RELOCATION & LIVING IN LAURENS COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA
CITIES & RESOURCES

HISTORIC CHARM & MODERN LIVING
Laurens County offers the best of both worlds: a small-town sense of community and easy access to unmatched dining, entertainment, dining, recreation, and healthcare.
WELCOME HOME TO LAURENS COUNTY
City of Laurens
The City of Laurens is a vibrant community of about 9,900 people, offering charming shops, unique dining, and a welcoming atmosphere. With a rich blend of history, culture, and small-town charm, Laurens is dedicated to education and economic growth. The city features beautiful parks and a picturesque Historic Downtown Square, all while preserving its small-town values. Laurens is growing, but its warmth and community spirit remain unchanged - come visit, and you may just decide to stay.

City of Clinton
The City of Clinton, home to approximately 8,500 residents and Presbyterian College, offers small-town charm and a friendly atmosphere. Located in the heart of Upstate South Carolina, Clinton is just minutes from I-385 and I-26 and less than an hour from Columbia, Greenville, and Spartanburg. With excellent neighborhoods, top-notch education, low crime rates, and strong city services, Clinton provides a high quality of life. The city's commitment to growth and strategic planning has created a vibrant community. From its lively downtown to family-friendly activities, Clinton has something for everyone.

Mountville
Mountville, located along Highway 72 between Clinton and Cross Hill, has a distinctive history tied to two locations. Originally, the Beaverdam community was home to a post office names after a steep hill near Ginger Creek. However, in 1892, the construction of the Seaboard Railroad two miles away spurred the development of a new railroad town, eventually replacing the original Mountville. Today, this quiet and well-established community in southern Laurens County remains rich in history, with a population of 122.

Cross Hill
The Town of Cross Hill is located in southeastern Laurens County. The area was a north-south Native American path across the fish dams on the Broad River and leading to the fish dams on the Savannah River. Many years ago, someone crossed the first path on a hill and gave Cross Hill its name. Today, the Town of Cross Hill is a modest community of 480 residents and is governed by a Mayor/Council form of government.

Joanna
Joanna is the largest non-incorporated community in the County, with 1,270 residents. For many years, the community was known as Goldville until its name was officially changed on August 1, 1948. During the War Between the States, the community around the railroad was known as Martin's Depot. On the night of April 30, 1865, Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his entourage spent the night a the nearby Lafayette Young House during their escape.

Fountain Inn
Fountain Inn is a dynamic city with a vibrant downtown filled with restaurants, boutique shops, and year-round family-friendly events. Enjoy award-winning cultural arts, live music, and outstanding outdoor recreation that make Fountain Inn a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, Fountain Inn offers a thriving, diverse, and educated community. The City of Fountain Inn partners with Greenville and Laurens Counties to support local businesses, and attract new ones, providing strategic investments that ensure a strong return for the community.

Gray Court
Gray Court, conveniently located just south of Greenville, offers easy access via I-385 (Exits 16 and 19), Highway 101, and Highway 14. Steeped in history, Gray Court is proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town features charming historic homes, churches, and businesses that showcase its rich heritage and dedication to preservation.

Waterloo
Waterloo, a charming town located 12 miles south of the City of Laurens, spans 1.4 square miles and has been a part of Laurens County history since its incorporation on December 4, 1885. With a population of 154, Waterloo is known for its abundant outdoor recreation. Nearby, history comes to life at Rosemont, the former plantation of Ann Pamela Cunningham, who played a pivotal role in preserving George Washington's Mount Vernon estate. For adventure seekers, the Gulches ORV Park stands as SC's premier destination for off-road enthusiasts. Governed by a Mayor/Council system, Waterloo remains a close-knit community.

Ware Shoals
The town of Ware Shoals spans across Abbeville, Greenwood, and Laurens counties, offering a relaxed and easy-going way of life along the scenic Saluda River. At the heart of the community is Irvin Pitts Park, affectionately known as "The Shoals," where visitors and locals enjoy sprawling rock formations, refreshing swimming holes, and prime fishing spots. The Saluda River has played a pivotal role in Ware Shoals' history, serving as the foundatin for its development.

Hickory Tavern
The Hickory Tavern community, located along Highway 76 just northwest of the City of Laurens, has a rich history and a bright future. Originally called New Market, the area is believed to have been renamed for a tavern operated by Henry Burrows in the 1800s, nestled in a grove of hickory trees. With its charm and proximity to larger counties, Hickory Tavern continues to attract newcomers seeking a welcoming community.


UPSTATE CHAMBER COALITION
ADVOCACY
The Laurens County Chamber of Commerce is a proud partner of the Upstate Chamber Coalition (UCC), a business advocacy coalition of 13 Upstate chambers of commerce. This group of chambers encompass 8,000 members and more than 200,000 employees, making it one of the largest pro-business advocacy groups in the state. For more information on the coalition, please visit upstatechamber.org.
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LOCAL FARMS & AGRITOURISM
AGRICULTURE
Laurens County is home to various farms, from dairy and poultry to livestock and more. There are plenty of chances for you to roll up your sleeves and experience farm life up close! Stop by our Visitors Center inside the Laurens County Chamber of Commerce to pick up your SC Agritourism Passport! Visit participating farms in Laurens County and across South Carolina—collect stamps along the way for a chance to win a sweet prize.

DIVERSE DENOMINATIONS & CONGREGATIONS
FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS
With a footprint spanning 724 mi², Laurens County has more than 250 religious-based institutions, with diverse denominations to accommodate the lifestyles of every resident. A multitude of knowledgeable, caring, interesting people make up the great collection of religious leaders in Laurens County. Visit our church directory list.

MEDICAL FACILITIES & COMMUNITY WELLNESS
HEALTHCARE
Laurens County is home to two exceptional healthcare facilities: Prisma Health Laurens County Hospital and Self Medical Center Laurens, both dedicate to delivering comprehensive care and supporting community wellness. Additionally, our locally committed primary care physicians across the community offer convenient access for children, families, and senior adults to receive ongoing medical.

QUALITY & AFFORDABILITY IN LAURENS COUNTY
HOUSING
Laurens County offers a variety of architectural styles from contemporary structures to gracious older homes and small farms. You’ll find older established neighborhoods and brand new subdivisions, but regardless of where you settle in Laurens County, quality housing is available and affordable. For more information contact one of our local Realtors or call the Chamber of Commerce at 864-833-2716.

WHERE TO STAY IN LAURENS COUNTY
LODGING
Take it easy and relax. Sit back and take things slow if you are here for a day trip, a few hours, or a week. Take in the beautiful landscapes, explore the small towns, and discover something unique. Then, at the end of your day, rest your head at one of our area hotels, RV parks, or campgrounds.

DEVELOPING & SUPPORTING IN LAURENS COUNTY
WORKFORCE
Local high schools prepare students for advanced manufacturing through the South Carolina Manufacturing Certification (SCMC) program. Additionally, the Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM), provides cutting-edge training in CNC, welding, and mechatronics.
The Laurens County Development Corporation (LCDC) drives workforce development, supporting over 600,000 workers within a 45-minute drive time. Through innovative programs, LCDC promotes manufacturing careers and highlights education and career pathways to build a strong talent pipeline.
SPOTLIGHT ON
EDUCATION
Laurens County offers an impressive array of educational options, ensuring every resident has access to a bright future. With two public school districts, private schools, a technical college with an Advanced Manufacturing Center, a four-year college, a pharmacy school, and proximity to numerous higher education institutions, students have countless opportunities at their fingertips.
Public Schools
Laurens County School District 56 serves the City of Clinton and southern Laurens County. This district serves approximately 3,069 students in three elementary schools and two secondary schools, as well as a Child Development Center for grades preK-4K. Approximately 400 employees work in the district, and more than half of the teachers, proudly, hold advanced degrees.
Laurens County School District (LCSD) 55 serves approximately 6,000 students from diverse backgrounds from preschool through twelfth grade. The staff of 875 teachers and support personnel at Laurens County School District 55 is devoted to developing the full potential of every child.
Private Schools
Laurens Academy is a college preparatory Christian school accredited by the SCISA and Cognia/SACS. It offers a traditional, classical education from K4 through high school, culminating in a dual enrollment program with the University of South Carolina. The curriculum includes visual and choral arts, foreign languages, computer studies, and a competitive athletic program.
Faith Christian School and Lighthouse Christian Academy are also located in Laurens County.
Thornwell Charter School
Thornwell Charter School (TCS) provides a rigorous, personalized academic environment and is recognized as a Palmetto Silver School. Utilizing the Teaching Family Behavioral model to develop prosocial skills, the school serves students in grades 5K-12. TCS also offers a variety of sports, theatre, band, and dual enrollment courses.
Presbyterian College
Presbyterian College, a private liberal arts institution in Clinton, SC, offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs, including a Pharm.D. through its School of Pharmacy. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, PC is recognized as a "First-Gen Forward" institution for its support of first-generation students and has earned national accolades form U.S. News & World Report and Money Magazine.
Piedmont Technical College
Founded in 1966 and accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, Piedmont Technical College (PTC) is a comprehensive two-year college offering university-level education and hands-on career training. Serving Laurens and six other counties in the region, the college offers a wide variety of career studies programs to prepare individuals for the workforce, continuing education, and university transfer.
USC Union at Laurens
Located in Clinton, the University of South Carolina Union at Laurens location is excited to offer associate degree-level course work, upper-level courses towards bachelor's degrees in liberal studies and organizational leadership, as well as dual-credit course work for area high school students in Laurens County. Students also have the opportunity to join Bantam Athletics by joining the golf or bass fishing team on campus.
Center for Advanced Manufacturing
The Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM), part of PTC's Laurens County Campus is located along the I-385 corridor and is within easy driving distance of industrial and business sites. The Center has been established to support the manufacturing sector's growing training needs in the region. The CAM houses CNC, CMM, Welding and Mechatronics labs and classrooms which will benefit industry and the residents of Laurens County for years to come by providing the local workforce with a means for upgrading their work skills with relevant technology-based training.
Laurens County Public Library System
The Laurens County Public Library System (lcpl) serves the community through two library locations and a mobile bookmobile service. The main library, located at 1017 West Main Street in Laurens, spans 23,000 square feet and offers meeting rooms, study spaces, and a genealogy collection. The second location broke ground in July 2023 at 304 W. Pitts Street in Clinton. This new 11,000-square-foot facility will include dedicated spaces for teens, children, and adults, along with study and meeting rooms. The bookmobile extends services to smaller communities, visiting homes and other locations.
Future Scholarship Program
Unique to Laurens County, our Future Scholarship “Educating Laurens County” program offers all our high school graduates the opportunity to attend Piedmont Technical College or USCU at Laurens for two years (tuition free).








