About Kershaw County
Kershaw County is located in the north-central portion of South Carolina, including approximately 726 square miles of rolling Piedmont terrain and Sandhills topography. Kershaw County Seat is Camden, which holds the distinction of being South Carolina's oldest inland city, founded in 1733. As of recent census estimates, Kershaw County has a population of approximately 68,000 residents. Kershaw County is bounded by the Wateree River to the west and includes significant portions of the Lake Wateree reservoir, a popular recreational destination.
- County governance includes the Register of Deeds (Kershaw County Courthouse, 1121 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020), the Clerk of Court at the same address, and the County Assessor's Office (, Camden, SC 29020).
Kershaw County was established in 1791 and named after Revolutionary War hero Joseph Kershaw. Major landmarks include Historic Camden Revolutionary War Site, Goodale State Park, and the Carolina Cup steeplechase grounds. Kershaw County's economy historically centered on textiles and agriculture, particularly cotton, timber, and cattle, though it has diversified considerably in recent decades.
Kershaw County maintains a blend of rural character and growing suburban development, particularly in areas convenient to Columbia, the state capital located approximately 30 miles southwest. Kershaw County is known for its equestrian culture, historic preservation, and strong military ties to nearby Shaw Air Force Base in adjacent Sumter County.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Kershaw County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in the unincorporated areas of Kershaw County. It operates Kershaw County Detention Center, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The office is involved in community policing and crime prevention programs, and it has specialized divisions such as narcotics and investigations to address specific crime issues within Kershaw County.
Police Departments
In addition to Kershaw County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Kershaw County is provided by municipal police departments, including the Camden Police Department and the Elgin Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective city limits, focusing on local crime prevention, traffic enforcement, and community engagement. These agencies coordinate with the sheriff's office on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full law enforcement coverage across Kershaw County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Kershaw County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 1800 Roberts Street, Camden, SC 29020 (phone: 803-425-1512), is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Kershaw County and operates Kershaw County Detention Center.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through Kershaw County Detention Center inmate search portal and may also be obtained through formal public records requests.
- Processing fees may apply for extensive records requests.
To search for current inmates at Kershaw County Detention Center, citizens can visit the Sheriff's Office website and access the inmate roster, which is updated regularly and includes booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates. Arrest records in Kershaw County are considered public information under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified in S.C.
Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq. Citizens may request arrest records, incident reports, and booking information by submitting a written FOIA request to the appropriate law enforcement agency, though some information may be redacted for ongoing investigations or privacy concerns.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Kershaw County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal background checks through SLED's online portal. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division offers additional resources for residents seeking information on criminal activity and public safety in Kershaw County.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Kershaw County are maintained by Kershaw County Sheriff's Office. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through formal applications, often requiring a fee. Arrest records typically include the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking details. The process is governed by the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, which allows public access to government records while protecting certain sensitive information. Requests can be made in person or through written applications to the sheriff's office.
Jail & Inmate Records
Kershaw County Detention Center is the primary facility for housing inmates in Kershaw County. The booking process involves photographing and fingerprinting individuals upon arrest. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to dress codes.
- The bond and bail process follows South Carolina's legal framework, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of a set bail amount, which can be arranged through the detention center or a bail bondsman.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Kershaw County are taken and retained by Kershaw 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 mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if the charges are dropped or if they are found not guilty. Mugshots are often used with arrest records for identification and legal proceedings.
Courts & Case Records
Kershaw County judicial system operates through the South Carolina Unified Judicial System, with Kershaw County Courthouse located at 1121 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020. The Court of General Sessions (criminal matters) and Court of Common Pleas (civil matters) serve as the trial courts of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil suits exceeding $7,500, and equity matters. The Family Court, also housed at the courthouse, has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce, custody, adoption, juvenile delinquency, and abuse/neglect cases.
- The Clerk of Court's office maintains the official record and charges fees for certified copies, generally $1 per page plus a certification fee.
- The courthouse is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, and all requests for extensive records should be made in writing to the Clerk of Court.
Kershaw County Magistrate Court system includes multiple magistrates with jurisdiction over civil cases up to $7,500, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and misdemeanor criminal cases with penalties not exceeding 30 days imprisonment or $500 fine. Kershaw County Probate Court (803-425-1500) handles estate administration, wills, guardianships, and mental health commitments. Court records may be searched through the South Carolina Judicial Department's Public Index (publicindex.sccourts.org), which provides free online access to circuit court case information, though detailed documents typically require in-person or written requests.
South Carolina court records are presumptively public under common law and S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10 et seq, though certain records involving juveniles, adoptions, mental health proceedings, and sealed cases are confidential.
Property & Public Records
Property and land records for Kershaw County are maintained by the Register of Deeds Office (ROD), located in Kershaw County Courthouse at 1121 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020 (phone: 803-425-1500, extension for ROD). The Register of Deeds maintains recorded instruments including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, liens (tax, judgment, mechanic's), easements, plat maps, subdivision plats, releases, and powers of attorney affecting real property.
- The Register of Deeds office provides public access terminals in the courthouse during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM) for searching records.
- Online property search is available through commercial vendors that index Kershaw County records, though fees typically apply for document images.
- Certified copies of recorded documents from the Register of Deeds typically cost $1 per page plus a certification fee.
South Carolina is a race-notice state, meaning recorded documents provide constructive notice and priority is generally determined by recording date. Property tax information is maintained separately by Kershaw County Auditor's Office (, Camden, SC 29020, 803-425-1500) and Kershaw County Treasurer's Office at the same location. The Auditor's website provides a GIS/parcel viewer and property tax assessment search at www.kershaw.sc.gov/auditor, allowing free searches by owner name, parcel number, or address to view assessed values, legal descriptions, and tax history.
Kershaw County uses a grantor-grantee index system, and staff can assist with complex title searches. All real property conveyances and encumbrances in South Carolina must be recorded to provide legal notice, and public access is guaranteed under S.C. Code Ann.
§ 30-1-10 et seq. And the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Vital Records
Vital records for Kershaw County, South Carolina are maintained at both Kershaw County and state levels. Birth and death certificates occurring in Kershaw County may be requested through Kershaw County Probate Court, located at 1121 Broad Street, Room 203, Camden, SC 29020 (phone: 803-425-1500). The Probate Court maintains birth records less than 100 years old and death records less than 50 years old.
- Certified birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously; certified death certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $3 for additional copies.
- Processing typically takes 5-10 business days for in-person or mail requests.
- Requestors must provide valid government-issued photo identification and demonstrate a direct and tangible interest as required by S.C.
- Eligible requestors include the registrant (for birth certificates), immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals with court orders.
- DHEC offers online ordering through VitalChek (www.scdhec.gov/vitalrecords) with expedited processing available for additional fees.
Code Ann. § 44-63-10 et seq, which governs vital records access. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Vital Records Office (2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, phone: 803-898-3630) is the central repository for all South Carolina vital records and can fulfill requests statewide.
Marriage licenses are issued by Kershaw County Probate Court and require both parties to appear in person with valid identification and Social Security numbers; the fee is approximately $50 and there is a 24-hour waiting period from issuance to ceremony. Divorce records and decrees are maintained by Kershaw County Clerk of Court as part of the Family Court case files. Genealogical researchers may access older records through DHEC or the South Carolina Department of Archives and History.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Kershaw County involve both county-level and state-level registrations depending on the business type and activity. Fictitious name registrations (doing business as or DBA filings) are filed with Kershaw County Clerk of Court at 1121 Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020 (803-425-1500). These filings are required when operating a business under a name other than the owner's legal name and must be renewed every five years. The Clerk of Court maintains an index of these filings available for public inspection during business hours.
- This service is free and provides official certification options for a fee.
- The Greater Camden Chamber of Commerce (724 South Broad Street, Camden, SC 29020, 803-432-2525, www.camdenscchamber.com) provides business development resources, networking, and economic information for Kershaw County.
For formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit corporations, registration is handled by the South Carolina Secretary of State, Business Filings Division. The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at www.sos.sc.gov/business-filings where citizens can search by business name, registered agent, or filing number to view entity status, registered agent information, annual report compliance, and filing history. Professional licenses (attorneys, medical professionals, contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists) are regulated by respective state boards under the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR).
Sales tax permits and retail licenses are issued by the South Carolina Department of Revenue. Local business licenses and zoning approvals are handled by individual municipalities within Kershaw County; the Town of Camden requires business licenses through its Administrative Services Department, and requirements vary by business type and location. Building permits, land development permits, and zoning compliance are managed by Kershaw County Planning and Development Department (, Camden, SC 29020, 803-425-1500).
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Kershaw County, South Carolina are administered by Kershaw County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, Camden, SC 29020 (phone: 803-425-1500, extension 1117, website: www.kershaw.sc.gov/elections). The office is responsible for voter registration, maintaining voter rolls, conducting elections, operating polling places, processing absentee ballots, and certifying election results.
- In the November 2024 general election, Kershaw County recorded a turnout of approximately 61% of registered voters, consistent with South Carolina's typical presidential election turnout patterns.
Voter registration in South Carolina is available online through the South Carolina Election Commission website (www.scvotes.gov/online-voter-registration), by mail using a downloadable form, or in person at Kershaw County Elections Office, DMV offices, or various state agencies. South Carolina law requires registration at least 30 days before an election to be eligible to vote in that election. Applicants must be U.S.
Citizens, at least 18 years old by election day, residents of South Carolina and Kershaw County, and not under a disqualifying criminal conviction. Voters can verify their registration status, find their assigned polling place, and view sample ballots at the state's voter portal (www.scvotes.gov). Kershaw County operates numerous precinct polling locations throughout Kershaw County on election days, typically from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Precinct assignments are based on residential address. Public election records in Kershaw County include voter registration lists (with limited personal information redacted per federal law), candidate filing records, campaign finance disclosures filed with the State Ethics Commission, and official election results by precinct. South Carolina law (S.C.
Code Ann. § 7-1-25) makes voter registration information available to candidates, political parties, and researchers for lawful purposes. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House of Representatives races for South Carolina's 5th Congressional District, potential U.S. Senate contests if scheduled, and state-level offices including Governor, Lieutenant Governor, state legislature seats, and various county offices. Absentee voting in South Carolina requires an excuse; qualified reasons include being 65 or older, physical disability, illness or hospitalization, absence from county on election day for work, government service, or vacation, certified training with the National Guard or Reserves, election worker assignment outside home precinct, or religious observance.
Absentee ballot applications are available at www.scvotes.gov or through Kershaw County Elections Office and must be received by 5:00 PM the Friday before the election. Kershaw County provides transparency through posting unofficial election results on election night and official certified results within the statutory timeframe, with precinct-level detail available for public inspection.
Economy & Demographics
Kershaw County's economy has evolved from its historical agricultural and textile manufacturing base to a more diversified economy incorporating healthcare, retail, logistics, and professional services. Major employers in Kershaw County include KershawHealth Medical Center (Kershaw County's largest hospital and significant employer with over 800 employees), Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd law firm, International Paper, Milliken & Company (specialty textiles), and various retail operations concentrated along U.S. Highway 521 and Interstate 20 corridors.
- The median household income in Kershaw County is estimated at approximately $56,000, slightly below the South Carolina state median.
- Lake Wateree provides recreational tourism revenue through fishing, boating, and lakeside residential development.
- Proximity to Columbia (approximately 30 miles) and Shaw Air Force Base in adjacent Sumter County provides employment spillover effects.
Agriculture remains economically significant, with timber production, cattle operations, and row crop farming (particularly soybeans, corn, and cotton) occupying substantial acreage. The equestrian industry contributes meaningfully to the local economy through training facilities, boarding operations, and signature events including the Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup steeplechase races, which attract thousands of visitors annually. Kershaw County has actively pursued economic development through Kershaw County Economic Development Office, focusing on industrial recruitment, infrastructure improvements, and workforce development partnerships with Central Carolina Technical College.
Recent economic development initiatives include improvements to the Blaney Business Park and infrastructure upgrades along the I-20 corridor near Elgin. Kershaw County's unemployment rate typically tracks near or slightly above the state average, fluctuating between 3.5% and 5% in recent years depending on economic conditions. Kershaw County benefits from its location along Interstate 20, providing logistics advantages for distribution operations and manufacturing.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Public Index) | Property: Yes: Free Tax Search, Limited: Deeds by Subscription | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Inmate Lookup Online | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Database Online | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Kershaw County provides good digital access to most records with some requiring in-person visits or fees.