Cities and Towns in Dorchester County, South Carolina
Founded in 1868, Dorchester County is one of 46 counties in the state of South Carolina. Historically, Dorchester County was formed from Berkeley and Colleton. The city of St. George is the county seat. With FIPS code of 35, Dorchester County has a population of 163,327 and area of 577 square miles (1,494 km²).
List of all cities in Dorchester County, SC alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Charleston, SC | 29420 | 843 |
| Dorchester, SC | 29437 | 843 |
| Grover, SC | 29447 | 843 |
| Harleyville, SC | 29448 | 843 |
| Knightsville, SC | 29483 | 843 |
| Ladson, SC | 29485 | 843 |
| Lincolnville, SC | 29485 | 843 |
| No Chas, SC | 29420 | 843 |
| North Charleston, SC | 29420 | 843 |
| Reevesville, SC | 29471 | 843 |
| Ridgeville, SC | 29472 | 843 |
| Saint George, SC | 29477 | 843 |
| Summerville, SC | 29483 | 843 |
| 29484 | 843 | |
| 29485 | 843 |
Major Cities and Towns in Dorchester County, South Carolina
Summerville
General Information
- Area: 18.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 53,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 29483, 29485, 29486
- Latitude: 33.0185° N
- Longitude: 80.1756° W
Location and History
Summerville, known as the “Flower Town in the Pines,” is located in the southeastern part of Dorchester County, extending into Charleston and Berkeley counties. Established in the late 1700s as a summer retreat for plantation owners seeking respite from the Lowcountry heat, Summerville became a refuge for its restorative pine-scented air. By the 19th century, the town’s reputation grew as a health retreat, thanks to its “pine therapy.” Summerville’s downtown area, with historic buildings and tree-lined streets, reflects its rich history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Summerville boasts several prominent educational institutions, including Summerville High School and Rollings Middle School of the Arts. Landmarks include Azalea Park, known for its blooming azaleas and sculptures, and the Summerville Dorchester Museum, which highlights the town’s heritage. The annual Flowertown Festival, one of the largest arts and crafts festivals in the Southeast, further enriches Summerville’s cultural scene.
St. George
General Information
- Area: 3.2 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 29477
- Latitude: 33.1879° N
- Longitude: 80.5779° W
Location and History
St. George, the county seat of Dorchester County, is situated in the northern part of the county along the Interstate 95 corridor. Established in the early 1800s, the town grew around the Old Dorchester settlement, an important colonial trading post. By the late 19th century, St. George became a hub for agriculture, particularly tobacco and cotton. Today, its charming downtown area preserves this agricultural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Educational institutions in St. George include Woodland High School and St. George Middle School. Notable landmarks include the Dorchester County Courthouse and the Rosenwald School, an important site in African American history. St. George is famous for hosting the annual World Grits Festival, a celebration of the Southern staple that attracts visitors from across the region.
Harleyville
General Information
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 700 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 29448
- Latitude: 33.2146° N
- Longitude: 80.4486° W
Location and History
Harleyville is a small town located in the north-central part of Dorchester County. It originated in the mid-1800s as a crossroads community and became a key stop along the railroad line in the early 20th century. Named after a prominent local family, Harleyville retains its small-town charm with historic homes and a close-knit community atmosphere.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Harleyville’s educational institutions include Harleyville Elementary School. The town’s landmarks feature Indian Field Campground, a historic Methodist camp meeting site dating back to the 19th century, and the Harleyville Town Hall, which is a hub of local governance. Nature lovers enjoy the nearby Audubon Center at Francis Beidler Forest, renowned for its ancient cypress-tupelo swamp.
Ridgeville
General Information
- Area: 1.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 2,000 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 29472
- Latitude: 33.0907° N
- Longitude: 80.3126° W
Location and History
Ridgeville, located in the central part of Dorchester County, has a history tied to agriculture and trade. Established in the early 1800s, the town served as a key stop for goods traveling between Charleston and inland South Carolina. Its name reflects its location on a ridge above the surrounding lowlands. Ridgeville’s historic charm is reflected in its well-preserved buildings and serene landscapes.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Ridgeville’s educational institutions include Clay Hill Elementary School. Major landmarks include Cypress Gardens, a stunning park with swamps, gardens, and walking trails, and the Ridgeville Baptist Church, an architectural gem. Additionally, the nearby Four Holes Swamp is a renowned ecological site that draws researchers and tourists alike.
Reevesville
General Information
- Area: 0.4 square miles
- Population: Approximately 200 (2023 estimate)
- Zip Codes: 29471
- Latitude: 33.1937° N
- Longitude: 80.6346° W
Location and History
Reevesville is a small, quiet town situated in western Dorchester County. Founded in the late 1800s, Reevesville developed around agriculture, particularly cotton and timber. The town is named after early settlers who played a significant role in its establishment. Today, Reevesville’s peaceful streets and historic homes exemplify its rural heritage.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Educational options in Reevesville are limited, with many students attending schools in nearby towns. Landmarks include the historic Reevesville Presbyterian Church and nearby plantations that highlight the area’s agricultural history. The town’s proximity to the Edisto River provides recreational opportunities such as fishing and kayaking, attracting nature enthusiasts.
