Horry County, South Carolina

Horry County, South Carolina

Horry County is a county located in the U.S. state of South Carolina. This name honored Revolutionary War Hero, Peter Horry. Brigadier General Horry was born in South Carolina sometime around 1743 and started his distinguished military career in 1775 as one of 20 captains the Provincial Congress of South Carolina elected to serve the 1st and 2nd Regiments. In 1790 he was assigned to the South Carolina militia under Brigadier General Francis “Swamp Fox” Marion.

As of 2005, the population of Horry County is 226,992. Founded in 1801, its county seat is Conway6, and its largest city is Myrtle Beach. The county shares with Georgetown County an arc-shaped strip of sandy beaches and barrier islands called the Grand Strand, which is a major U. S. tourist destination and retirement community. The area centered in Myrtle Beach is becoming a metropolitan area.

As of the census²estimates of 2003, there were 210,757 people, 81,800 households, and 54,478 families residing in the county. Horry is one of South Carolinas fastest growing counties. The population density was 67/km² (173/mi²). There were 122,085 housing units at an average density of 42/km² (108/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 81.05% White, 15.50% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 1.16% from other races, and 1.07% from two or more races. 2.57% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 81,800 households out of which 26.30% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.40% were married couples living together, 11.50% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.40% were non-families. 25.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.50% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the county, the population was spread out with 21.30% under the age of 18, 9.40% from 18 to 24, 29.30% from 25 to 44, 25.00% from 45 to 64, and 15.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 96.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,470, and the median income for a family was $42,676. Males had a median income of $27,663 versus $21,676 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,949. About 8.40% of families and 12.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.90% of those under age 18 and 8.70% of those age 65 or over.

Major Cities

* Conway
* Myrtle Beach
* North Myrtle Beach

Other Cities and towns

* Aynor
* Bucksport
* Garden City
* Loris
* Socastee
* Surfside Beach

Small towns and Communities

* Allsbrook
* Atlantic Beach
* Bayboro
* Briacliffe Acres
* Brookesville
* Bucksville
* Burgess
* Carolina Forest
* Cherry Grove
* Crescent Beach
* Forestbrook
* Galivants Ferry
* Glass Hill
* Grande Dunes
* Gurley
* Hickory Grove
* Ingram Beach
* Konig
* Little River
* Longs
* Myrtle Ridge
* Nixonville
* Poplar
* Prince Creek
* Red Hill
* Slumville
* Springmaid Beach
* Wachesaw
* Wampee
* Windy Hill

Horry County, South Carolina History

Originally part of colonial Craven County (1682), Horry County has also been part of Prince George Winyah (1722), Prince Frederick (1734), and All Saints (1767) parishes, which served as early religious and civic jurisdictions. This area, which became part of newly-formed Georgetown District in 1769, was given its present boundaries and named Kingston County in 1785. In 1801, it was renamed Horry District, and, in 1868, Horry County.

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