system.

[edit] Mayor

David E. Stoudenmire, Jr.

[edit] Council Members

Joan S. Gause, Thessalonia Graham, Lewis C. Hardee Jr., Shirley O. Craigie, Michael E. Suggs, Estelle S. Wright

[edit] Law and Order

Loris has its own Police force, Loris Police Department ^[3], supported by Horry County Police Department.

[edit] Media

The Loris Scene (local news)

[edit] Transportation

[edit] Airports

Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
Twin City Airport (5J9) (local airport for light aircraft)

[edit] Mass Transit

The Coast RTA ^[4] - Bus system operating seven days a week, 364 days a year. 15 routes throughout the Horry County/Grand Strand area, including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach, Conway, Loris, and Aynor.

[edit] Famous Natives

Robert H. Brooks, founder of Hooters in the mid 1980's and the Naturally Fresh Foods in Atlanta, Georgia, 1966. Born Loris September 13, 1937, Died Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, July 15, 2006.

[edit] Dining and Festivals

Chicken Bog, ^[5] is a dish of chicken, rice, sausage and spices; that originated in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. The annual Loris Bog-off is held on the second weekend in October, at Horry County Fairgrounds, on highway 701. It bring rides, concessions, performers, and animals to the area, along with a recently-added dirtbike racing track.

In the area there are several restaurants. The five fast-food restaurants in town are KFC, Hardee's, Subway, and McDonalds all on 701. The other is Tastee Freeze on Main St. (US Hwy 9) headed towards North Myrtle Beach.

Other restaurants in town include locally-owned Fowler's Grill, Shorty's Grill, American Hero, and Santino's Pizza.