Major highways

Adjacent counties

• Oconee County, South Carolina (north)
• Anderson County, South Carolina (northeast)
• Elbert County (south)
• Madison County (southwest)
• Franklin County (west)

2000 census

As of the census^[16] of 2000, there were 22,997 people, 9,106 households, and 6,610 families living in the county. The population density was 99 people per square mile (38 people/km²). There were 11,111 housing units at an average density of 48 units per square mile (19 units/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 79.09% White, 19.36% Black or African American, 0.15% Native American, 0.53% Asian, 0.24% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. 0.85% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 9,106 households, out of which 29.00% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.80% were married couples living together, 12.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.40% were non-families. 24.40% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.60% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.50% under the age of 18, 7.70% from 18 to 24, 27.30% from 25 to 44, 25.00% from 45 to 64, and 16.50% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 97.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.70 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $32,833, and the median income for a family was $39,600. Males had a median income of $30,652 versus $21,233 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,714. About 12.20% of families and 14.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.10% of those under age 18 and 16.50% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 25,213 people, 10,121 households, and 6,998 families living in the county.^[17] The population density was 108.5 inhabitants per square mile (41.9/km²). There were 13,007 housing units at an average density of 56.0 units per square mile (21.6 units/km²).^[18] The racial makeup of the county was 77.4% white, 18.7% black or African American, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% American Indian, 1.7% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 3.1% of the population.^[17] In terms of ancestry, 13.6% were American, 8.4% were English, 7.4% were Irish, and 6.6% were German.^[19]

Of the 10,121 households, 30.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.1% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 30.9% were non-families, and 27.4% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.94. The median age was 42.6 years.^[17]

The median income for a household in the county was $36,109 and the median income for a family was $44,451. Males had a median income of $35,172 versus $26,836 for females. The per capita income for the county was $19,124. About 17.4% of families and 22.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.4% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over.^[20]

2020 census

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 25,828 people, 9,853 households, and 6,743 families residing in the county.

City

• Hartwell

Town

• Bowersville

Census-designated places

• Eagle Grove
• Reed Creek

Other unincorporated communities

• Air Line