McCormick County Economic Development
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Formed in 1916, McCormick County was settled by Scotch-Irish, French Huguenot, and German Farmers. The County’s natural beauty, abundant resources, and location are what attracted early settlers and what continue to make McCormick County a unique place today. McCormick County is geographically positioned within 100 miles of six major metropolitan statistical areas, including: Atlanta, Augusta-Aiken, Anderson, Columbia, Greenville and Spartanburg MSAs. McCormick County is business ready, with an available 42 acre industrial site and a business friendly environment full of opportunities.
LABOR, EMPLOYMENT AND POPULATION
| Labor Force & Employment, Sept. 2011 | Median Hourly Wage Rates by Occupation | |||
| Labor Force | 3,299 | All Occupations | $14.04 | |
| Employment | 2,800 | Business & Financial Operations | $22.06 | |
| Unemployed | 499 | Computer & Mathematical | $27.76 | |
| Unemployment Rate | 15.1% | Architectural & Engineering | $30.48 | |
| Underemployed in County Labor Shed | N/A | Construction & Extraction | $15.07 | |
| Production Occupations | $15.18 | |||
| Per Capita Income | $23,284 | Transportation & Moving | $12.21 | |
| Source: BLS, LAUS Sept. 2011; SCDOR | Source: BLS, OES May 2010, Upper Savannah, SC | |||
According to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce’s SC Works Online Services, there are 2,030 potential candidates looking for work in McCormick County under the Production Occupation group as of October 21st, 2011.
| County Population | 45-Minute Drive Time Population (McCormick) | |||
| 1990 Census | 8,868 | 1990 Census | 82,088 | |
| 2000 Census | 9,958 | 2000 Census | 93,579 | |
| 2010 Census | 10,233 | 2010 Census | 96,887 | |
| 2010 Census Age 16+ | 8,944 | 2010 Census Age 16+ | 78,065 | |
| 2010 Census Age 21+ | 8,504 | 2010 Census Age 25+ | 66,636 | |
| 2010 Census Median Age | 50.0 | 2010 Census Median Age | 39.9 | |
| Age 25+ with Bachelor’s Degree or Higher | 14.9% | Age 25+ with Bachelor’s Degree | 13.6% | |
| Source: U.S. Census Bureau | Source: Demographics Now | |||
QUALITY OF LIFE
McCormick County’s scenic landscape, year round mild climate, and proximity to large metropolitan areas are just a few reasons why it’s a great place to live. The County is home to numerous attractions and festivals including: the Gold Rush Days Festival, Thunder Over Thurmond, and the MACK Art Gallery. There are also many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, Lake Thurmond and Little River Blueway outdoor adventure area offer camping, fishing, boating and hunting. McCormick County offers a very high quality of life, at a fraction of expected costs; with a cost of living index of 0.81 (U.S. = 1.0), quality of life amenities are within easy reach.
INFRASTRUCTURE
US 378, US 221, and US 25 pass through McCormick County. For interstate access, I-20 is within 34 miles and I-85 is within 50 miles. Utility services are provided by McCormick County Water and Sewer, Aiken Electric Cooperative, SCE&G, and Little River Electric Cooperative. West Carolina Tel provides the entire county with Fiber Broadband enabling engagement in the global economy. The McCormick County airport has one paved runway and is just 1.8 miles from the central business district. The Augusta Regional Airport is nearby, 48 miles away, in Augusta; and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport is 72 miles from the town of McCormick.
EXISTING INDUSTRY
| Industry Description | NAICS | Employing Units | Employed | AVG Weekly Wage |
| Total, Private and Government | 10 | 138 | 1,708 | $576 |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing & Hunting | 11 | - | - | - |
| Construction | 23 | 11 | 80 | $526 |
| Manufacturing | 31-33 | 4 | 193 | $754 |
| Wholesale Trade | 42 | 4 | 12 | $1,767 |
| Retail Trade | 44-45 | 22 | 114 | $380 |
| Finance and Insurance | 52 | 7 | 18 | $511 |
| Real Estate & Rental Leasing | 53 | - | - | - |
| Admin, Support & Waste Management & Remediation | 56 | - | - | - |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | 62 | 8 | 159 | $519 |
| Arts, Entertainment and Recreation | 71 | - | - | - |
| Accommodation & Food Services | 72 | 9 | 39 | $171 |
| Other Services (Except Public Administration) | 81 | - | - | - |
| Accommodation & Food Services | 72 | 9 | 39 | $171 |
| Source: BLS, QCEW, Fourth Quarter 2010. |
MAJOR EMPLOYERS
| Company Name | Employees | NAICS Code | Description |
| McCormick County | 300 | 921190 | School District |
| Petra Health & Rehab of McCormick | 140 | 623110 | Nursing Care Facility |
| Savannah Lakes Village | 140 | 813410 | Civil and Social Club |
| Mt. Vernon Mills-Riegel | 88 | 314129 | Fabrics and Textile Manufacturer |
| Georgia Pacific | 67 | 321113 | Sawmill and Wood Merchant Wholesaler |
| Strom Thurmond Lake Visitor Center | 50 | 713990 | All Other Amusement & Recreation Industry |
| Sun Grow Horticulture | 30 | 422910 | Processed Bark |
| Source: Central SC Records and Reference USA | |||