About Georgetown County
Georgetown County is located along the coastal plain of South Carolina, including approximately 1,035 square miles including significant waterways and wetlands. Georgetown County Seat is Georgetown, South Carolina's third oldest city, founded in 1729. With a population of approximately 63,000 residents, Georgetown County is defined by its Atlantic coastline, including the popular resort communities of Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, and Murrells Inlet.
Georgetown County is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Horry County to the north, Williamsburg County to the west, and Charleston County to the south. Major waterways include the Waccamaw River, Black River, Pee Dee River, and Sampit River, which converge in Winyah Bay. Georgetown Register of Deeds of Deeds office is located at 129 Screven Street, Georgetown, SC 29440, maintaining land records and property transactions.
Georgetown County Clerk of Court operates from the Historic Courthouse at 715 Prince Street, Georgetown, SC 29440, handling court filings and proceedings. Georgetown County Assessor's Office, located at 129 Screven Street, manages property assessments and tax valuations. Historic landmarks include Georgetown County Historic District, Kaminski House Museum, and Hampton Plantation State Historic Site.
The economy historically centered on rice cultivation, earning Georgetown area the title of 'Rice Capital of the World' in the 18th century, with indigo and timber also playing significant roles. Today, Georgetown County balances tourism, maritime commerce through Georgetown Port, steel production, and coastal development while preserving its extensive natural resources including beaches, marshlands, and wildlife habitats.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Georgetown County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Georgetown County. It manages Georgetown County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in community policing and operates several specialized units, including a narcotics division and a marine patrol unit, to address the unique needs of the coastal community.
Police Departments
Georgetown County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Georgetown County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Georgetown Police Department, Andrews Police Department, and Pawleys Island Police Department. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and share jurisdictional responsibilities, making sure of full coverage across Georgetown County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Georgetown County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 2222 Highmarket Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 (phone: 843-546-5102), provides primary law enforcement services throughout unincorporated areas and operates Georgetown County Detention Center. The Sheriff's website (www.gcso.org) offers inmate search capabilities where users can look up current detainees by name, booking number, or date of arrest. The detention center houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced inmates, with visitation information and inmate account details available through the online portal.
- Booking photographs and mugshots are generally available through the detention center's online inmate locator system, displaying current inmates with booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and booking dates.
- Requests for historical arrest records or case dispositions should be directed to the Sheriff's Office with proper identification and may involve processing fees.
Municipal law enforcement is provided by Georgetown County Police Department serving the city of Georgetown area. Arrest records in Georgetown County are considered public information under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIAA), codified at S.C. Code Ann.
§ 30-4-10 et seq. Georgetown County Coroner's Office, also located at the Law Enforcement Center, handles death investigations and maintains records accessible under FOIAA. No tribal law enforcement agencies operate within Georgetown County, though Georgetown County cooperates with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) on major investigations and maintains mutual aid agreements with neighboring jurisdictions.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Georgetown County cover felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. Residents can conduct background checks through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which provides statewide criminal history reports. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division supports local agencies with resources and expertise for complex investigations.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Georgetown County are maintained by Georgetown County Sheriff's Office. Residents and attorneys can request these records by contacting the sheriff's office directly. Arrest records typically include the individual's personal information, the nature of the charges, and the arresting officer's details. The process is governed by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, which ensures public access to such records while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Georgetown County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Georgetown County. It handles the booking process for people arrested within Georgetown County, offering an inmate lookup service through its website. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring appointments and adherence to a strict schedule. The bond process follows South Carolina state guidelines, allowing for cash or surety bonds, and information on recently arrested individuals can be accessed through the detention center's administrative office.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Georgetown County are taken and retained by Georgetown County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's office or third-party websites that aggregate such data. South Carolina does not have specific mugshot removal laws, so individuals seeking removal must negotiate directly with the hosting entity.
Courts & Case Records
Georgetown County judicial proceedings are conducted through the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court of South Carolina, with Georgetown County Courthouse located at 715 Prince Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 (phone: 843-545-3338). The Circuit Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $7,500, domestic relations, and appeals from lower courts. Georgetown County Clerk of Court maintains all court records, case files, judgments, and pleadings.
- Georgetown County Probate Court, located at 129 Screven Street (phone: 843-545-3339), administers estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments.
- Fees for copies are established by statute at $0.25 per page for standard documents, with certified copies costing an additional fee.
Georgetown County Magistrate Court, operating from 129 Screven Street, has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases with penalties not exceeding thirty days imprisonment or $500 fine, civil claims up to $7,500, landlord-tenant disputes, and initial appearances for criminal defendants. Georgetown County Municipal Courts in the city of Georgetown County handle traffic violations, city ordinance violations, and preliminary hearings. South Carolina's court records are governed by Rule 77 of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
The South Carolina Judicial Department operates a statewide Public Index (publicindex.sccourts.org) providing free online access to circuit court case information, though complete court file documents require in-person requests or written applications to the Clerk of Court. Case searches can be conducted by party name, case number, or attorney. Sealed cases, juvenile matters, and certain family court proceedings are exempt from public disclosure under S.C.
Code Ann. § 63-1-200.
Property & Public Records
Georgetown County Register of Deeds, located at 129 Screven Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 (phone: 843-545-3047), maintains full land and property records including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, deeds of trust, mortgages, mortgage satisfactions, liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment), easements, right-of-way agreements, plat maps, subdivision plats, and uniform commercial code (UCC) filings. The office provides public access to recorded instruments dating back to Georgetown County's formation.
- The Register of Deeds charges statutory recording fees: $10.25 for the first page of most documents and $2.00 for each additional page, with additional fees for multiple property tax map numbers.
- Certified copies cost $1.00 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee.
Georgetown County offers free online property record searching through their official website (www.georgetowncountysc.org) where users can search the deed index by grantor, grantee, document type, recording date, or book and page reference. Georgetown County Assessor's Office, also at 129 Screven Street (phone: 843-545-3052), maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, property characteristics, building descriptions, and land valuations. The Assessor provides a free online GIS mapping system and property search portal where users can research parcels by owner name, parcel identification number, address, or subdivision, viewing tax assessment history, sales data, building sketches, and property photographs.
Georgetown County Treasurer's Office (843-545-3066) handles property tax payments, delinquent tax records, and tax sale information. All property records are public under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, with limited exceptions for certain security-related information.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for Georgetown County are maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Vital Records Office, not at Georgetown County level. Birth certificates can be requested from DHEC Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, or through the VitalChek online ordering service (www.scdhec.gov/vitalrecords). The current fee for a certified birth certificate is $17.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time is approximately 7-10 business days for mail requests, with expedited service available for additional fees.
- Death certificates cost $17.00 for the first copy and $3.00 for additional copies, with similar identification and eligibility requirements.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Georgetown County Probate Court, located at 129 Screven Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 (phone: 843-545-3339).
- The marriage license fee is $50, with a 24-hour waiting period before the license becomes valid, remaining valid for 60 days.
- Walk-in requests to DHEC offices require appointments.
Applicants must provide valid government-issued photo identification and proof of relationship or legal entitlement. Only immediate family members, legal representatives, or persons with legal interest may obtain certified copies under S.C. Code Ann.
§ 44-63-20 et seq. Couples must apply in person with valid photo identification, proof of age, and Social Security numbers. If previously married, proof of divorce or death certificate is required.
Divorce records (divorce decrees) are maintained by Georgetown County Clerk of Court at the courthouse. Online ordering for vital records is available through VitalChek with credit card payment and expedited shipping options. Genealogical records older than 100 years (births) or 50 years (deaths) have more liberal access provisions under state regulations.
Business & Licensing
Business licenses in Georgetown County are administered by Georgetown County Treasurer's Office, 129 Screven Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 (phone: 843-545-3066), which handles county business license applications, renewals, and renewals for businesses operating in unincorporated areas. Applicants must complete a business license application, provide proof of business activity, and pay fees based on gross revenue and business classification. Municipalities within Georgetown County, including the City of Georgetown, issue separate business licenses for operations within city limits.
- Fictitious name registrations (Doing Business As - DBA) are filed with Georgetown County Clerk of Court, allowing businesses to operate under names different from their legal entity names.
- The online Business Entity Search is free and provides formation dates, registered agent information, business addresses, status (active, dissolved, withdrawn), and annual report compliance.
- Building permits, zoning approvals, and development applications are processed through Georgetown County Planning and Zoning Department, 129 Screven Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 (phone: 843-545-3153).
- Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce (www.visitgeorgetowncountysc.com) provides business support services, networking opportunities, and economic development information.
The South Carolina Secretary of State (www.sos.sc.gov) maintains the full business entity database where users can search corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and other business entities registered in South Carolina. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and health professionals are issued by respective South Carolina state licensing boards, not at Georgetown County level. The department maintains records of building permits, land use applications, subdivision approvals, and zoning variances.
Sales tax permits are obtained through the South Carolina Department of Revenue.
Elections & Voter Records
Georgetown County elections are administered by Georgetown County Voter Registration and Elections Office, located at 129 Screven Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 (phone: 843-545-3339; website: www.georgetowncountysc.org/departments/voter-registration). South Carolina voters must register at least 30 days before any election, with online registration available through the South Carolina Election Commission website (www.scVOTES.gov).
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- In the November 2024 general election, Georgetown County reported approximately 58% voter turnout among registered voters, consistent with South Carolina's typical turnout for presidential elections.
- Georgetown County Elections Office provides transparency through published election results, sample ballots, poll worker information, and election procedures in compliance with S.C.
Residents may register online if they possess a current South Carolina driver's license or DMV-issued ID card, or submit paper applications by mail or in person at Georgetown County Elections Office, DMV offices, or designated voter registration agencies. Citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, residents of South Carolina and Georgetown County, and not currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction. Georgetown County voters can locate their assigned polling place using the South Carolina Election Commission's polling place locator at www.scVOTES.gov/south-carolina-polling-places or by contacting Georgetown County elections office.
Georgetown County maintains approximately 25 voting precincts throughout Georgetown County. Election records that are public in Georgetown County include certified voter registration lists (excluding certain personal information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth per S.C. Code Ann.
§ 7-5-310), campaign disclosure reports filed with the South Carolina Ethics Commission, candidate filing information, precinct-level election results, and voter history (whether someone voted, not how they voted). The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives elections, potential U.S.
Senate races, South Carolina gubernatorial election, state legislature contests, and county offices. Georgetown County voters may request absentee ballots for specific statutory reasons including being 65 years or older, illness or disability, scheduled work hours conflicting with polling place hours, absence from county on election day, government election duties, or religious observance. Absentee ballot applications must be submitted to Georgetown County Voter Registration and Elections Office by 5:00 PM the Friday before the election, with completed ballots returned by 7:00 PM on election day.
South Carolina requires photo ID for in-person voting; acceptable forms include South Carolina driver's license, DMV ID card, U.S. Passport, military ID, or voter registration card with photo. Code Ann.
§ 7-1-10 et seq.
Economy & Demographics
Georgetown County's economy represents a diverse blend of heavy industry, tourism, maritime commerce, and natural resource management. The Port of Georgetown handles approximately 1.5 million tons of cargo annually, specializing in steel, woodpulp, and bulk commodities, acting as a critical economic engine for Georgetown County. Liberty Steel Georgetown, formerly ArcelorMittal, operates a major steel manufacturing facility employing over 200 workers, producing wire rod and merchant bar quality steel products.
- The median household income in Georgetown County is approximately $51,000, below the state average, reflecting Georgetown County's mix of tourism service jobs and industrial employment.
Tidelands Health, Georgetown County's largest employer, operates Tidelands Georgetown County Memorial Hospital and multiple medical facilities throughout Georgetown County, employing approximately 2,000 healthcare professionals. Tourism constitutes a substantial economic sector, with Pawleys Island, Litchfield Beach, and Murrells Inlet attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to beaches, golf courses, fishing charters, and waterfront restaurants. Major economic sectors include manufacturing (steel, paper products), healthcare and social assistance, accommodation and food services, retail trade, and construction.
International Paper operates significant forestry and timber operations in Georgetown County's extensive woodland areas. Georgetown County Economic Development Department actively recruits advanced manufacturing, distribution, and technology companies, offering incentives through the South Carolina Coordinating Council for Economic Development. Recent economic development projects include expansion of Georgetown Technology Park and improvements to port facilities.
Unemployment rates typically range between 4-6%, varying seasonally with tourism cycles. Agricultural activities, while diminished from historical rice plantation dominance, continue through timber production, aquaculture (shrimp, oysters), and specialty crops.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Index | Property: Yes: Free Search & GIS | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Lookup | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: State Online Search | Elections: Yes: Online Registration & Results | Overall Score: 8/10, Georgetown County provides strong digital access to property, court indices, jail records, and election information, though vital records require state-level requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Georgetown County
Explore public records for 4 cities and communities in Georgetown County, South Carolina.