With beautiful landscapes and varied lifestyles in one county, no wonder over 161,000 South Carolinians call York County home. The Western portion of the county enjoys a relaxed lifestyle with open pastures and country living while Eastern York County allows for the faster pace of the city with shopping and dining close at hand. Each community preserves the history of its ancestors while focusing on the future with growth and advancement.

 

York County Cities

Rock Hill York Fort Mill
Lake Wylie Clover Tega Cay
Sharon Hickory Grove McConnells

Smyrna

York County at a Glance
Population: 161,100
Became a County: 1785
Area: 685 square miles
Average Temperatures:
Summer: high-90 degrees / low-70 degrees / median-80 degrees
Winter: high-60 degrees / low-35 degrees / median-52 degrees
Location: 25 miles from Charlotte, N.C.
184 miles from Myrtle Beach, S.C.
190 miles from Charleston, S.C.
96 miles from Asheville, N.C.
130 miles from Boone, N.C.
170 miles from Gatlinburg, T.N.

 

York County cities and towns



Rock Hill

Named after the flinty hill where railroad construction crews came in the 1800's, Rock Hill is the county's oldest and largest city with approximately 49,765 residents. Housing four of the county's top ten industrial employers and three of the county's top five private sector employers, Rock Hill continues to grow. Home sales in Rock Hill, the highest in the county, offer a variety of options for potential newcomers including quick access to I-77 or on the quieter outskirts. Rock Hill is also proud to offer several parks and recreational sites such as Cherry Park and Glencairn Gardens, and to be home to the only federally recognized Indian Tribe in South Carolina, the Catawba Indian Nation.

Rock Hill at a Glance
Population: 49,765
Area: 31.65 square miles
When incorporated: 1870



Back to Top

York

The county seat is located in the historic city of York. Known as the "White Rose City," York is one of the largest historic districts in the United States and is home to 7,800 residents. Originally settled by emigrants from Pennsylvania and Virginia, York was called the "Village of Yorkville," the "Town of Yorkville," and finally the "Town of York" in 1915. York is home to "Summerfest," held the fourth Saturday of August and named as one of the top 20 events, determined by The Southeast Tourism Society.

York at a Glance
Population: 7,833
Area: 6.14 square miles
When incorporated: Village of Yorkville in 1849, Town of Yorkville in 1896, Town of York in 1915


Back to Top


Fort Mill

History is a large part of Fort Mill, where the last full Confederate Cabinet meeting was held at the White Homestead. Once, 30,000 Catawba Indians roamed the area until small pox and other diseases claimed two-thirds of the population. What is presently known as Nations Ford Road was once part of the trade route for settlers and Indians to travel from Pennsylvania to Charleston, S.C. In the 1800's several railroads ran through the area to a station in Fort Mill; trains still make frequent trips through the area. One of the area's largest manufacturing companies, Springs Industries provides employment for most of the small town, consisting of 7,500 residents. Several new developments are being added to Fort Mill. With its easy access to I-77 but small town ambiance, Fort Mill attracts many new residents.

Fort Mill at a Glance
Population: 7,587
Area: 4.38 square miles
When incorporated: 1907


Back to Top


Lake Wylie

Located around the shores of Lake Wylie, this community offers the relaxing entertainment of fishing, boating, and delicious dining. Bordering North Carolina, Lake Wylie offers quick access to Charlotte's thriving nighttime entertainment. The population of Lake Wylie is approximately 8,000.

Back to Top

Clover

Named after the clover patch that grew around the water tank that serviced the Chester and Lenoir Narrow-Gauge Rail Road, Clover is in the Western part of York County and has a population of 4,000. Originally settled by Scotch-Irish, Clover hosts an annual Feis Chlobhair, or A Clover Kinntra Festival in June to celebrate its heritage. The newest addition to Clover's recently renovated downtown, the Larne Building, is used as a community meeting hall and banquet facility and honors Clover's sister city of Larne in Northern Ireland.

Clover at a Glance

Population: 4,014
Area: 2.4 square miles
When incorporated: 1885


Back to Top


Tega Cay

Tega Cay is the newest addition to York County, becoming incorporated in 1982. Tega Cay means "beautiful peninsula" in Polynesian, which aptly describes the 16 miles of Lake Wylie shoreline and 2.5 square miles of land encompassed within the city limits. Although small, Tega Cay residents enjoy many recreational amenities, including a 27-hole championship golf course, lighted tennis courts available year-round, a full-service marina, two all purpose athletic fields, a 2.5 paved walking trail and two city-owned parks. A new swim complex/beach club is scheduled to open in early 2002. New housing is booming to accommodate the incoming residents who are eager to settle in this friendly community.

Tega Cay at a Glance

Population: 4,044
Area: 2.5 square miles
When incorporated: 1982


Back to Top


Sharon

Named after the Sharon ARP Church, an early post office was called Sharon Valley. Also strong in religious roots, the "Rose of Sharon" refers to Jesus in the Bible. Sharon was incorporated in 1889 and has 421 residents. Sharon's downtown was recently added to the National Register of Historic Sites, citing it an important part of our nation's history.

Sharon at a Glance
Population: 421
Area: 1 square mile
When incorporated: 1889


Back to Top


Hickory Grove

Incorporated in 1888, Hickory Grove was named for a grove of Hickory trees and was once the crossroads for the Charleston, Cincinnati and Chicago Railroads. With a population of 337, Hickory Grove's small town atmosphere allows residents to take life at a slower pace and truly get to know their neighbors.

Hickory Grove at a Glance
Population: 337
Area: 1.3 square miles
When incorporated: 1888


Back to Top


McConnells

Originally called "McConnellsville" after a prominent family in town, McConnells was incorporated in 1906 and is home to 287 residents. A rural agricultural town, McConnells has beautiful scenery across the two square miles for residents and visitors to enjoy.

McConnells at a Glance
Population: 287
Area: 2 square miles
When incorporated: 1906


Back to Top


Smyrna

The smallest town in South Carolina, Smyra boasts a population of 59 residents in the one square mile town limits and was incorporated in 1895. Home to the Smyrna Associate Reformed Presbyterian church, the name Smyrna is also one of the early churches mention in the Book of Revelation in the Bible.

Smyrna at a Glance
Population: 59
Area: 1 square mile
When incorporated: 1895



Back to Top