Last Updated on May 26, 2022 by Eric

Seneca is a city located in Oconee County, South Carolina, United States. With a population of around 8,000 people, it is the largest city in the county. The city is named after the nearby Seneca River. The river was so named by the English explorer John Lawson, who came to the area in 1701. He named it after the Seneca people, who were one of the Five Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy.

The city of Seneca was established in 1874. It was originally known as Newtown, but its name was changed to Seneca in 1882. Today, Seneca is known for its scenic beauty and its small-town charm. It is a popular destination for tourists and outdoor enthusiasts, as it offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and camping. The city is also home to a number of historical landmarks and buildings, including the Oconee County Courthouse and the Old Stone Church.

Seneca is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. It is a community that values its history and tradition while also welcoming newcomers with open arms.

67 Things To Know About Seneca

This listicle will go over 67 interesting data points, facts, and general information about Seneca, South Carolina (and some neighboring areas).

 

  1. The city of Seneca was established in 1874.
  2. The median household income in Seneca is $34,874.
  3. The unemployment rate in Seneca is 6.0%.
  4. There are approximately 8,424 people living in Seneca.
  5. The median age in Seneca is 35 years old.
  6. The racial makeup of Seneca is: 60.2% White, 32.9% African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 3.7% other races.
  7. 91.2% of the people in Seneca speak English, 5.5% speak Spanish, and 3.3% speak other languages.
  8. The Seneca School District serves the city of Seneca.
  9. There are 10 elementary schools, three middle schools, and two high schools in the Seneca School District.
  10. The average test scores for the Seneca School District are: 68% proficient in reading and 58% proficient in math.
  11. Seneca has three hospitals: Oconee Memorial Hospital, Prisma Health-Upstate Oconee Memorial Hospital, and Seneca Family Practice.
  12. The cost of living in Seneca is 14.3% lower than the national average.
  13. The median home price in Seneca is $152,200.
  14. The median rent price in Seneca is $850.
  15. The average commute time in Seneca is 22 minutes.
  16. The Sales Tax rate in Seneca is 8%.
  17. The Income Tax rate in Seneca is 7%.
  18. There are 10 parks located throughout Seneca. Some of these parks include: Big Sunny Park, Cherry Park, Dawkins Park, Eastside Park, Highland Park, Liberty Square Park, National Forest Land, Oconee State Park, and Westminster Dog Park.
  19. The Seneca Museum is located in downtown Seneca and features exhibits on the history of the city.
  20. The Oconee Civic Center is a popular event venue that hosts a variety of events throughout the year.
  21. The Oakway Golf Course is a public 18-hole golf course that is open to the public.
  22. Lake Keowee Marina is a full-service marina located on Lake Keowee that offers boat rentals, slips, and more.
  23. Lake Hartwell State Park is a popular state park that offers camping, hiking, fishing, and more.
  24. Oconee Station State Historic Site is a preserved 19th-century settlement that is open to the public for tours.
  25. The Walhalla Fish Hatchery is a working fish hatchery that is open to the public for tours.
  26. The Mountain Rest Caboose Museum is a small museum located in downtown Mountain Rest that features a restored caboose.
  27. Issaqueena Falls is a beautiful waterfall located just outside of Seneca.
  28. Stumphouse Tunnel is an abandoned railroad tunnel that is now open to the public for tours.
  29. Table Rock State Park is a popular state park that offers camping, hiking, fishing, and more.
  30. The Jocassee Gorges Visitor Center is a visitor center that is dedicated to the Jocassee Gorges area.
  31. Devil’s Fork State Park is a popular state park that offers camping, fishing, boating, and more.
  32. Oconee County Airport is a public airport located in Seneca.
  33. Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research is a research center located in Seneca that is dedicated to the automotive industry.
  34. Tri-County Technical College Oconee Campus is a local college located in Seneca.
  35. Southern Wesleyan University Oconee Campus is a local college located in Seneca.
  36. The Oconee County Library is the local library that serves the city of Seneca.
  37. The Oconee County Recreation Department offers a variety of recreation and leisure activities for residents of all ages.
  38. The Oconee Heritage Center is a museum and cultural center that is dedicated to the history and culture of Oconee County.
  39. Seneca is home to a variety of annual events and festivals, some of which include: the Oconee County Fair, the Walhalla Oktoberfest, the Mountain Rest Homecoming Festival, and the Clemson Football Tailgate Cook-off.
  40. The Seneca Farmers Market is a weekly farmers market that is held in downtown Seneca.
  41. The Seneca Artwalk is a monthly event that features local artists and musicians.
  42. The Oconee County Humane Society is a local animal shelter that provides adoptions, spay/neuter services, and more.
  43. The Oconee County Animal Control is the local agency that is responsible for enforcing animal-related laws and regulations.
  44. The Oconee County SPCA is a local animal shelter that provides adoptions, spay/neuter services, and more.
  45. The Pickens County Humane Society is a local animal shelter that provides adoptions, spay/neuter services, and more.
  46. The Pendleton Farmers Market is a weekly farmers market that is held in downtown Pendleton.
  47. The Liberty Festival is an annual event that is held in downtown Liberty.
  48. The Easley Bluegrass Festival is an annual event that is held in downtown Easley.
  49. The Anderson County Farmers Market is a weekly farmers market that is held in downtown Anderson.
  50. The Clemson Farmers Market is a weekly farmers market that is held in downtown Clemson.
  51. The Pendleton Village Artists Cooperative is a local art gallery that features the work of local artists.
  52. The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation is a local arts organization that offers classes, events, and more.
  53. The Art Center of Greenwood is a local art gallery that features the work of local artists.
  54. The Ware Shoals Historic District is a designated historic district home to many historic buildings and sites.
  55. Seneca was originally known as Newtown, but its name was changed to Seneca in 1882.
  56. The city is named after the nearby Seneca River.
  57. The Hartwell Dam is a dam located on the Savannah River.
  58. Lake Keowee is a man-made lake that is popular for recreation and tourism.
  59. Lake Jocassee is a man-made lake that is popular for recreation and tourism.
  60. Lake Hartwell is a man-made lake that is popular for recreation and tourism.
  61. The Oconee State Park is a state park located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
  62. The Table Rock State Park is a state park located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
  63. The Caesars Head State Park is a state park located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
  64. The Jones Gap State Park is a state park located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
  65. The Keowee-Toxaway State Park is a state park located on Lake Keowee.
  66. The Devils Fork State Park is a state park located on Lake Jocassee.
  67. The Sadlers Creek State Park is a state park located on Lake Hartwell.

If you’re thinking about moving to Seneca, South Carolina, congratulations! Seneca is a beautiful town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is known for its mild climate, scenic views, and friendly people.

When it comes to finding a home in Seneca, you’ll want to work with a real estate professional who knows the area well. Bob Hill Realty has been helping people buy and sell homes in Seneca for over 30 years. We know all the best neighborhoods and can help you find the perfect home for your needs and budget. Give us a call today and let’s start looking for your new home in Seneca!

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