Simpsonville, South Carolina

File:Simpsonville, South Carolina.jpg

Simpsonville is named after Peter Simpson, a farmer from Laurens County who provided blacksmithing services and became the local postmaster.{{Cite web |title=Simpsonville |url=https://www.scencyclopedia.org/sce/entries/simpsonville/ |access-date=2023-11-07 |website=South Carolina Encyclopedia |language=en-US}}{{cite web |url=https://greenvillehistory.org/product/simpsonville-images-of-america-series/ |title=Simpsonville |website=Greenville County Historical Society |access-date=August 12, 2024}}

The Burdette Building, Cureton-Huff House, Hopkins Farm, and Simpsonville Baptist Church are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.{{NRISref|version=2010a}}

The oldest brick building in the city is a former pharmacy built in 1886 at 101 East Curtis Street. The Woodside Mill, central to the local economy in the early 1900s, includes an antique water tower.{{cite web |url=https://www.simpsonville.com/community/page/historic-walking-tour |title=Historic Walking Tour |website=City of Simpsonville, South Carolina |access-date=May 18, 2021 }}

The Simpsonville Clock Tower was built in 1987 and is the city's main landmark.{{Cite web |title=Simpsonville Clock Tower |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=19411 |access-date=October 4, 2023 |website= Historical Marker Database |language=en}}

In October 2018, a winning lottery ticket for a $1.6 billion Mega Millions jackpot was sold at the #7 KC Mart in Simpsonville.{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/24/us/mega-millions-simpsonville-south-carolina/index.html |title=Mega Millions win stirs small South Carolina town |date=October 24, 2018 |work=CNN |first1=Diane |last1=Gallagher |first2=Steve |last2=Almasy |access-date=May 18, 2021 }}

{{maplink|frame=yes|zoom=11|id=Q2155447|type=shape-inverse|text=Interactive map of Simpsonville}}

Simpsonville is located in southeastern Greenville County at {{coord|34|44|0|N|82|15|36|W|type:city}} (34.733375, -82.260001),{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=2011-04-23|date=2011-02-12|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}} between Mauldin to the northwest and Fountain Inn to the southeast. The center of town has an elevation of {{Convert|264|m|order=flip}} above sea level.

South Carolina Highway 14 runs through the center of Simpsonville as Main Street, leading north {{convert|16|mi}} to Greer and southeast {{convert|5|mi|0}} to the center of Fountain Inn. The center of Mauldin is {{convert|4.5|mi}} to the northwest via South Carolina Highway 417. Interstate 385 passes through Simpsonville west of the city center, with access from exits 26 through 29. I-385 leads northwest {{convert|14|mi}} to the center of Greenville and southeast {{convert|28|mi}} to Interstate 26 near Clinton. Columbia, the state capital, is {{convert|89|mi}} southeast of Simpsonville.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Simpsonville has a total area of {{convert|23.05|sqkm|order=flip}}, of which {{Convert|22.53|sqkm|order=flip}} are land and {{convert|0.052|sqkm|order=flip|2}}, or 0.22%, are water.

{{US Census population

|1900= 195

|1910= 521

|1920= 566

|1930= 1400

|1940= 1298

|1950= 1529

|1960= 2282

|1970= 3308

|1980= 9037

|1990= 11708

|2000= 14352

|2010= 18238

|2020= 23354

|estyear=2023

|estimate=27506

|estref={{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/simpsonvillecitysouthcarolina|title=QuickFacts: Simpsonville city, South Carolina|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 18, 2023}}

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/profile?g=1600000US4566580|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=September 1, 2021}}
2020{{cite web|url=https://api.census.gov/data/2020/dec/pl?get=P1_001N,NAME&for=place:*&in=state:45&key=5ccd0821c15d9f4520e2dcc0f8d92b2ec9336108|title=Census Population API|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=Oct 15, 2022}}

}}

{{climate chart

|Simpsonville

|32.6|52.7|3.46

|34.6|56.2|2.96

|42.3|64.8|4.34

|49.9|73.2|3.47

|58.2|80.1|3.73

|66.6|87.9|3.57

|69.7|89.6|5.43

|69.3|88.5|4.26

|63.2|82.2|4.13

|51.1|72.7|2.94

|41.2|63.5|3.71

|35.5|54.8|4.75

|float=right

|clear=right

|units=imperial

|source=[http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=gsp]

}}

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 23,354 people, 8,464 households, and 6,104 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,732.9 people per square mile (916.2 per km²). There were 9,044 housing units at an average density of 1,016.2 per square mile (392.2 per km²). 24.1% of the population was under 18, and 14.4% of the population was over 65. 51.3% of the population was female.{{Cite web| url=https://data.census.gov/cedsci/table?g=1600000US4566580&tid=ACSST5Y2019.S0101&hidePreview=true| title=2019: ACS 5-Year Estimates Subject Tables: Simpsonville city, South Carolina| publisher=U.S. Census Bureau| access-date=September 1, 2021}}

The median annual income for a household in the city was $71,990, and the per capita income was $32,821. 5.4% of the population were below the poverty line.

Simpsonville's 2006 crime statistics were higher than national average crime rates. Violent crimes in 2010 totalled 82 for the year.{{cite web|title=FBI Uniform Crime Reports|url=https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/crime-in-the-u.s/2010/crime-in-the-u.s.-2010/tables/table-8/10tbl08sc.xls|access-date=23 March 2014}} 2006 statistics of violent crime in Simpsonville reflect there was not one murder, reported incidents of rape were slightly higher than the national average (39 per 100,000 in Simpsonville, with a national average of 33 per 100,000), and incidents of aggravated assaults were what tipped the 2006 violent crime scales, tallying in at 75% over the national average.{{cite web |url=http://simpsonville.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm |title=Simpsonville Crime Statistics and Crime Data (Simpsonville, SC) |year=2006 |website=AreaConnect |access-date=May 17, 2021}} In 2007 the personal crime incidents rate tallied in at 6 per 1000 residents, while the national average was 1.3 per 1000.{{Cite web|url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2007/snapshots/PL4566580.html|title=MONEY Magazine: Best places to live 2007: Simpsonville, SC snapshot|website=money.cnn.com}} In September 2007, the FBI reported that the state of South Carolina's violent crime rate was the highest in the nation per capita, although Simpsonville is not mentioned at all in the article.{{cite web |url=http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709260329&source=email |title=S.C.'s violent crime rate again highest in nation |date=September 26, 2007 |location=Spartanburg, South Carolina |work=Spartanburg Herald-Journal |first=Adam |last=Beam |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604115336/http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007709260329&source=email |archive-date=June 4, 2011 }} Simpsonville car theft in 2006 was lower than the national average, calling into question claims that Simpsonville had a high rate of car-jackings.

In 2017, Simpsonville was named the safest city in South Carolina, based on FBI Crime Report data gathered by the SafeWise security organization;{{cite news |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/golden-strip/2017/03/07/simpsonville-named-safest-city-sc/98616912/ |title=Simpsonville named safest city in SC |date=March 7, 2017 |work=The Greenville News |first=Tesalon |last=Felicien |access-date=May 18, 2021 |url-access=limited }} its ranking as of 2021 is 15th.{{cite web |url=https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-south-carolina/#list |title=South Carolina's 20 Safest Cities of 2021 |date=May 9, 2021 |website=SafeWise |first=Rebecca |last=Edwards |access-date=May 18, 2021 }}

The Simpsonville Police Department was founded in 1907 and its first police chief was hired in 1928. Citizen-based programs were added in 2014 that provide opportunities for civilians to work alongside police officers.{{cite web |url=https://www.simpsonville.com/police/page/history |title=Police History |work=City of Simpsonville, South Carolina |access-date=May 18, 2021 }} The current chief of police is Michael D. Hanshaw.{{cite web |url=https://www.simpsonville.com/police/page/chief-police |title=Chief of Police |work=City of Simpsonville, South Carolina |access-date=May 18, 2021 }}

The Simpsonville Fire Department was formed in 1922. Fire protection was supported by annual contract fees until the mid-1980s when a tax system was adopted instead. Protection is provided to citizens within Simpsonville's city limits and some parts of surrounding Greenville County via six fire stations within a district of about {{convert|30|sqmi}}.{{cite web |url=https://www.simpsonville.com/fire |title=Fire Department |work=City of Simpsonville, South Carolina |access-date=May 18, 2021 }} The department's current fire chief is Wesley Williams.{{cite web |url=https://www.simpsonville.com/fire/page/fire-department-staff-directory |title=Fire Department Staff Directory |work=City of Simpsonville, South Carolina |access-date=May 18, 2021 }}

Simpsonville is governed by a city council, consisting of a mayor and six council members, one from each city ward. The city also has several boards and commissions to advise the council and complete assigned tasks. The council is elected in November of odd years to staggered four-year terms.{{cite web |url=https://library.municode.com/sc/simpsonville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTIICO |title=City of Simpsonville, South Carolina Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Article II, Council |website=Municipal Code Corporation |date=April 26, 2021 |access-date=May 19, 2021 }}{{cite web |url=https://library.municode.com/sc/simpsonville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH16EL |title=City of Simpsonville, South Carolina Code of Ordinances, Chapter 16, Elections |website=Municipal Code Corporation |date=April 26, 2021 |access-date=May 19, 2021 }} The current council includes:{{Cite web|url=https://www.simpsonville.com/citycouncil|title=City Council|website=City of Simpsonville, South Carolina|access-date=May 18, 2021}}

• Mayor: Paul Shewmaker (2nd term ends 12-31-2027)
• Council Ward I: Chad O'Rear (1st term ends 12-31-2027)
• Council Ward II: Aaron Rupe (1st term ends 12-31-2025){{cite news |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/greenville/politics/rupe-wins-close-race-for-simpsonville-city-council-seat/article_cd622bc0-3c50-11ec-803a-af08fcdf9ed3.html |title=Rupe wins close race for Simpsonville City Council seat |date=November 2, 2021 |work=The Post and Courier |location=Greenville |first=Conor |last=Hughes |access-date=January 11, 2022 }}
• Council Ward III: Shannon Williams (1st term ends 12-31-2027)
• Council Ward IV: Sherry Roche (2nd term ends 12-31-2025)
• Council Ward V: Tim Pinkerton (1st term ends 12-31-2027)
• Council Ward VI: Lou Hutchings (2nd term ends 12-31-2025)

The city council appoints a city administrator, who serves at their pleasure, to work with them in the proper administration of the city's policies and affairs. The council also appoints a city clerk, city treasurer, and city attorney, who serve indefinite terms at the pleasure of City Council.{{cite web |url=https://library.municode.com/sc/simpsonville/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTIIIOFEM |title=City of Simpsonville, South Carolina Code of Ordinances, Chapter 2, Administration, Article III, Officers and Employees |website=Municipal Code Corporation |date=April 26, 2021 |access-date=May 19, 2021 }} The current city officers include:{{Cite web|url=https://www.simpsonville.com/directory?field_department_tid=491|title=Directory Listings, Administration Department|website=City of Simpsonville, South Carolina |access-date=May 19, 2021}}

• City Administrator: Dianna Gracely (since 2018){{cite press release |url=https://sentinelinternet.com/2018/01/16/simpsonville-hires-new-city-administrator/ |title=Simpsonville hires new City Administrator |date=January 16, 2018 |work=The Simpsonville Sentinel |access-date=May 22, 2021 }}
• City Clerk: Ashley Clark{{cite news |url=https://greenvillejournal.com/community/simpsonville-city-council-notes-more-than-950-new-homes-get-initial-approval/ |title=Simpsonville City Council Notes: More than 950 new homes get initial approval |date=October 12, 2022 |work=Greenville Journal |first=Jeannie |last=Putnam |access-date=October 12, 2022 |quote=Ashley Clark was appointed as Simpsonville’s new city clerk and replaces Phyllis Long, who is retiring from the city at the end of 2022 and has served in the role for almost a decade. Clark also serves as an administrative judge with the city.}}
• City Treasurer: Christine Furino{{cite web |url=https://jenn4ward3.com/2016/07/13/meeting-recap/ |title=Meeting Recap |date=July 13, 2016 |website=Jenn4Ward3.com |first=Jenn |last=Hulehan |access-date=May 22, 2021 }}
• City Attorney: Daniel Hughes{{cite web |url=https://www.simpsonville.com/court |title=Court |website=City of Simpsonville, South Carolina |access-date=May 19, 2021 }}

Public education in Simpsonville is administered by Greenville County School District.{{cite web | url=https://www.greenville.k12.sc.us | title=Homepage | publisher=Greenville County Schools | access-date=8 June 2019}} The district operates five schools in Simpsonville. Hillcrest High School, Hillcrest Middle School, Bryson Middle School, Simpsonville Elementary School, and Plain Elementary School.

Abiding Peace Academy is a K2-5 grade school of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod in Simpsonville.{{Cite web|url=http://www.apacademysc.org/site/cpage.asp?cpage_id=21946&sec_id=3584|title=Abiding Peace Academy – Our School|website=www.apacademysc.org}}

Simpsonville has a public library, a branch of the Greenville County Library System.{{cite web | url=https://www.greenvillelibrary.org/locations-and-hours | title=Locations & Hours | publisher=Greenville County Library System | access-date=8 June 2019}}

Simpsonville's CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park, named for sponsor Coastal Carolina National Bank, is an outdoor entertainment venue with seating for up to 15,000. It has hosted performers and community events since 2005.{{cite web |url=https://ccnbamphitheatre.com/about/ |title=About Us |website=CCNB Amphitheatre |date=8 February 2019 |access-date=June 2, 2021 }}

The Simpsonville Arts Center hosts performing arts by the Mill Town Players of Pelzer. Renovation of the center was completed in February 2022.{{cite news |last1=Putnam |first1=Jeannie |title=Simpsonville unveils improved Arts Center, announces Mill Town Players inaugural season |url=https://greenvillejournal.com/community/simpsonville-unveils-improved-arts-center-announces-mill-town-players-inaugural-season/ |access-date=April 7, 2022 |work=Greenville Journal |date=February 16, 2022}}{{cite news |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/golden-strip/2019/07/16/simpsonville-sc-arts-center-details-remodel-old-school-building/1686036001/ |title=Simpsonville Arts Center renovation: What to know about remodel of old school building |date=July 16, 2019 |newspaper=The Greenville News |first=Gabe |last=Cavallaro |access-date=June 2, 2021 |url-access=limited }}{{cite web |url=https://www.simpsonville.com/administration/page/simpsonville-arts-center |title=Simpsonville Arts Center |website=City of Simpsonville, South Carolina |access-date=June 2, 2021 }}

The Women's American Basketball Association established a team based in Simpsonville to begin its first season in July 2021. Home games for the Carolina Upstate Thunder are to be played in Greenville.{{cite news |url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/upstate-now-home-to-a-new-sports-team/36638844 |title=Upstate now home to a new sports team |date=June 5, 2021 |work=WYFF |access-date=June 8, 2021 }}{{cite news |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/weekly-sports-league-and-franchise-report/n-5677224 |title=Weekly Sports League and Franchise Report |date=March 29, 2021 |website=OurSports Central |first=Dan |last=Krieger |access-date=June 5, 2021 }}

The Simpsonville Sentinel is the local area newspaper, published monthly.{{cite web |url=https://sentinelinternet.com/ |title=The Simpsonville Sentinel |website=The Simpsonville Sentinel |access-date=June 2, 2021 }} The news website Patch also has a Simpsonville edition.{{cite web |url=https://patch.com/south-carolina/simpsonville |title=Simpsonville Local News |website=Patch |access-date=June 2, 2021 }}

Simpsonville is part of the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson-Asheville DMA television market. Local television stations include:

{{GSA TV}}

Simsponville is part of the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson Arbitron Metro radio market. Station WYRD-FM is licensed in and transmits from Simpsonville. Other local radio stations include:

{{Greenville-Spartanburg Radio}}

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|

• Justin Bolli, professional golfer
• Danielle Brooks, actress
• Chandler Catanzaro, American football placekicker{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/16976 |title=Chandler Catanzaro |work=ESPN |access-date=May 29, 2021}}
• Lucas Glover, PGA Tour golfer
• Shane Hall, NASCAR driver
• Colby Howard, NASCAR driver
• Tommy Jones, professional bowler
• Clay Kreiner, professional skateboarder{{cite news |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/entertainment/2016/05/11/simpsonville-teen-compete-x-games/84227414/ |title=Simpsonville teen to compete in X games |date=May 11, 2016 |newspaper=The Greenville News |first=Elizabeth Sanders |last=LaFleur |access-date=March 14, 2024}}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.thrashermagazine.com/articles/clay-kreiner-interview/ |title=Clay Kreier |date=July 16, 2018 |magazine=Thrasher |first=Michael |last=Burnett |access-date=March 14, 2024}}
• Jamon Meredith, American football offensive tackle
• Emilio Pagan, professional baseball pitcher
• Stephen Thompson, UFC fighter
• Travelle Wharton, American football offensive tackle

}}

• List of municipalities in South Carolina

{{reflist}}

{{Commons category|Simpsonville, South Carolina}}

{{Wikivoyage|Simpsonville}}

• [http://www.simpsonville.com City of Simpsonville official website]

{{Greenville County, South Carolina}}

{{South Carolina}}

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Category:Cities in South Carolina

Category:Cities in Greenville County, South Carolina

Category:Upstate South Carolina