About Orangeburg County
Orangeburg County is located in the central portion of South Carolina, approximately 75 miles southeast of Columbia, the state capital. Orangeburg County Seat is the City of Orangeburg, which also is the largest county in Orangeburg County. Orangeburg County was established in 1769 and is one of the oldest counties in South Carolina, named after William IV, Prince of Orange. Orangeburg County includes approximately 1,106 square miles and had a population of approximately 84,223 according to recent census estimates.
Orangeburg County is situated in the Midlands region of South Carolina and features a mix of agricultural lands, forests, and urban development. Major landmarks include Edisto Memorial Gardens, a 175-acre public garden along the Edisto River, and the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium at South Carolina State University.
Orangeburg County is also home to both South Carolina State University and Claflin University, making it a significant educational center. Orangeburg Register of Deeds of Deeds office is located at 1437 Amelia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115, handling all property related recordings. Orangeburg County Clerk of Court operates from Orangeburg County Judicial Center at 190 Charleston Highway NE, Orangeburg, SC 29115.
Orangeburg County Assessor's office, responsible for property tax assessments, is located at 1437 Amelia Street, alongside other county administrative offices. What makes Orangeburg County unique is its rich African American heritage, its role in civil rights history, and its position as a major agricultural producer in South Carolina.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for maintaining peace and order in the unincorporated areas of Orangeburg County. The office is tasked with patrolling these areas, managing Orangeburg County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records.
Police Departments
In addition to Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Orangeburg County, including the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety, North Police Department, and Holly Hill Police Department. These city departments are responsible for law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions, handling local crimes and traffic enforcement.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Leroy Ravenell, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Orangeburg County. The official website is www.orangeburgcounty.org, where limited law enforcement information is available. Orangeburg County Detention Center, also known as Orangeburg County Jail, is located at the same address and houses inmates for Orangeburg County.
- Written FOIA requests should be submitted to the custodian of records at each agency, specifying the records sought.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically included in arrest records and can be viewed at the detention center or requested through a FOIA request.
- Processing fees may apply for copies of records.
- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) also maintains statewide criminal history information that can be accessed for background checks.
Inmate lookup and jail roster information can be obtained by calling the detention center directly or visiting the facility in person during business hours. Municipal police departments serving Orangeburg County include Orangeburg County Department of Public Safety, which serves the City of Orangeburg, the Eutawville Police Department, the Holly Hill Police Department, the North Police Department, the Norway Police Department, the Bowman Police Department, and the Springfield Police Department.
Each municipal department maintains its own arrest records for incidents within city limits. Under South Carolina Code of Laws Section 30-4-10 et seq, the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), arrest records, booking reports, and mugshots are generally considered public records and can be requested from the respective law enforcement agency.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Orangeburg County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Background checks in South Carolina can be conducted through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which provides statewide criminal history information.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Orangeburg County are maintained by Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office. These records include details of the arrest, charges filed, and personal information of the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, either in person or through written requests. Under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act, arrest records are considered public information, though certain details may be redacted for privacy reasons.
Jail & Inmate Records
Orangeburg County Detention Center is the main facility for housing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or serving short sentences. The booking process at the detention center involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting the personal information of the arrestee. Inmate lookup is available through the detention center's website, allowing the public to search for current inmates. Visitation rules are specific to this facility and typically require scheduling in advance and adhering to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in South Carolina allows for the release of individuals pending trial, and information on posting bail can be obtained directly from the detention center.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Orangeburg County are taken and retained by Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest record and can be accessed by the public through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. South Carolina does not have specific laws regarding the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals may petition for removal in certain circumstances, such as expungement of the related charges. Mugshots are often used with arrest records for identification and legal purposes.
Courts & Case Records
Orangeburg County court operations are managed through the South Carolina Unified Judicial System. Orangeburg County Courthouse and Judicial Center is located at 190 Charleston Highway NE, Orangeburg, SC 29115. The Court of General Sessions handles criminal cases, while the Court of Common Pleas addresses civil matters; both are Circuit Courts with jurisdiction over felonies, major civil cases, and appeals from lower courts. The phone number for the Clerk of Court is. Orangeburg County Clerk of Court maintains all court records, case files, and judgments.
- Magistrate Courts in Orangeburg County handle small claims up to $7,500, civil cases, landlord-tenant disputes, and misdemeanor criminal cases.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are typically $1.00 per page with a minimum fee, plus certification charges.
- The Clerk of Court office accepts requests in person, by mail, or by phone, though online access through the Public Index is the most convenient option for most searches.
There are multiple magistrate court locations throughout Orangeburg County serving different townships. Orangeburg County Probate Court, located at 1437 Amelia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115, phone, handles estates, wills, guardianships, and certain mental health matters. Municipal courts in cities like Orangeburg area handle city ordinance violations and certain misdemeanors.
The South Carolina Judicial Department operates the Public Index system, accessible at publicindex.sccourts.org, which allows free online searching of civil and criminal court records statewide, including Orangeburg County cases. Users can search by name, case number, or other criteria. Under South Carolina Code Section 30-4-15 and court rules, most court records are public unless sealed by court order.
Property & Public Records
Orangeburg County Register of Deeds (also called Register of Mesne Conveyance, or RMC) is the official recorder of property documents and is located at 1437 Amelia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115. The office can be contacted through the office’s website. This office maintains and records all documents related to real property transactions including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, deeds of trust, satisfaction of mortgages, mechanic's liens, HOA liens, easements, rights of way, plat maps, and subdivision plats.
- The Register of Deeds provides an online search portal through Orangeburg County website where users can search recorded documents by grantor, grantee, book and page, or document number.
- Some counties in South Carolina use third-party vendors for online access; Orangeburg County may charge a subscription or per-document fee for online viewing and printing.
- Recording fees are established by state law and vary by document type.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested from the Register of Deeds office and typically cost $1.00 per page plus certification fees.
Walk-in customers can search records for free at the office and pay only for copies. Orangeburg County Assessor's Office, located at 1437 Amelia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115, phone, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, property descriptions, and assessed values. The Assessor provides a GIS mapping system and online parcel viewer where citizens can search by address, owner name, or parcel identification number (PIN) to view property characteristics, tax assessment history, and maps.
Orangeburg County Treasurer, phone, handles property tax collection and payment records. Both offices are open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
Vital Records
Vital records for Orangeburg County, South Carolina, are managed at both Orangeburg County and state levels. Birth and death certificates that occurred in Orangeburg County can be requested from Orangeburg County Office of Vital Records, though South Carolina centralized most vital records services through the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
- Death certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and immediate for in-person requests at the state office.
- Online ordering is available through VitalChek at www.vitalchek.com, which processes requests for South Carolina vital records with additional service fees.
- The marriage license fee is $40 and there is a 24-hour waiting period after issuance.
- Historical vital records and delayed birth certificates may require additional documentation and processing time through DHEC.
The DHEC Vital Records office is located at 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Birth certificates cost $12 for the first copy and $3 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time. Applicants must provide valid photo identification and proof of eligibility, as only certain individuals can obtain certified copies under South Carolina Code Section 44-63-160, including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, and others with a direct and tangible interest. Marriage licenses are issued by Orangeburg County Probate Court, located at 1437 Amelia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Both parties must appear in person with valid photo ID and Social Security numbers. Divorce decrees are obtained from Orangeburg County Clerk of Court at 190 Charleston Highway NE, Orangeburg, SC 29115, as divorce records are court records, not vital records.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration in Orangeburg County operates through multiple agencies depending on the type of business and activity. Orangeburg County Clerk of Court, located at 190 Charleston Highway NE, Orangeburg, SC 29115, phone, accepts filings for certain business related documents. For formal business entity registration, including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the South Carolina Secretary of State.
- This database is free to search and provides information on registered agents, business addresses, and entity status.
- Doing Business As (DBA) names and fictitious name registrations are typically filed at Orangeburg County level with the Register of Deeds or Clerk of Court.
The Secretary of State's Business Entities Online system at businessfilings.sc.gov allows users to search existing business entities, file new registrations, and submit annual reports. Sales tax registration and permits are handled by the South Carolina Department of Revenue and can be completed online at dor.sc.gov. Professional and occupational licenses are issued by the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) at www.llr.sc.gov, which regulates over 40 professions including contractors, cosmetologists, accountants, and real estate agents.
Business licenses for operating within Orangeburg County municipalities are issued by each city; the City of Orangeburg area Business License office can be contacted through the office’s website. Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits are handled by Orangeburg County Planning and Zoning Department Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, located at 155 Riverside Drive SW, Orangeburg, SC 29115, phone, website www.Orangeburg Countychamber.com, provides business support services, networking opportunities, and economic development information for Orangeburg County.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Orangeburg County are administered by Orangeburg County Voter Registration and Elections Office, located at 1437 Amelia Street, Suite D, Orangeburg, SC 29115. The office can be contacted through the office’s website, and election information is available through Orangeburg County website and the South Carolina Election Commission at scvotes.gov.
- The deadline to register to vote is 30 days before any election.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- The 2024 general election in Orangeburg County saw a turnout of approximately 52-58% of registered voters, consistent with statewide turnout patterns for presidential elections.
- The deadline for absentee ballot requests is 5:00 PM the Friday before the election, though earlier application is recommended.
- Citizens can request election records under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act by submitting written requests to the Elections Office.
Voter registration in Orangeburg County can be completed online through the South Carolina Online Voter Registration system at scVotes.gov/register, in person at the Elections Office, at the DMV when obtaining or renewing a driver's license, or by mail using a paper registration form. South Carolina offers same-day registration during the early voting period at approved locations. Citizens, residents of South Carolina and Orangeburg County, at least 18 years old by election day, and not currently serving a sentence for a felony conviction.
Voters can find their polling place by visiting scVotes.gov and using the polling place locator tool, or by contacting the Elections Office directly. South Carolina requires photo ID to vote; acceptable forms include a South Carolina driver's license, DMV-issued ID card, passport, military ID, or voter registration card with photo. Election records that are public include voter registration lists, precinct-level election results, candidate filings, and campaign finance disclosures.
Under South Carolina Code Section 7-13-1610, voter registration lists are public records available for purchase for political purposes. The next major election is November 4, 2025 (municipal elections), followed by November 3, 2026, which will include U.S. House elections, potential U.S.
Senate races, South Carolina state offices including Governor, and state legislative races. Absentee voting in Orangeburg County is available for any voter who meets one of the statutory reasons including age 65 or older, illness or disability, absence from county on election day, or acting as a poll worker. Absentee ballot applications can be submitted online at scVotes.gov/absentee, by mail, or in person at the Elections Office.
Early voting in person is available at designated locations beginning approximately two weeks before election day. Orangeburg County provides transparency in elections through public meetings of the County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, public testing of voting equipment before elections, and availability of election results by precinct.
Economy & Demographics
Orangeburg County's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from education, manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare sectors. South Carolina State University and Claflin University are among the largest employers in Orangeburg County, providing not only educational services but also significant economic impact through employment and student spending. Orangeburg Countyal Medical Center, part of the MUSC Health system, is a major healthcare employer serving Orangeburg County.
- According to recent census data, the median household income in Orangeburg County is approximately $38,000, which is below both the state and national averages.
- Orangeburg County's location along Interstate 26 between Charleston and Columbia provides strategic access for logistics and distribution operations.
Manufacturing has a strong presence with companies like DuPont operating facilities in Orangeburg County, producing advanced materials. PolyPlus Battery Company, which manufactures advanced lithium battery technology, has a manufacturing facility in Orangeburg County. Agriculture remains an important economic driver, with Orangeburg County producing timber, soybeans, corn, cotton, and livestock.
Orangeburg County is part of South Carolina's agricultural heartland with significant poultry and cattle operations. The unemployment rate has historically been higher than the state average but has shown improvement with economic development initiatives. Key economic sectors include educational services, healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, retail trade, and agriculture.
Orangeburg County has actively pursued economic development through Orangeburg County Development Commission, which works to attract new businesses and support existing industries. Recent economic development projects include expansions in the industrial parks and improvements to infrastructure supporting manufacturing and distribution. Challenges facing Orangeburg County include workforce development, poverty reduction, and diversification of the economic base beyond traditional sectors.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Public Index) | Property: Yes: Online Search Available | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person | Vital Records: Limited: State Office/Online via VitalChek | Business: Yes: Online (SC SOS) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 7/10, Orangeburg County provides good digital access to court and property records through state systems; local jail records require direct contact.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Orangeburg County
Explore public records for 16 cities and communities in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.