About Calhoun County
Calhoun County, South Carolina is a small rural county located in the central portion of the state, covering approximately 389 square miles. Calhoun County Seat is St. Matthews, a historic town that is the administrative and judicial hub for Calhoun County's approximately 14,000 residents. Calhoun County was established in 1908, making it one of the youngest counties in South Carolina, carved from portions of Orangeburg and Lexington counties. Calhoun County is named in honor of John C. Calhoun, the prominent South Carolina statesman who served as U.S.
- Geographically, Calhoun County sits in the coastal plain region, bordered by Lake Marion to the southeast, which provides recreational opportunities and influences the local economy.
Vice President, Senator, and Secretary of State. Calhoun County is predominantly agricultural, with significant timber production, row crops, and livestock operations. Major landmarks include the historic downtown St.
Matthews, Lake Marion's shoreline, and numerous antebellum structures that survived the Civil War. Public records in Calhoun County are maintained by several key offices: Calhoun County Clerk of Court located at 102 Courthouse Drive in St. Matthews handles court filings and some vital records; the Register of Deeds (part of the Clerk's office) maintains property records; and Calhoun County Assessor's Office at 302 South Railroad Avenue handles property tax assessments.
Calhoun County's small size creates a close-knit community atmosphere while maintaining professional public services for residents and researchers seeking official documentation.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Calhoun County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Calhoun County. It manages Calhoun County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in various community programs meant to crime prevention and public safety. Notable divisions within the sheriff's office include patrol, investigations, and community services, each dedicated to specific aspects of law enforcement and public engagement.
Police Departments
In addition to Calhoun County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Calhoun County is supported by municipal police departments, including the St. Matthews Police Department. These agencies have jurisdiction within their respective municipalities and work in coordination with the sheriff's office on major crimes and investigations. This collaboration ensures full coverage and response to incidents throughout Calhoun County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Law enforcement in Calhoun County is primarily provided by Calhoun County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 218 Summers Street in St. Matthews, South Carolina 29135. Calhoun County Detention Center, operated by the Sheriff's Office, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates.
- Citizens may request arrest records by submitting a written FOIA request to the Sheriff's Office or the appropriate municipal department.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally considered public records and can be requested through the detention center, though some records may be restricted for ongoing investigations or juvenile cases.
- Processing fees for copies of arrest records typically range from $0.25 to $1.00 per page as permitted under state law.
- Response time for FOIA requests is typically within 10-15 business days, though complex requests may require additional time as allowed by statute.
Inmate lookup can be conducted by calling the detention center directly at or by visiting the facility in person during business hours. Booking information including names, charges, and bond amounts are public records under South Carolina law. Municipal law enforcement is provided by the St.
Matthews Police Department, which handles calls within the town limits. Arrest records in Calhoun County are public documents accessible under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in S.C. Code Ann.
§ 30-4-10 et seq. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) also maintains a statewide database of criminal records.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Calhoun County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Background checks can be conducted through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which provides statewide criminal history information. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division offers additional resources for residents seeking detailed background information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Calhoun County are maintained by Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request access to these records through the sheriff's office, adhering to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Arrest records typically contain the date of arrest, charges, and any court dates associated with the case.
Jail & Inmate Records
Calhoun County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing individuals who have been arrested in Calhoun County. The booking process involves fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to adhere to scheduled times and security protocols. The bond and bail process follows South Carolina state guidelines, where individuals can post bail to secure release pending trial.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Calhoun County are taken and retained by Calhoun County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office website or by request. South Carolina does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal under certain circumstances, such as expungement of charges.
Courts & Case Records
The judicial system in Calhoun County operates under South Carolina's unified court structure. Calhoun County Courthouse, located at 102 Courthouse Drive in St. Matthews, SC 29135, houses multiple court divisions. The Court of General Sessions handles criminal cases including felonies and serious misdemeanors, while the Court of Common Pleas addresses civil matters including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and real property cases.
- These courts can be contacted through the office’s website. Calhoun County Magistrate Court, also located at the courthouse complex, handles small claims up to $7,500, misdemeanor criminal cases, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations.
- Calhoun County Probate Court at 102 Courthouse Drive (phone: 803-874-3525) has jurisdiction over estates, wills, guardianships, and mental health commitments.
- Copies of court documents cost $0.25 per page for standard documents, with certified copies available for $1.00 per page plus a certification fee.
- Case files can also be requested by mail with appropriate fees and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
The Probate Judge also issues marriage licenses for Calhoun County. Court records in Calhoun County are public documents governed by South Carolina Rule of Court 612, which establishes the South Carolina Public Index. The South Carolina Judicial Department operates an online case search portal at www.sccourts.org/caseSearch where users can search civil and criminal cases by party name, case number, or attorney.
However, some records may be sealed by court order or restricted under state law, including certain juvenile records, adoption files, and sealed settlements. In-person searches at the Clerk of Court's office are available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Online access through the Public Index is free for basic searches, though detailed document retrieval may require payment.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Calhoun County are maintained by the Register of Deeds, a division within Calhoun County Clerk of Court's office located at 102 Courthouse Drive, St. Matthews, SC 29135. The office can be contacted at and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The Register of Deeds maintains all documents affecting real property in Calhoun County, including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgage documents, deeds of trust, liens (judgment liens, mechanic's liens, tax liens), easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, and subdivision plats.
- Calhoun County Register of Deeds offers public access to land records during business hours, and researchers can conduct deed searches by grantor/grantee name, property description, or book and page reference.
- Recording fees vary by document type, with standard deeds typically costing $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
- Matthews, SC 29135 (phone: 803-874-1242).
- Calhoun County Treasurer's Office, also at 302 South Railroad Avenue (phone: 803-874-2435), collects property taxes and maintains payment history records.
- Certified copies of recorded documents are available for $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee.
These records date back to Calhoun County's formation in 1908, with some earlier documents from predecessor counties also available. South Carolina operates under a race-notice recording statute, making proper recording essential for property rights. Property tax information is maintained separately by Calhoun County Assessor's Office at 302 South Railroad Avenue, St.
The Assessor's office maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, property characteristics, and appraisal data. While Calhoun County's online GIS and property search capabilities are limited compared to larger counties, basic property information may be accessible through Calhoun County website at www.calhouncountysc.org. For full searches, in-person or telephone inquiries remain the most reliable method.
Vital Records
Vital records for Calhoun County, South Carolina are maintained at both Calhoun County and state level under the provisions of S.C. Code Ann. § 44-63-10 et seq, which governs the registration and certification of vital events. Birth certificates for births occurring in Calhoun County can be requested through Calhoun County Probate Court, located at 102 Courthouse Drive, St. Matthews, SC 29135 (phone: 803-874-3525). The Probate Court maintains birth records and can issue certified copies to eligible applicants.
- The fee is $12.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Processing typically takes 5-10 business days for in-person requests.
- Death certificates for deaths occurring in Calhoun County are also available through the Probate Court with the same fee structure.
- Requesters must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal interest.
- Their website at www.scdhec.gov/vr offers online ordering through VitalChek with fees of $12.00 per certificate plus a service fee, with processing in 3-5 business days for standard service or 24-48 hours for expedited.
Only the person named on the certificate (if 18 or older), parents, legal guardians, legal representatives, or individuals with a direct and tangible interest may obtain certified birth certificates. For births and deaths that occurred more than one year ago, or for expedited service, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Vital Records office is an alternative resource. DHEC Vital Records, located at 2600 Bull Street in Columbia, SC 29201, maintains statewide birth records from 1915 forward and death records from 1915 forward.
Marriage licenses must be obtained in person from Calhoun County Probate Court prior to the ceremony, requiring both parties to appear with valid identification, proof of age, and payment of the $50.00 license fee. There is a 24-hour waiting period after issuance before the ceremony can occur. Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by Calhoun County Clerk of Court at 102 Courthouse Drive and can be requested by the parties to the divorce or their legal representatives.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Calhoun County are maintained through multiple agencies at Calhoun County and state level. For businesses operating within Calhoun County, business licenses are required and administered by Calhoun County Treasurer's Office at 302 South Railroad Avenue, St. Matthews, SC 29135 (phone: 803-874-2435). Business license applications must be submitted annually, with fees based on the business classification and gross revenue. Applications typically require federal EIN or Social Security number, business description, location information, and estimated gross income.
- The filing fee is approximately $10.00 and the registration must be renewed every five years.
- The South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) at www.llr.sc.gov provides license verification for most regulated professions.
Licenses expire on April 30th each year. Fictitious name registrations (DBA - Doing Business As) for businesses operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must be filed with Calhoun County Clerk of Court at 102 Courthouse Drive. At the state level, the South Carolina Secretary of State maintains the central business entity database for all corporations, LLCs, limited partnerships, and other formal business entities.
The Secretary of State's Business Entities Online portal at www.sos.sc.gov/business-filings allows free searching of registered businesses, including corporation names, registered agents, formation dates, and status. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by respective South Carolina licensing boards, not at Calhoun County level. Sales tax permits and employer accounts are administered by the South Carolina Department of Revenue, not Calhoun County.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Calhoun County Planning and Zoning Department, which can be reached through Calhoun County administration for Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce, though not a government agency, provides business resources and networking opportunities and can be contacted for economic development information regarding business location and expansion in Calhoun County.
Elections & Voter Records
Election administration in Calhoun County is managed by Calhoun County Voter Registration and Elections Office, located at 302 South Railroad Avenue, St. Matthews, SC 29135. The office can be reached at and operates under the supervision of Calhoun County Election Commission and the South Carolina State Election Commission.
- Absentee voting by mail is available to any registered voter in South Carolina for any reason.
- To request an absentee ballot, voters must submit a written application to Calhoun County Voter Registration and Elections Office, available online at www.scVOTES.gov or by contacting the office.
- The deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail is 5:00 PM the fourth day before the election.
Voter registration in Calhoun County can be completed online through the South Carolina Election Commission's website at www.scVOTES.gov, in person at Calhoun County elections office, at the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles during license transactions, or by mail using a downloadable registration form. To be eligible to vote in South Carolina, an individual must be a U.S. Citizen, at least 18 years old by election day, a resident of South Carolina and Calhoun County, and not under a court order declaring mental incompetence or serving a sentence for a felony conviction.
The voter registration deadline is 30 days before any election. Registered voters in Calhoun County can find their polling place by visiting www.scVOTES.gov and using the online polling place locator, by calling Calhoun County elections office, or by checking their voter registration card which lists the assigned precinct. Calhoun County typically operates approximately 10-12 polling locations across Calhoun County on election day, with polls open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Early voting (in-person absentee voting) is available at the elections office beginning 30 days before an election and ending the day before election day, Monday through Friday during business hours. Completed absentee ballots must be received by 7:00 PM on election day, not just postmarked. The next major election is November 3, 2026, which will feature U.S.
House of Representatives races, potentially a U.S. Senate seat, South Carolina state legislature seats, and various county offices. Election records that are public in South Carolina include voter registration lists (available to registered voters and political entities), precinct-level election results, candidate filing information, and campaign finance disclosures for state-level candidates through the South Carolina Ethics Commission.
In the November 2024 general election, Calhoun County experienced voter turnout of approximately 58-62% of registered voters, consistent with typical turnout patterns for South Carolina rural counties in presidential election years. Precinct-level results are published by the State Election Commission at www.scVOTES.gov shortly after certification. Under South Carolina Code § 7-1-25 and related statutes, most election records are public and accessible, though individual voter choices remain confidential by secret ballot.
Citizens can request election related public records by contacting Calhoun County Election Commission during regular business hours, with most statistical and results data available free of charge or for minimal copying fees.
Economy & Demographics
Calhoun County's economy is predominantly based on agriculture, forestry, and small-scale manufacturing, reflecting its rural character and natural resources. With a population of approximately 14,000 residents spread across 389 square miles, Calhoun County maintains a primarily rural economic profile. Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, with significant production of timber, soybeans, corn, cotton, wheat, and livestock including cattle and poultry.
- The median household income in Calhoun County is estimated at approximately $38,000 to $42,000, which is below both the South Carolina and national medians, reflecting Calhoun County's rural economic challenges.
- Manufacturing facilities in Calhoun County include operations in metal fabrication, wood products, and food processing.
- Economic development efforts focus on using Calhoun County's location along Interstate 26, which provides access to Columbia and Charleston markets.
Calhoun County's position adjacent to Lake Marion supports a modest tourism and recreation sector, with fishing, boating, and outdoor activities attracting visitors particularly during spring and summer months. Major employers in Calhoun County include Calhoun County School District, which is the largest public sector employer, Calhoun County government, healthcare facilities including regional medical centers, and several manufacturing operations. The unemployment rate typically ranges from 4% to 6%, slightly higher than state averages, with fluctuations based on seasonal agricultural employment.
Timber production and forestry-related industries represent significant economic activity, with thousands of acres dedicated to commercial timber operations supplying pulpwood and lumber markets. The Santee Cooper Lakes region, including Lake Marion, contributes to property values and recreational business opportunities. Retail and service sectors are concentrated in St.
Matthews and serve local residents, with limited regional draw. Calhoun County economic development office works to attract new industries by promoting available industrial sites, workforce training through regional technical colleges, and quality of life advantages. Challenges facing Calhoun County's economy include rural depopulation, limited broadband infrastructure in some areas, and competition from larger metropolitan areas for business investment and workforce retention.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Property: Limited: Online, In-Person Recommended | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online (State Portal) | Overall Score: 6/10, Calhoun County relies heavily on state-level systems for online access; local digital infrastructure is limited, requiring in-person visits for record searches.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Calhoun County
Explore public records for 2 cities and communities in Calhoun County, South Carolina.