Moving to Trenton, South Carolina

by btobers · Published June 28, 2019 · Updated November 18, 2024

Trenton, South Carolina is a small city located in the heart of Pickens County. The population of Trenton was estimated to be 2,664 in 2019. It is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is surrounded by beautiful rolling hills and forests. The climate in Trenton is mild with average temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to the mid-80s throughout the year. There is some occasional snowfall during winter months but it rarely accumulates on the ground.

The history of Trenton dates back to 1790 when it was first established as a trading post by Robert Hamilton. In 1828, Hamilton’s son John built a cotton gin which led to an influx of settlers and eventually resulted in the town’s incorporation in 1890. It was named after Revolutionary War hero Alexander Hamilton’s hometown of Trenton, New Jersey.

Politically, Trenton has been governed by a mayor-council form of government since its incorporation. The current mayor is Paul White who has held office since 2017 and has been widely praised for his leadership during his tenure.

The economy in Trenton revolves around agriculture with many residents employed by local farms or businesses related to agriculture such as feed stores and tractor dealerships. There are also some manufacturing plants located nearby that provide employment opportunities for local residents.

The school system consists primarily of one elementary school, one middle school, one high school, and one technical college that serves students from all over Pickens County. All four schools have excellent reputations for providing quality education and preparing students for college or career paths after graduation.

Trenton’s landmarks include several historic buildings such as Robert Hamilton’s original trading post which still stands today along with several other 19th century structures scattered throughout town that serve as reminders of its rich history and heritage. There are also several parks located around town including Memorial Park which features walking trails, picnic areas, playgrounds and basketball courts that are popular among locals looking for outdoor recreation options close to home.

Population: 226. Estimated population in July 2024: 301 (+33.2% change)
Males: 109 (48.2%), Females: 117 (51.8%)

Edgefield County

Zip code: 29847

Demographics

Median resident age: 45.3 years
Median household income: $26,250
Median house value: $59,400

Population by Race

Races in Trenton:

White Non-Hispanic (66.4%)
Black (30.5%)
Hispanic (3.1%)

Ancestries: English (21.2%), United States (18.6%), Irish (13.7%), German (9.3%), Scotch-Irish (5.8%), French (2.7%).

Elevation: 621 feet

Land area: 1.3 square miles

Population by Education

Trenton is a small town located in Edgefield County, South Carolina. It has a population of about 2,000 people, according to the 2010 census. The town is home to many businesses, including restaurants, shops and stores. The median household income for Trenton is $32,000 per year and the median home value is around $107,000. The cost of living in Trenton is lower than the national average and is considered very affordable. Rent prices in the area are very reasonable with an average two-bedroom apartment costing around $700 per month. Utilities such as electric, gas and water are also quite affordable compared to other areas of the state. Public transportation options are limited in Trenton but there are several taxi companies that serve the area. There are also two major highways that connect Trenton with larger cities such as Columbia and Augusta.

Trenton offers plenty of activities for residents to enjoy including parks, golf courses and nearby lakes for fishing or relaxing days out on the water. There are several festivals throughout the year that bring people together from all over South Carolina to celebrate its culture and history. The town also has a library for those who wish to spend time reading or researching topics of interest. Overall, Trenton provides a safe environment with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation at an affordable cost of living compared to other areas in South Carolina.

For population 25 years and over in Trenton

High school or higher: 72.6%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 25.8%
Graduate or professional degree: 15.1%
Unemployed: 0.0%
Mean travel time to work: 23.0 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Trenton town

Never married: 21.2%
Now married: 48.3%
Separated: 7.9%
Widowed: 10.8%
Divorced: 11.8%

0.9% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -88 (-28.0%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Trenton:

EDGEFIELD COUNTY HOSPITAL (about 10 miles; EDGEFIELD, SC)
AIKEN REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (about 15 miles; AIKEN, SC)
WALTON REHABILITATION HOSP (about 22 miles; AUGUSTA, GA)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Trenton:

AUGUSTA RGNL AT BUSH FIELD (about 27 miles; AUGUSTA, GA; Abbreviation: AGS)
COLUMBIA METROPOLITAN (about 52 miles; COLUMBIA, SC; Abbreviation: CAE)
MC ENTIRE ANGS (about 75 miles; EASTOVER, SC; Abbreviation: MMT)

Other public-use airports nearest to Trenton:

EDGEFIELD COUNTY (about 2 miles; TRENTON, SC; Abbreviation: 6J6)
TWIN LAKES (about 8 miles; GRANITEVILLE, SC; Abbreviation: S17)
SALUDA COUNTY (about 13 miles; SALUDA, SC; Abbreviation: 6J4)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Trenton:

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT AIKEN (about 15 miles; AIKEN, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,636)
AUGUSTA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 22 miles; AUGUSTA, GA; Full-time enrollment: 3,778)
AUGUSTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 27 miles; AUGUSTA, GA; Full-time enrollment: 2,300)
PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 37 miles; GREENWOOD, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,406)
LANDER UNIVERSITY (about 40 miles; Greenwood, SC; Full-time enrollment: 2,429)
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AT COLUMBIA (about 60 miles; COLUMBIA, SC; Full-time enrollment: 19,682)
MIDLANDS TECHNICAL COLLEGE (about 60 miles; COLUMBIA, SC; Full-time enrollment: 5,958)

Schools

Public high school in Trenton:

TRENTON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION (Students: 167; Location: 84 GREEN HOUSE ROAD; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle school in Trenton:

DOUGLAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 280; Location: 215 S. E. DIGGS ROAD; Grades: PK – 05)