Total Population, 2010, 2021, and 2020 Estimates
| Region | 2010 | 2021 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cherokee | 55,342 | 57,965 | 59,228 |
| Upstate Region | 1,362,073 | 1,544,124 | 1,631,029 |
| South Carolina | 4,625,364 | 5,321,206 | 5,665,411 |
Population by Age
| Age | 2010 | 2021 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | 6.7% | 5.8% | 5.7% |
| 5 to 9 | 6.7% | 6.2% | 5.9% |
| 10 to 14 | 6.9% | 6.3% | 6.4% |
| 15 to 24 | 13.8% | 11.3% | 11.4% |
| 25 to 34 | 11.5% | 13.4% | 10.9% |
| 35 to 44 | 13.9% | 12.2% | 13.2% |
| 45 to 54 | 14.2% | 13.2% | 12.6% |
| 55 to 64 | 12.8% | 13.3% | 13.3% |
| 65+ | 13.5% | 18.3% | 20.6% |
Source: US Census Bureau, 2010 Census Population and Housing. ESRI forecasts for 2015 and 2020 (unless otherwise stated)
Monthly Employment by Industry Group
| NAICS | INDUSTRY | AVE. EMP. |
|---|---|---|
| 11, 21 | Natural Resources and Mining | 147 |
| 23 | Construction | 588 |
| 31 | Manufacturing | 5,571 |
| 22, 42, 44, 48 | Trade, Transportation and Utilities | 4,296 |
| 51 | Information | 95 |
| 52, 53 | Financial Activities | 507 |
| 54, 55, 56 | Professional and Business Services | 1,276 |
| 61, 62 | Education and Health Services | 2,048 |
| 71, 72 | Leisure and Hospitality | 1,789 |
| 81 | Other Svcs (except Public Admin.) | 286 |
| 90 | Government | 2,252 |
Source: QCEW Employees – EMSI 2015.3 Class of Worker
Educational Attainment, 25+, 2015 Forecasts
Population by Race, 2010, 2015, and 2020 Estimate
| 2010 | 2015 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 75.0% | 74.3% | 73.4% |
| Black | 20.4% | 20.4% | 20.4% |
| Am. Indian/Alaska Native | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.5% |
| Asian | 0.6% | 0.7% | 0.8% |
| Hawaiian/Pacific Islander | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% |
| Some Other Race | 2.2% | 2.5% | 2.9% |
| Two or More Races | 1.4% | 1.8% | 2.1% |
| Hispanic Origin (Any Race) | 3.7% | 4.1% | 4.7% |
Top 5 Manufacturing
| # | Company | Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Freightliner | 1,100 |
| 2 | Nestle | 1,100 |
| 3 | Milliken | 810 |
| 4 | Browns Packing | 600 |
| 5 | Dollar Tree | 600 |
Source: SC Appalachian Council of Governments and County Economic Development Office
Median Household Income, 2023
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $49,047 |
| Per-Capita Income | $27,175 |
| Poverty Rate | 16.8% |
ESRI forecasts for 2015 and 2020
Per Capita Income, 2015 and 2020
| 2015 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cherokee | $19,378 | $21,971 |
| South Carolina | $23,782 | $26,314 |
ESRI forecasts for 2015 and 2020
Households & Families 2010, 2015, and 2020 Estimate
| 2010 | 2015 | 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| # of Households | 21,519 | 21,862 | 22,199 |
| # of Families | 14,833 | 14,941 | 15,212 |
| Ave HH Size: | 2.54 | 2.54 | 2.54 |
| Owner-Occupied: | 14,833 | 14,692 | 14,920 |
| Renter-Occupied: | 6,686 | 7,177 | 7,280 |
| Median Age: | 38.2 | 39.1 | 39.9 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2010 Census of Population and Housing. ESRI forecasts for 2015 and 2020 (unless otherwise stated)
Worker Inflow/Outflow, 2013
| Live & Work in County: | 10,507 |
| Commute into County: | 10,399 |
| Commute Out of County: | 16,600 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, OnTheMap Application and LEHD Origin-Destination Employment Statistics
Gross Retail Sales (Millions) by Fiscal Year
| FY 2005-06 | $968,227 |
| FY 2006-07 | $1,142,921 |
| FY 2007-08 | $1,134,964 |
| FY 2008-09 | $1,118,482 |
| FY 2009-10 | $1,062,377 |
| FY 2010-11 | $1,198,106 |
| FY 2011-12 | $1,237,291 |
| FY 2012-13 | $1,307,897 |
| FY 2013-14 | $1,590,094 |
| FY 2014-15 | $1,401,572 |
Source: SC Department of Revenue and Taxation
Transportation
| Interstate Access | I-85 |
| Nearest Commercial Airline | Greenville-Spartanburg International, Charlotte-DouglasInternational |
| Airlines | Northwest, Southwest, Continental, United Express, Delta, American Airlines |
| Nearest Civil Airport | Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport, Shelby-Cleveland County Regional Airport |
| Port Access | Port of Charleston, 206 miles from City of Gaffney |
| Rail Providers | NSR |
Economic Development
The county was named for the Cherokee Indians who used to use the land to huntgame.It was formed in 1897, and the county seat was named after its original founder, Micheal Gaffney. Iron mining was such an important activity in this region before the Civil War, it is sometimes called the Old Iron District.After the creation and expansion of I85,Cherokee County has found itself growing as the last frontier of South Carolina before reaching the North Carolina Borderalong the 85 corridor. The manufacturing industries took notice beginning with Timken in 1971.They offered an alternative working environment to the old textile mills that had employed generations of locals. While there are still many Textile companies left in the County, there are also many new and exciting industries that have moved in to call Cherokee County home. Today, Cherokee Countyenjoys a thriving and profitable local economy and an abundance of natural and manufactured resources.Cherokee County sits in a prime location just off I-85 between Charlotte, NC and Greenville/Spartanburg, SC. Charlotte’s Douglas International Airport and the Greenville –Spartanburg International Airport are both within 45 miles and the mainline of Norfolk Southern Railroad runs through Cherokee County. The Port of Charleston is easily accessible via major highways. Cherokee County offers an unbeatable combination of such factorssuch as an abundant and educated work force with customized training by South Carolina Special Schools, a diversified industrial base, low cost of living and quality of life, pro-business local governments, and easy access to transportation routes.
About Cherokee County
Cherokee County Development Board
James R. Cook, III, Executive Director
(864) 206-2804
www.cherokeecountydevelopmentboard.com
Upstate SC Alliance
John Lummus, President/CEO
(864) 283-2300
www.upstatescalliance.com
Additional Sources
www.sciway.net
www.theupcountry.com
www.cherokeecountysc.com
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