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Aiken, SC

Frequently asked questions

Aiken, SC

Aiken is the most populous city in, and the county seat of, Aiken County, South Carolina, United States. According to 2020 census, the population was 32,025, making it the 15th-most populous city in South Carolina, and one of the two largest cities of the Central Savannah River Area.

Founded in 1835, Aiken was named after William Aiken, the president of the South Carolina Railroad. It became part of Aiken County when the county was formed in 1871. In the late 19th century, Aiken gained fame as a wintering spot for wealthy people from the Northeast. Thomas Hitchcock, Sr. and William C. Whitney established the Aiken Winter Colony. Over the years Aiken became a winter home for many notable people, including George H. Bostwick, James B. Eustis, Madeleine Astor, William Kissam Vanderbilt, Eugene Grace, president of Bethlehem Steel, Allan Pinkerton, and W. Averell Harriman.

The municipality of Aiken was incorporated on December 19, 1835. The community formed around the terminus of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company, a rail line from Charleston to the Savannah River, and was named for William Aiken, the railroad's first president.

During Sherman's March to the Sea in the American Civil War Sherman ordered Hugh Judson Kilpatrick and the cavalry corps he commanded to march through South Carolina. By February 5, they had reached Aiken County. While in Aiken County Kilpatrick fought Joseph Wheeler and his cavalry corps. This battle, called the Battle of Aiken, was a Confederate victory.

Aiken is near the center of Aiken County. It is 20 miles (32 km) northeast of Augusta, Georgia, along U.S. Route 1 and U.S. Route 78. Interstate 20 passes 6 miles (10 km) to the north of the city, with access via South Carolina Highway 19 (exit 18) and US 1 (exit 22).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.58 square miles (55.9 km²), of which 21.45 square miles (55.6 km²) is land and 0.13 square miles (0.34 km²) (0.60%) is water.

Aiken has a humid subtropical climate characterized by hot, humid summers and cool, dry winters, but experiences milder temperatures throughout the year than the rest of the state. Precipitation is distributed relatively uniformly throughout the year, with mostly rain in the milder months and occasional snow in the winter. The coldest recorded temperature was −4 °F or −20 °C on January 21, 1985, and the hottest 109 °F or 42.8 °C on August 21, 1983.

Health and wellness are paramount in Aiken, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The Aiken Regional Medical Center is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Aiken Parks and Recreation Department offers. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include CrossFit Aiken, Max Fitness Aiken, and Village Fitness. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Aiken, such as the Devil's Backbone Loop and Boyd Pond Nature Trail. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Aiken, SC are Hopelands Gardens, Aiken County Historical Museum, and Aiken Center For the Arts.

Population: 32,828 (2025). ZIP codes: 29801-29805, 29808. Area code(s): 803, 839. Elevation: 515 ft (157 m). Area: 21.58 sq mi (55.90 km²).

FAQs

What is Aiken, SC famous for?

Horse racing isn't the only game in town. While Aiken might be most famous for its thoroughbred races, polo and steeplechases, there are other animal athletes to cheer for. Every spring, The Great American Lobster Race takes over downtown, with crustaceans racing for glory during the family-friendly festival.

Is Aiken, SC a good place to live?

Aiken is a suburb of Augusta with a population of 32,014. Aiken is in Aiken County and is one of the best places to live in South Carolina. Living in Aiken offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Aiken, there are a lot of parks.

Is Aiken, SC expensive?

Aiken is ranked 248 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Aiken is 85.8% of the national average. The median household income in a city certainly helps gauge the cost of living.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Aiken

Aiken Regional Medical Center 

Aiken Parks and Recreation Department 

CrossFit Aiken

Max Fitness Aiken 

Village Fitness

Devil's Backbone Loop 

Boyd Pond Nature Trail

Hopelands Gardens

Hitchcock Woods

Aiken County Historical Museum

Aiken Center For the Arts

Discover South Carolina

Niche

Fly Homes

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