Midlands of South Carolina facts for kids

The eight counties that usually compose the Midlands.

The Midlands region of South Carolina is the middle area of the state. The region's main center is Columbia, the state's capital. The Midlands is so named because it is halfway point between the Upstate and the Lowcountry. The main area code is 803.

The area has become a major business center in the state, for its growing production of paper products, textile, medical supplies and steel. It is also a center for farming and medical care. The area is also involved in attractions and tourism, featuring shopping, fishing and amusement.

Counties

The Midlands area of South Carolina includes at least these eight counties:

• Calhoun
• Fairfield
• Kershaw
• Lexington
• Orangeburg
• Richland
• Saluda
• Sumter

This region is largely coextensive with the Columbia metropolitan area (which includes Newberry County and excludes Sumter County) and the Columbia television and radio market (all eight counties plus Newberry)

A portion of Orangeburg county is located in the Midlands, the western part is located in the CSRA (Central Savannah River Area), and the eastern part of the county is considered to be located in the Lowcountry. The middle part of Orangeburg county is located in the Midlands region.

Cities

Columbia skyline coming from North Main St.

Primary cities

(including county and 2006 census bureau population estimates)

• Columbia, Richland and Lexington 122,819
• Sumter, Sumter 39,159
• Orangeburg, Orangeburg 13,563

Suburban towns and cities over 10,000 in population

(including county and 2006 census bureau population estimates)

• Cayce, Lexington 12,597
• Forest Acres Richland 10,558
• Irmo, Richland and Lexington 11,338
• Lexington, Lexington 17,110
• Newberry, Newberry 10,874
• West Columbia Lexington 13,670

Suburbs with less than 10,000 inhabitants

(including county and 2006 census bureau population estimates)

Unincorporated communities

(2000 Census Figures)

• Dentsville, Richland 13,009
• Gadsden, Richland
• Hopkins, Richland 13,025
• Lake Murray of Richland, Richland 3,526
• Seven Oaks, Lexington 15,755
• St. Andrews, Richland 21,814
• Woodfield, Richland 9,238

Higher education

Images for kids

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  New Lexington Courthouse