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Sumter, SC

Frequently asked questions

Sumter, SC

Sumter is a city in and the county seat of Sumter County, South Carolina, United States. The city makes up the Sumter, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area. Sumter County, along with Clarendon and Lee counties, form the core of the Sumter–Lee–Clarendon tri-county (or East Midlands) area of South Carolina that includes three counties straddling the border of the Sandhills (or Midlands), Pee Dee, and Lowcountry regions. The population was 43,463 at the 2020 census, making it the 9th-most populous city in the state.

Incorporated as Sumterville in 1845, the city's name was shortened to Sumter in 1855. It has grown and prospered from its early beginnings as a plantation settlement. The city and county of Sumter bear the name of General Thomas Sumter, the "Fighting Gamecock" of the American Revolutionary War.

During the Civil War, the town was an important supply and railroad repair center for the Confederacy. After the war, Sumter grew and prospered, using its large railroad network to supply cotton, timber, and by the start of the 20th century, tobacco to the region.

During the 20th century, Sumter grew into a major industrial center. Still a unique business founded in 1923, Palmetto Pigeon Plant has grown into one of the largest producers of squab, poussin (chicken), cornish game hen, and silkie chickens in the world. Starting with the opening of Shaw Air Force Base (now home to the 9th Air Force, 20th Fighter Wing, and United States Army Central) in 1941, industry grew, especially after World War II. Sumter became increasingly known for textiles, manufacturing, biotech industries, special chemistry (Branch of Swiss-based Ems-Chemie), thriving retail environment, and medical center of its region in addition to agricultural products, which makes it a hub for business in the east-central portion of South Carolina.

Known as the Gamecock City, Sumter lies near the geographic center of the state of South Carolina at 33°55′37″N 80°21′49″W (33.926942, -80.363541). Sumter is 100 miles west of Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand and 175 miles east of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Columbia, the state capital, is about 45 miles to the west, and Charleston is around 100 miles to the south. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 33.06 square miles (85.6 km²), of which 32.86 square miles (85.1 km²) is land and 0.20 square miles (0.52 km²) (0.60%) is water.

Health and wellness are paramount in Sumter, with the city offering various amenities and services to support the well-being of its residents. The NHC HealthCare Sumter is a cornerstone in providing comprehensive healthcare services to the community. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs the Sumter 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 Anytime Fitness, CrossFit Sumter, and F45 Training. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Sumter, such as the Cypress Trail and Shot Pouch Greenway. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Sumter, SC are Swan Lake Iris Gardens, Sumter County Museum, and Sumter County Patriot Hall.

Population: 42,766 (2023). ZIP codes: 29150, 29151, 29153, 29154. Area codes: 803, 839. Elevation: 171 ft (52 m). Area: 33.06 square miles (85.6 km²).

FAQs

Is Sumter, SC a good place to live?

Living in Sumter offers residents a sparse suburban feel and most residents own their homes. In Sumter, there are a lot of parks. Many families and young professionals live in Sumter and residents tend to lean liberal.

Is Sumter, SC rural or urban?

Sumter is primarily a rural, sparsely developed community. Notwithstanding the City of Sumter and its urban/suburban character, Sumter is dominated by rural land uses. Approximately 90% of the land in the County has rural characteristics.

What is Sumter, SC famous for?

Since its birth in the 1740s, the area now known as Sumter has continued to thrive. As a center of commerce in South Carolina's east central region, Sumter is known for its biotech industry, textiles, healthcare, agriculture, retail establishments, and of course, Shaw Air Force Base. Sumter is now the eighth-largest city in South Carolina and is at the center of it all!

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Sumter

NHC HealthCare Sumter 

Sumter Parks and Recreation Department 

Anytime Fitness

CrossFit Sumter 

F45 Training

Cypress Trail 

Shot Pouch Greenway

Swan Lake Iris Gardens

Sumter County Museum

Sumter County Patriot Hall

Niche

Freedom Honda Sumter

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