Simpsonville, South Carolina

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Simpsonville, South Carolina
City
From top, left to right: Downtown, City Hall, Simpsonville Baptist Church, Simpsonville Clock Tower
From top, left to right: Downtown, City Hall, Simpsonville Baptist Church, Simpsonville Clock Tower
Official logo of Simpsonville, South Carolina
Motto(s): 
"Simply Home"
Location of Simpsonville, South Carolina
Location of Simpsonville, South Carolina
Coordinates: 34°44′0″N 82°15′36″W / 34.73333°N 82.26000°W / 34.73333; -82.26000Coordinates: 34°44′0″N 82°15′36″W / 34.73333°N 82.26000°W / 34.73333; -82.26000
CountryUnited States
StateSouth Carolina
CountyGreenville
Government
 • MayorPaul Shewmaker
Area
[1]
 • Total9.37 sq mi (24.27 km2)
 • Land9.35 sq mi (24.22 km2)
 • Water0.02 sq mi (0.05 km2)
Elevation
860 ft (262 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total22,234
 • Density2,372.89/sq mi (916.18/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
29680-29681
Area code(s)864
FIPS code45-66580[2]
GNIS feature ID1250898[3]
Websitewww.simpsonville.com

Simpsonville is a city in Greenville County, South Carolina, United States. It is part of the Greenville–Mauldin–Easley Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 22,234 at the 2020 census,[4] up from 18,238 in 2010. Simpsonville is part of the "Golden Strip", along with Mauldin and Fountain Inn, an area which is noted for having low unemployment due to a diversity of industries including H.B. Fuller, KEMET, Sealed Air and Milliken.

History[]

The Burdette Building, Cureton-Huff House, Hopkins Farm, and Simpsonville Baptist Church are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[5]

The oldest brick building in town is a former pharmacy built in 1886 on East Curtis Street. The Woodside Mill, central to the local economy in the early 1900s, includes an antique water tower.[6]

In October 2018, a winning lottery ticket for a $1.6 billion Mega Millions jackpot was sold at the #7 KC Mart in Simpsonville.[7]

Geography[]

Simpsonville is located in southeastern Greenville County at

 WikiMiniAtlas
34°44′0″N 82°15′36″W / 34.73333°N 82.26000°W / 34.73333; -82.26000 (34.733375, -82.260001),[8] between Mauldin to the northwest and Fountain Inn to the southeast. The center of town has an elevation of 866 feet (264 m) above sea level.

South Carolina Highway 14 runs through the center of Simpsonville as Main Street, leading north 16 miles (26 km) to Greer and southeast 5 miles (8 km) to the center of Fountain Inn. The center of Mauldin is 4.5 miles (7.2 km) to the northwest via South Carolina Highway 417. Interstate 385 passes through Simpsonville west of the city center, with access from exits 26 through 29. I-385 leads northwest 14 miles (23 km) to the center of Greenville and southeast 28 miles (45 km) to Interstate 26 near Clinton. Columbia, the state capital, is 89 miles (143 km) southeast of Simpsonville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Simpsonville has a total area of 8.90 square miles (23.05 km2), of which 8.70 square miles (22.53 km2) are land and 0.02 square miles (0.052 km2), or 0.22%, are water.[4]

Demographics[]

Historical population
Census Pop. %±
1900195—
1910521167.2%
19205668.6%
19301,400147.3%
19401,298−7.3%
19501,52917.8%
19602,28249.2%
19703,30845.0%
19809,037173.2%
199011,70829.6%
200014,35222.6%
201018,23827.1%
202022,23421.9%
U.S. Decennial Census[9]
Simpsonville
Climate chart (explanation)
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
 
 
3.5
 
 
53
33
 
 
3
 
 
56
35
 
 
4.3
 
 
65
42
 
 
3.5
 
 
73
50
 
 
3.7
 
 
80
58
 
 
3.6
 
 
88
67
 
 
5.4
 
 
90
70
 
 
4.3
 
 
89
69
 
 
4.1
 
 
82
63
 
 
2.9
 
 
73
51
 
 
3.7
 
 
64
41
 
 
4.8
 
 
55
36
Average max. and min. temperatures in °F
Precipitation totals in inches
Source: [1]

As of the census[2] of 2020, there were 22,234 people and 8,464 households. The population density was 2,732.9 people per square mile (916.2 per km2). There were 9,044 housing units at an average density of 1,016.2 per square mile (392.2 per km2). The racial makeup of the city was 72.0% White, 21.8% Black or African American, 0.1% American Indian or Alaska Native, 1.4% Asian, 0.0% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 1.4% from two or more races, and 3.4% some other race. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.8% of the population. 24.1% of the population was under 18, and 14.4% of the population was over 65. 51.3% of the population was female.[10]

The median annual income for a household in the city was $71,990, and the per capita income was $32,821. 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line.[4]

Crime[]

Simpsonville's 2006 crime statistics were higher than national average crime rates. Violent crimes in 2010 totalled 82 for the year.[11] 2006 statistics of violent crime in Simpsonville reflect there was not one murder, reported incidents of rape were slightly higher than the national average (39 per 100,000 in Simpsonville, with a national average of 33 per 100,000), and incidents of aggravated assaults were what tipped the 2006 violent crime scales, tallying in at 75% over the national average.[12] In 2007 the personal crime incidents rate tallied in at 6 per 1000 residents, while the national average was 1.3 per 1000.[13] In September 2007, the FBI reported that the state of South Carolina's violent crime rate was the highest in the nation per capita, although Simpsonville is not mentioned at all in the article.[14] Simpsonville car theft in 2006 was lower than the national average,[12] calling into question claims that Simpsonville had a high rate of car-jackings.

In 2017, Simpsonville was named the safest city in South Carolina, based on FBI Crime Report data gathered by the SafeWise security organization;[15] its ranking as of 2021 is 15th.[16]

Emergency services[]

The Simpsonville Police Department was founded in 1907 and its first police chief was hired in 1928. Citizen-based programs were added in 2014 that provide opportunities for civilians to work alongside police officers.[17] The current chief of police is Michael D. Hanshaw.[18]

The Simpsonville Fire Department was formed in 1922. Fire protection was supported by annual contract fees until the mid 1980s when a tax system was adopted instead. Protection is provided to citizens within Simpsonville's city limits and some parts of surrounding Greenville County via five fire stations within a district of about 30 square miles (78 km2).[19] The department's current fire chief is Wesley Williams.[20]

Government[]

Simpsonville is governed by a city council, consisting of a mayor and six council members, one from each city ward. The city also has several boards and commissions to advise the council and complete assigned tasks. The council is elected in November of odd years to staggered four-year terms.[21][22] The current council includes:[23]

  • Mayor: Paul Shewmaker (1st term ends 12-31-2023)
  • Council Ward I: Matthew Gooch (3rd term ends 12-31-2023)
  • Council Ward II: Stephanie Kelley (1st term ends 12-31-2021)
  • Council Ward III: Jenn Hulehan (2nd term ends 12-31-2023)
  • Council Ward IV: Sherry Roche (1st term ends 12-31-2021)
  • Council Ward V: Ken Cummings (2nd term ends 12-31-2023)
  • Council Ward VI: Lou Hutchings (1st term ends 12-31-2021)

The city council appoints a city administrator, who serves at their pleasure, to work with them in the proper administration of the city's policies and affairs. The council also elects a city clerk and city treasurer, and appoints a city attorney, to two-year terms.[24] The current city officers include:[25]

  • City Administrator: Dianna Gracely (since 2018)[26]
  • City Clerk: Phyllis Long (4th term ends 12-31-2021)[27][28]
  • City Treasurer: Christine Furino (3rd term ends 12-31-2021)[28][29]
  • City Attorney: David Holmes[30]

Education[]

Public education in Simpsonville is administered by Greenville County School District.[31] The district operates Hillcrest High School in Simpsonville.

Abiding Peace Academy is a K2-5 grade school of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Simpsonville.[32]

Simpsonville has a public library, a branch of the Greenville County Library System.[33]

Culture and sports[]

Simpsonville's CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park, named for sponsor Coastal Carolina National Bank, is an outdoor entertainment venue with seating for up to 15,000. It has hosted performers and community events since 2005.[34]

The Simpsonville Arts Center hosts performing arts by the Mill Town Players of Pelzer. Renovation plans for the center are underway as of 2021.[35][36]

The Women's American Basketball Association established a team based in Simpsonville to begin its first season in July 2021. Home games for the Carolina Upstate Thunder are to be played in Greenville.[37][38]

Media[]

The Simpsonville Sentinel is the local area newspaper, published monthly.[39] The news website Patch also has a Simpsonville edition.[40]

Simpsonville is part of the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson-Asheville DMA television market. Local television stations include:

Simsponville is part of the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson Arbitron Metro radio market. Station WYRD-FM is licensed in and transmits from Simpsonville. Other local radio stations include:

Notable people[]

  • Justin Bolli, professional golfer
  • Danielle Brooks, actress, stars in Orange Is the New Black and was Tony Award-nominated for role as Sofia on Broadway in The Color Purple.
  • Chandler Catanzaro, American football placekicker[41]
  • Lucas Glover, PGA Tour golfer, winner of 2009 U.S. Open Golf Championship
  • Shane Hall, NASCAR driver
  • Tommy Jones, professional bowler; 2005–06 PBA Player of the Year
  • Jamon Meredith, offensive tackle, 2009 fifth-round draft pick of NFL's Green Bay Packers
  • Emilio Pagan, pitcher for MLB's San Diego Padres
  • Stephen Thompson, UFC fighter
  • Travelle Wharton, offensive tackle for NFL's Carolina Panthers

References[]

  1. ^ "2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved July 29, 2020.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  3. ^ "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. 2007-10-25. Retrieved 2008-01-31.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b c "2020 Demographic Profile Data (G001): Simpsonville city, South Carolina". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  5. ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  6. ^ "Historic Walking Tour". City of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  7. ^ Gallagher, Diane; Almasy, Steve (October 24, 2018). "Mega Millions win stirs small South Carolina town". CNN. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  8. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
  9. ^ "Census of Population and Housing". Census.gov. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  10. ^ "2019: ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables: Simpsonville city, South Carolina". U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved September 1, 2021.
  11. ^ "FBI Uniform Crime Reports". Retrieved 23 March 2014.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b "Simpsonville Crime Statistics and Crime Data (Simpsonville, SC)". AreaConnect. 2006. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  13. ^ "MONEY Magazine: Best places to live 2007: Simpsonville, SC snapshot". money.cnn.com.
  14. ^ Beam, Adam (September 26, 2007). "S.C.'s violent crime rate again highest in nation". Spartanburg Herald-Journal. Spartanburg, South Carolina. Archived from the original on June 4, 2011.
  15. ^ Felicien, Tesalon (March 7, 2017). "Simpsonville named safest city in SC". The Greenville News. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  16. ^ Edwards, Rebecca (May 9, 2021). "South Carolina's 20 Safest Cities of 2021". SafeWise. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  17. ^ "Police History". City of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  18. ^ "Chief of Police". City of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  19. ^ "Fire Department". City of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  20. ^ "Fire Department Staff Directory". City of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  21. ^ "City of Simpsonville, South Carolina Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Article II, Council". Municipal Code Corporation. April 26, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  22. ^ "City of Simpsonville, South Carolina Code of Ordinances, Chapter 16, Elections". Municipal Code Corporation. April 26, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  23. ^ "City Council". City of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  24. ^ "City of Simpsonville, South Carolina Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Article III, Officers and Employees". Municipal Code Corporation. April 26, 2021. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  25. ^ "Directory Listings, Administration Department". City of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  26. ^ "Simpsonville hires new City Administrator". The Simpsonville Sentinel (Press release). January 16, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  27. ^ Millard, Hal (April 23, 2013). "City Council Salary Cut Proposal Goes Down in Flames". Patch. Retrieved May 21, 2021. The Council unanimously appointed Phyllis Long as the full-time City Clerk. Long had been acting in an interim basis....
  28. ^ Jump up to: a b Gecy, Bob (December 20, 2019). "Simpsonville City Council re-appoints city officers and fills Board and Commission slots". The Simpsonville Sentinel. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  29. ^ Hulehan, Jenn (July 13, 2016). "Meeting Recap". Jenn4Ward3.com. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
  30. ^ "Court". City of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Retrieved May 19, 2021.
  31. ^ "Homepage". Greenville County Schools. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  32. ^ "Abiding Peace Academy – Our School". www.apacademysc.org.
  33. ^ "Locations & Hours". Greenville County Library System. Retrieved 8 June 2019.
  34. ^ "About Us". CCNB Amphitheatre. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  35. ^ Cavallaro, Gabe (July 16, 2019). "Simpsonville Arts Center renovation: What to know about remodel of old school building". The Greenville News. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  36. ^ "Simpsonville Arts Center". City of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  37. ^ "Upstate now home to a new sports team". WYFF. June 5, 2021. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  38. ^ Krieger, Dan (March 29, 2021). "Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report". OurSports Central. Retrieved June 5, 2021.
  39. ^ "The Simpsonville Sentinel". The Simpsonville Sentinel. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  40. ^ "Simpsonville Local News". Patch. Retrieved June 2, 2021.
  41. ^ "Chandler Catanzaro". ESPN. Retrieved May 29, 2021.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""