EZ Home Search Guide to Living in Dorchester County, SC

Dorchester County is abundant with natural beauty and a strong sense of community. As part of the South Carolina Lowcountry, you are surrounded by upland forests, gentle winding rivers, and wetlands rich with wildlife. Besides its natural beauty, Dorchester County is a historic place with sites dating back to colonial days. Residents appreciate a lifestyle close to essential amenities but a feeling of being a world away from it. See why Dorchester county is a great place to live in South Carolina.

About Dorchester County

Dorchester County’s mild climate and fertile lands have made it an important center for agriculture in South Carolina. The growing season numbers 280 days. From cotton to cattle, the Dorchester County landscape has been essential for supporting the surrounding urban communities.

The Edisto River runs through Dorchester County and forms the southwestern boundary. It is one of the longest free-flowing blackwater rivers found in North America. The Ashley River also runs through Dorchester County on its way towards the Atlantic. The Four Holes Swamp helps define its northeast border.

Like its other Lowcountry neighbors, Dorchester County lies in the South Carolina coastal plain. The highest point is 167 feet above sea level. You’ll find a topography of woodlands and swamps essential for maintaining the area’s biodiversity. It has one of the last remaining stands of untouched bald cypress and Tupelo trees in the world. The rural areas also protect upland forests, such as the Brosnan Forest, a 14,400-acre preserve with an essential stand of longleaf pines.

Surrounding Dorchester County is Orangeburg, Colton, Charleston, Berkley, and Bamberg Counties. 

Dorchester County History

The Cusabo Native Americans originally inhabited this region, a member of the tribes relied on the bounty of the Lowcountry. 

Dorchester earned its name from its first settlement, a group of Congregationalists from Dorchester, Massachusetts, who set up on a bluff overlooking the Ashley River. That settlement is no longer in existence, but it was the first of many that drew settlers into the region. It served as a trading post.

Over time, the fertile lands were turned into agriculture and plantations. Rice, cotton, and indigo were important exports. 

When rice and indigo cultivation collapsed following the American Revolution, many early plantations reverted to natural states. Others abandoned the areas along rivers and swamps to focus on cotton cultivation in higher areas.

During the Civil War, the area was the site of many skirmishes between Union and Confederate soldiers. General Sherman moved through the area, securing a railroad line north of Summerville. Until 1940, most of the county’s population lived on farms.

Dorchester County was established as a separate county in 1897 by taking parts from the neighboring Colton and Berkeley counties. St. George was named the county seat. 

Dorchester County Cities

St. George’s serves as Dorchester County seat. It was originally named by the Dorchester settlers after their parish in Massachusetts. While the town of Dorchester was abandoned by the late 1700s, the parish was still referred to as St George’s.

Summerville, which is also partly in neighboring Berkeley and Charleston counties, was established in the late 18th century as a summer resort for planters looking to escape malaria outbreaks on their rice plantations. Later on, Summerville became a winter resort. Today, Summerville is the area’s largest city. 

North Charleston is another city that is partially in Berkeley County and Charleston County.

Throughout Dorchester County, you will find classic Lowcountry small towns with tight-knit neighbors, such as Reevesville to the west of St. George’s. Ridgeville is a quiet and peaceful town in Dorchester County, located to the northwest of Summerville. 

Further up I-26, the town of Harleyville, located 20 minutes northwest of Summerville, was known for having a problem with sign theft. The town began selling signs for sale, and disappearing signposts stopped. 

Much of the area remains rural, meaning you can live on several acres or find large land tracts. The small towns offer affordable real estate opportunities while still being close to larger urban centers.

Dorchester County Job Market

Dorchester County’s main industries are manufacturing, accommodation and food service, retail, and healthcare. The largest employers include the County government, the school district, Sportsman Boats Manufacturing, Scout Boats, the Postal Service, and assorted retailers and grocers like Walmart and Publix. 

The Dorchester County unemployment rate in 2020 was 5.8%, below the South Carolina and United States unemployment rates. As of June 2021, the Dorchester County unemployment rate was 4%, while South Carolina was 4.5% and the United States 6.1%.

A South Carolina Community Profile projects that by 2026, the most growth will be in health care, accommodation and food service, transportation and warehousing, and admin and support roles. The June 2021 report showed the most need for physician assistants, nurse practitioners, statisticians, and industrial engineers. 

Dorchester Real Estate Market

Looking at the real estate market performance since 2011, Dorchester County real estate residential prices have been steadily increasing. As of June 2021, the county had 30.2% more single-family new listings than the prior year. The median sales price was $316,075, a 17.1% increase. The days on the market had declined 76.5% to eight days.

The townhouse and condo market followed a similar pattern, with a median sales price jump of 19.9% to $227,900. Days on the market dropped 76% to six days. 

Looking closer at specific markets in Dorchester County, we see:

• Greater North Charleston median sale prices for single-family homes was $275,000, a 27.9% increase year-over-year in June 2021.
• The greater Summerville area had a 29% jump in single-family new listings and a median sales price of $323,000, a 17.7% rise year-over-year. Its days on the market until sale was nine days.
• St. George/ Rural Dorchester County Market doubled its new listings year-over-year for single-family detached homes. The median sale price was $224,450, a 50% upward change. 

Dorchester County Population Growth

The Dorchester County area was estimated to have 162,809 residents as of July 2019 by the US Census Bureau. The population has grown 19.6% since April 2010. 

The average age of a Dorchester County resident was 37 years in 2019. Interestingly, the age group with the most number of people was the 10-to-14-year-old age group. There were also a high number of residents among 40-to-54-year-olds and from 5-to-19-year-olds. These numbers suggest Dorchester County is popular with families. 

Demographically, Dorchester County identifies as 68.6% white and 25.6% as black or African-American.

Around 90% of the area’s residents have achieved at least a high school degree or higher. About 28.2% have earned a BA degree or higher. The median household income is $63,080. 

Dorchester government predicts that by 2030, the county’s population will be 206,100 residents. It will add almost 50,000 new people from 2020 to 2030. 

Dorchester County Education

Dorchester County is broken up into two public school districts. Your district is determined by where you live in the county. The public school districts are:

• Dorchester School District No. 2: serving the south and east areas of Dorchester County. 15 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 3 high schools, 2 alternative programs.
• Dorchester School District No. 4: serving the north and west, more rural areas of Dorchester County. 3 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 high school.

Dorchester County has 14 private schools serving its area students. Top-ranked schools include Dorchester Academy, Northside Christian School, and Faith Christian School and Daycare. Around 71% of the area’s private schools are religiously affiliated. 

The nearest center of higher education is Trident Technical College, which has branches located near St George and in Summerville. At the St George location, Trident Tech runs a QuickJobs Training Center and community personal enrichment classes. 

Dorchester County Health Care 

The Summerville Medical Center is part of the Trident Health System. It is located in Summerville and has a 124-bed acute care hospital, a dedicated ER for children, and a range of surgical services. It has opened a new women’s and neonatal tower as part of its investment in growing women’s and pediatric care. 

Otherwise, Dorchester County does not have an in-county hospital. It does have family practices in acute care clinics spread around the area. The highest concentration of medical professionals is closer to the greater Summerville and the North Charleston area. 

Dorchester County Things To Do

Explore the Lowcountry outdoors through the numerous parks located throughout the county. These parks protect and provide access to the region’s rivers and wetlands. Some parks include hiking trails.

Two water trails run through Dorchester County, one on the Ashley River and one on the Edisto River. The Edisto River Canoe & Kayak Trail runs for 62 mi through Dorchester County. There are access points spread across the river, and local outfitters are available for renting canoes or kayaks. The Ashley River Blue Trail is a best-kept secret for paddling and wildlife watching. The upper Ashley is particularly pristine and often is a refuge to Bald Eagles and ospreys. The river is tidally influenced; the upper river often provides a sanctuary from motorized boats. 

Play on one of the region’s five golf courses. The semi-private or public courses are spread across the county. With the mild climate, you can play all year round.

Dorchester County is also home to some historical attractions, such as the Middleton Gardens. The inland region still has historical plantations and districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Dorchester County Local Attractions

Middleton Place Gardens is an attraction not to be missed. Once a rice plantation, the National Historic Landmark has the oldest landscaped gardens in the country, laid out in 1741. The home housed the president of the Continental Congress and a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

At Givhans Ferry State Park, admire the Edisto River as you walk the River Bluff Trail for scenic views. Camping is also available. More trails are found at the 70-acre Rosebrock Park. Its pathways wind through bottomland forests and wetlands. 

At the Old Dorchester State Historic Site, explore colonial ruins. It has a well-preserved oyster shell tabby fort, St George’s Bell Tower, shipping wharves, burial sites, and cemeteries. Archaeological digs are ongoing at the original settlement. 

Audubon’s Beidler Forest Sanctuary is like stepping back into the undeveloped South Carolina Lowcountry. Spot numerous birds feasting in the wetlands. 

Kids will enjoy Gahagan Park and its expansive outdoor recreation area. The wooden playground includes numerous obstacles and a climbing wall that kids will enjoy. 

Dorchester County Dining 

More dining options exist closer to the greater Summerville area and North Charleston. You’ll find popular chains and some locally-run restaurants. That said, you can find some rustic local eateries along the rural country roads of north Dorchester. 

Try the authentic barbecue at Duke’s BBQ in Ridgeville. For over 40 years, it has slow-cooked its meats. Enjoy outdoor dining.

Low Country Fish Camp is a rustic eatery with a country vibe. Get a taste for more authentic Lowcountry cuisine. 

The Middleton Place Restaurant uses fresh local and seasonal ingredients harvested from the on-site organic farm in gardens. It includes traditional Lowcountry favorites in a more upscale venue. 

The Ice House Restaurant is a local favorite. It’s an eclectic farm-to-table joint that cooks up southern dishes. 

A&A Fresh Seafood in Harleyville serves fresh seafood like fried shrimp and catfish stew.

Dorchester County Shopping

Locals in St George can visit the Dorchester Square Plaza for their daily shopping needs.

To find more variety and retailers, try the Dorchester Village near greater Summerville. Large retail chains like Big Lots and Target are available to service all of your shopping needs. Other shopping centers include the Shops on Dorchester, Summerville Galleria, and Oakbrook Station Shopping Center. 

To find more unique and local items, try the Village Square Shops in Summerville. If you enjoy antiquing, make a stop at The Relic Revival antique shop located near the Village Square Shops. 

Living in Dorchester County, South Carolina

Dorchester County gives you the best of two worlds, access to nature’s bounty and our modern urban amenities. With far-reaching country roads, life in Dorchester County can be whatever you want. You can choose where to live to find the right lifestyle for you. Be closer to the more developed greater Summerville area or find a slice of Lowcountry heaven near the historic St George. Either way, you’ll find friendly people and a southern way of life.