Midlands of South Carolina facts for kids
The Midlands region of South Carolina is the central part of the state. It's called the Midlands because it's right in the middle, between the mountains (known as the Upstate) and the coast (called the Lowcountry). The biggest city and main hub in this area is Columbia, which is also the capital city of South Carolina. Most phone numbers in this region use the 803 area code.
This area has become a really important place for business in South Carolina. Companies here make things like paper products, textiles (fabrics), medical supplies, and steel. It's also a big center for farming and healthcare. Besides that, the Midlands is a fun place for visitors, offering lots of shopping, fishing, and amusement parks.
In 2020, over 1 million people lived in the Midlands, with a population of 1,019,439.
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Counties of the Midlands
The Midlands region of South Carolina includes several counties. Here are the main eight counties that are always considered part of the Midlands:
Some other counties are often included in the Midlands, too:
Most of the Midlands region is also part of what's known as the Columbia metropolitan area. This includes Newberry and Orangeburg counties. It's interesting because parts of Orangeburg County are sometimes considered part of other regions, like the Central Savannah River Area or the Lowcountry, depending on which part of the county you're in. Aiken County is also often linked to the Central Savannah River Area.
Major Cities in the Midlands
The Midlands is home to several important cities and towns. Here are the primary cities, along with their counties and populations from the 2020 census:
- Columbia: The state capital, located in Richland and Lexington counties, with 136,632 people.
- Sumter: In Sumter County, with 42,976 people.
- Lexington: In Lexington County, with 23,568 people.
- Orangeburg: In Orangeburg County, with 12,704 people.
Larger Suburban Towns
Many towns and cities around the primary cities are also part of the Midlands. Here are some of the larger suburban areas with over 10,000 residents:
- West Columbia: In Lexington County, with 17,416 people.
- Cayce: In Lexington County, with 13,789 people.
- Irmo: In Richland and Lexington counties, with 11,569 people.
- Newberry: In Newberry County, with 10,691 people.
- Forest Acres: In Richland County, with 10,606 people.
Higher Education in the Midlands
The Midlands region has many colleges and universities where students can continue their education after high school. Here are some of them:
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Media and News
The Midlands region has its own local TV stations that provide news and entertainment. These include:
- WLTX CBS 19
- WOLO ABC 25
- WACH FOX 57
- WIS 10
The state's second-largest newspaper, The State, is also published here, keeping residents informed about local and state news.
Major Roads and Highways
Many important highways run through the Midlands, connecting different parts of the state and beyond. These roads help people travel for work, school, and fun. Some of the major highways include:
- Interstate 20
- Interstate 77
- Interstate 95
- Interstate 26
- Interstate 126
- US 321
- US 21
- US Route 1
- US 76
- US 176
- US 178
- US 378
- US 15
- US 301
- US 601
- US 521
- SC 277
- SC 12
- SC 34
- SC 261
