Moving to Abbeville, South Carolina

The current estimated population of Abbeville is 5,010, including 46% male and 54% female. The city has experienced a slight population decrease due to economic shifts, though it remains an important historical and cultural center.

City Facts:

  • Founded: 1785
  • County: Abbeville County
  • Land Area: 6.1 square miles
  • Population Density: 821 people per square mile
  • Area Code: 864
  • Zip Code: 29620

Geography and Location Overview: Abbeville is located in northwestern South Carolina, close to the Georgia border and nestled within the Piedmont region’s rolling hills. As the county seat of Abbeville County, the city has a deep historical significance, often referred to as the birthplace of the Confederacy. The surrounding landscape is dominated by forests and farmland, with Lake Russell and the Savannah River nearby, offering recreational activities. Abbeville is known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, including the famous Abbeville Opera House, and serves as a cultural hub for the region. The town’s blend of history, natural beauty, and community-oriented atmosphere makes it a unique destination in South Carolina.

Demographics

Median resident age: 36.1 years
Median household income: $25,756
Median house value: $59,200

Population by Race

Races in Abbeville:

  • White Non-Hispanic (50.2%)
  • Black (48.5%)
  • Hispanic (0.8%)

Ancestries: English (9.6%), United States (8.8%), Irish (6.8%), German (3.9%), Scotch-Irish (2.8%), Italian (1.3%).

Elevation: 597 feet

Land area: 5.9 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Abbeville

  • High school or higher: 70.5%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 11.6%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 4.7%
  • Unemployed: 7.1%
  • Mean travel time to work: 21.6 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Abbeville city

  • Never married: 31.7%
  • Now married: 44.2%
  • Separated: 2.9%
  • Widowed: 12.8%
  • Divorced: 8.4%

1.5% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -500 (-7.9%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in Abbeville:

  • ABBEVILLE COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (PO BOX 887)

Other hospitals/medical centers near Abbeville:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Abbeville:

  • ANDERSON RGNL (about 31 miles; ANDERSON, SC; Abbreviation: AND)
  • DONALDSON CENTER (about 40 miles; GREENVILLE, SC; Abbreviation: GYH)
  • GREENVILLE-SPARTANBURG INTL (about 50 miles; GREER, SC; Abbreviation: GSP)

Other public-use airports nearest to Abbeville:

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Abbeville:

  • PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 16 miles; GREENWOOD, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,406)
  • LANDER UNIVERSITY (about 16 miles; Greenwood, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,429)
  • TRI-COUNTY TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 42 miles; PENDLETON, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,343)
  • GREENVILLE TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 45 miles; GREENVILLE, SC; Full-time enrollment: 6,157)
  • BOB JONES UNIVERSITY (about 48 miles; GREENVILLE, SC; Full-time enrollment: 3,577)
  • CLEMSON UNIVERSITY (about 52 miles; CLEMSON, SC; Full-time enrollment: 15,962)
  • FURMAN UNIVERSITY (about 52 miles; GREENVILLE, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,915)

Schools

Public high schools in Abbeville:

  • ABBEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 536; Location: 701 WASHINGTON STREET; Grades: 09 – 12)
  • ABBEVILLE COUNTY VOCATIONAL CENTER (Location: 100 OLD CALHOUN FALLS RD.; Grades: 10 – 12)

Private high school in Abbeville:

  • COLD SPRINGS MENNONITE SCHOOL (Students: 35; Location: 226 COLD SPRING CHURCH ROAD; Grades: 1 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Abbeville:

  • LONG CANE ELEMENTARY (Students: 500; Location: 815 EAST GREENWOOD STREET; Grades: PK – 05)
  • WESTWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 487; Location: 124 HWY. 28 BY-PASS; Grades: PK – 05)
  • WRIGHT MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 469; Location: 700 BRANCH STREET; Grades: 06 – 08)
  • DIAMOND HILL ELEMENTARY (Students: 340; Location: 104 LAKE SECESSION RD.; Grades: PK – 07)
  • ABBEVILLE PREMIER ACADEMY (Students: 29; Location: 701 WASHINGTON STREET; Grades: 09 – 09)