About Horry County
Horry County is located in the northeastern corner of South Carolina along the Atlantic Coast, known globally as the home of Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand tourism corridor. Horry County Seat is Conway, situated approximately 10 miles inland from the coast. With a population exceeding 380,000 residents as of recent estimates, Horry County ranks among the fastest-growing counties in South Carolina and the entire southeastern United States. Horry County includes approximately 1,255 square miles of coastal plains, tidal marshes, and barrier islands.
Major landmarks include Myrtle Beach State Park, Brookgreen Gardens (one of the nation's premier sculpture gardens), the Waccamaw River, and the Conway Riverwalk. Historically, Horry County was established in 1801 and named after Revolutionary War hero Peter Horry. The economy transformed from agriculture and timber into a tourism powerhouse beginning in the mid-20th century.
Horry County Government Center is located at 1301 2nd Avenue in Conway. Public records are managed by several agencies: Horry County Register of Deeds maintains property records at the Government Center; Horry County Clerk of Court handles court filings at 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526; and Horry County Assessor's Office manages property tax assessments at the same Government Center complex. What makes Horry County unique is its dual identity, a year-round residential community of retirees and working families balanced against a seasonal tourism economy that brings more than 19 million visitors annually to the Grand Strand beaches, golf courses, entertainment venues, and attractions.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Horry County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Horry County. This office manages Horry County Detention Center, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is key to coordinating with other local law enforcement agencies to ensure a full approach to crime prevention and response.
Police Departments
Horry County is served by multiple law enforcement agencies, including Horry County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Myrtle Beach Police Department, Conway Police Department, and North Myrtle Beach Police Department. Each city department is responsible for law enforcement within its jurisdiction, handling local crimes and community policing. These agencies often collaborate on major investigations and share resources to address county-wide issues, making sure of a coordinated approach to public safety.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Horry County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Phillip Thompson, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Horry County and operates Horry County Detention Center. The J.
- Requests for arrest records can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or individual police departments, though recent arrest information is often available through the detention center's booking records.
- Reuben Long Detention Center's online inmate search portal, which displays photographs taken during the booking process.
Reuben Long Detention Center, located at 1301 North Main Street in Conway, houses county inmates and provides an online inmate lookup system through the Sheriff's website where the public can search current detainees by name, booking number, or other identifiers. Municipal police departments operate independently in incorporated areas: Myrtle Beach Police Department, North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety, Conway Police Department, Surfside Beach Police Department, Atlantic Beach Police Department, Briarcliffe Acres Police Department, and Aynor Police Department. Arrest records in Horry County are considered public information under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at S.C.
Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. Mugshots and booking photos are accessible through the J.
No tribal police agencies operate in Horry County, though Horry County does coordinate with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and federal agencies on major investigations.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Horry County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request background checks through SLED's online portal, which includes information on arrests, convictions, and sex offender status.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Horry County are maintained by Horry County Sheriff's Office and the local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring identification and a processing fee. An arrest record in Horry County typically includes the individual's personal information, details of the arrest, charges, and booking information. South Carolina's Freedom of Information Act governs the access to these records, for public access and public access while protecting sensitive information.
Jail & Inmate Records
Horry County Detention Center, located in Conway, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested in Horry County. The booking process at this facility includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process follows South Carolina law, where individuals can post bail through cash, surety bonds, or property bonds, depending on the charges and court decisions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Horry County are taken and retained by Horry County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the sheriff's website or by request. While South Carolina does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals seeking removal from third-party websites may need to pursue legal action or request removal directly from the site. The availability of mugshots is subject to state laws regarding public records and privacy.
Courts & Case Records
Horry County judicial system operates under South Carolina's unified court structure. The Fifteenth Judicial Circuit Court serves Horry County and handles felony criminal cases, civil matters over $7,500, and family court matters. Horry County Courthouse is located at 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526 The Clerk of Court, currently David Yelton, maintains all circuit court records and provides public access to court documents.
- Horry County Magistrate Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, small claims up to $7,500, landlord-tenant disputes, and issues arrest and search warrants.
South Carolina's publicly accessible case search system, the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index at publicindex.sccourts.org, allows users to search civil, criminal, family court, and probate cases by name, case number, or other criteria at no charge for basic searches, though certified copies require fees ranging from $1 per page to $10 for certification. Multiple magistrate offices operate throughout Horry County with the main office at 1301 2nd Avenue in Conway. Horry County Probate Court, located at 1201 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, phone, has jurisdiction over estates, wills, guardianships, and mental health commitments.
Municipal courts in Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, and other incorporated municipalities handle city ordinance violations and traffic offenses. Public access to court records in South Carolina is governed by Rule 77(d) of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and S.C. Code Ann.
§ 30-4-10 et seq, which presume openness subject to specific exemptions for sealed records, juvenile matters, and certain family court proceedings.
Property & Public Records
Horry County Register of Deeds, located at 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526, maintains all recorded land documents including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, mortgage documents, deed releases, liens, lis pendens, easements, right-of-way agreements, and subdivision plat maps. The office can be reached at and operates an online public access portal at horrycounty.org/departments/register-of-deeds where users can search recorded documents dating back several decades free of charge. The index is searchable by grantor/grantee name, document type, book and page, or parcel identification number.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2 for the first page and $1 for each additional page, plus $2 for certification.
- Their website at horrycounty.org/departments/assessor provides a free GIS-based property search system where users can search by owner name, address, parcel number, or map location.
- The Register of Deeds office provides walk-in service during business hours and accepts document recording submissions in person or by mail with proper fees.
Digital images of recorded documents can be viewed and printed online. Horry County Assessor's Office, located at 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526, phone, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, legal descriptions, and property characteristics. The interactive GIS map displays property boundaries, tax values, sale history, building information, and aerial photography.
Horry County Treasurer, phone, collects property taxes and maintains payment history records. All real property transactions are public record in South Carolina under common law and statutory provisions.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Horry County are maintained by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Bureau of Vital Records, not at Horry County level. The state vital records office is located at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. Birth certificates can be requested in person, by mail, or online through VitalChek at scdhec.gov/vr for a fee of $12 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $12 for the first certified copy and $3 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 3-5 business days for in-person requests and 2-3 weeks for mail orders; online VitalChek orders arrive within 5-10 business days with expedited shipping options available.
- The fee is $50 and both parties must appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers.
- § 44-63-10 et seq, which restricts access to vital records to protect privacy while allowing access to eligible persons with proper identification and lawful purpose.
Eligible applicants include the person named on the certificate (if of legal age), immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with documented legal interest. Valid government-issued photo identification is required. Marriage licenses are issued by Horry County Probate Court at 1201 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, phone, and also at the satellite probate office in Conway.
South Carolina eliminated the waiting period for marriage licenses. Divorce decrees are filed with Horry County Clerk of Court at 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. South Carolina vital records laws are codified at S.C.
Code Ann.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing in Horry County operates at both county and municipal levels depending on business location and type. Horry County Business & Licensing Department, located at 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526, phone, issues business licenses for operations in unincorporated areas of Horry County. Businesses within city limits must obtain licenses from their respective municipalities, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Conway, and other incorporated towns maintain separate business licensing offices.
- This database provides entity status, registered agent, filing history, and annual report compliance.
Horry County Clerk of Court maintains fictitious name (DBA) registrations for businesses operating under names other than their legal entity names. Corporate filings, LLC formations, and registered agent information are handled by the South Carolina Secretary of State and searchable online at businessfilings.sc.gov through the Business Entities Online system at no charge. The South Carolina Department of Revenue issues retail licenses and sales tax permits; applications can be submitted online at dor.sc.gov.
Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by respective South Carolina professional licensing boards under the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation. Building permits and certificates of occupancy are issued by Horry County Building Safety Department, phone, for unincorporated areas, with plan review and inspections services provided. Zoning information and land use permits are handled by Horry County Planning & Zoning Department for The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 1200 North Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, website myrtlebeachareachamber.com, provides business support services and networking opportunities for Horry Countyal business community.
Elections & Voter Records
Horry County Voter Registration and Elections Office, located at 1515 Fourth Avenue, Conway, SC 29526, phone, administers all federal, state, and local elections within Horry County. The office website at horrycounty.org/departments/voter-registration provides full election information and services. South Carolina voters can register online at scVOTES.gov, the state's official voter registration portal, or submit paper applications to Horry County elections office. Registration deadlines are 30 days before any election. Eligible voters must be U.S.
- In the November 2024 general election, Horry County recorded approximately 63% voter turnout among registered voters, reflecting typical presidential election participation rates.
Citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, residents of South Carolina, and not under a disqualifying criminal conviction or mental incapacity adjudication. Voters can find their specific polling place by using the "Where do I vote?" tool at scVOTES.gov or by contacting Horry County Elections Office directly. Horry County operates dozens of precinct polling locations on election day and multiple early voting centers during the state's designated early voting period.
Election records that are public under South Carolina law include voter registration rolls (available for purchase for political purposes under S.C. Code Ann. § 7-5-170), campaign finance disclosure reports filed with the State Ethics Commission, candidate filing information, and detailed precinct-level election results.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives races (South Carolina's 7th Congressional District represents most of Horry County), potential U.S. Senate races depending on the cycle, South Carolina Governor and statewide constitutional offices, South Carolina General Assembly seats, and county council positions.
Absentee voting in South Carolina requires an approved excuse including being away from Horry County on election day, physical disability, persons 65 and older, government service, or religious observance. Absentee ballot applications are available at scVOTES.gov or from Horry County Elections Office, with completed applications due by 5 p.m. The Friday before the election.
South Carolina does not offer no-excuse mail voting. Horry County's election transparency is supported by public observation rights during voting and tabulation, post-election audits as required by state law, and detailed reporting of results by precinct and voting method.
Economy & Demographics
Horry County's economy is dominated by tourism and hospitality, which generates approximately 37% of all employment and contributes billions annually to the local economy. The Grand Strand tourism corridor attracts more than 19 million visitors per year to beaches, golf courses, entertainment venues like the Alabama Theatre and Carolina Opry, attractions such as Family Kingdom and Ripley's Aquarium, and shopping destinations including Broadway at the Beach and Coastal Grand Mall.
- The median household income in Horry County is approximately $54,000, below the national average but reflecting the seasonal employment patterns and service-sector concentration.
Major employers include Tidelands Health (the largest healthcare system in Horry County), Horry County Schools, Coastal Carolina University, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, Horry County Government, and numerous hotel chains and restaurant groups. Beyond tourism, key economic sectors include healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, construction (driven by rapid population growth), education, and manufacturing. Significant manufacturers include Kraton Polymers in Conway and Harbor Freight Tools distribution center.
The hospitality sector includes over 90,000 hotel rooms, making the Grand Strand one of the nation's largest beach resort destinations. Unemployment rates fluctuate seasonally, typically ranging from 3-5% during peak summer months and rising in winter. Notable economic development initiatives include the I-73 corridor project (a proposed interstate connecting Myrtle Beach to Interstate 95), expansion of the Myrtle Beach International Airport, development of the Grande Dunes resort community, and growth of Coastal Carolina University's research capabilities.
The Port of Myrtle Beach handles commercial shipping. Agriculture, once dominant, now plays a smaller role but includes tobacco, soybeans, and forestry products. Retail sales tax revenue reflects Horry County's tourism dependence, with collections peaking during summer vacation season.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online | Vital Records: Limited: State Office Required | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Horry County provides excellent digital access to court, property, jail, and election records through well-maintained online portals. Vital records require state-level access.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Horry County
Explore public records for 11 cities and communities in Horry County, South Carolina.