Chester County
Formed in 1785 as part of the larger Camden District, Chester County is located 30 miles south of Charlotte in South Carolina. Chester County is considered far more rural than its neighbors in the Charlotte metropolitan region and is home to 33,000 residents. It hosts numerous outdoor attractions like Landsford Canal State Park, Chester State Park and portions of Sumter National Forest.
Chester County is known for its strong historical identity and natural resources. Its economy is historically dependent on textile manufacturing, timber and wood products, and agriculture. Currently, manufacturing, logistics, forestry and agriculture remain integral to its economy.
The county benefits from its strategic location so close to the city of Charlotte and major transportation corridors like Interstate 77. Chester County also boasts lower land and operating costs when compared to its neighboring counties, which attracts logistics, manufacturing and distribution facilities. It is an attractive destination for future residents seeking affordability and a lower cost of living. Additionally, outdoor recreation and rural living are pull factors for those who want a slower pace of life surrounded by nature.
Despite its advantageous location, Chester County has historically faced economic hardships, and has struggled to fully replace jobs from the declining textile industry. This has resulted in lower household incomes than neighboring counties, higher poverty levels and fewer higher-paying employment opportunities. The county is also experiencing population stagnation and struggles to sustain long-term growth.
Like other rural counties in the Charlotte region, Chester County can address some of its challenges through workforce development. One of the main causes for lower incomes in the county is the gap between available jobs and workforce skills, so closing this gap would likely result in higher wages and less outmigration of younger professionals. Chester County can also invest further in infrastructure — like improving water, sewer and industrial site readiness and expanding high-speed internet access in rural areas — which would positively impact quality of life.
Lastly, and perhaps most notably, Chester County has the immense potential to benefit from the fast growing Charlotte region which may as well be in its backyard. The county can be marketed as an affordable destination within commuting distance of a major city, while still offering a more rural/suburban pace of life. If Chester County capitalizes on all it has to offer — strategic location, rural landscape and affordable living — it may experience impressive growth.
Photos by Nancy Pierce
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