York County is a county located in the state of South Carolina in the USA. It is the southernmost county in the state, and as of the 2020 census, its population was estimated at over 280,000. The county was named for the English city of York and was established in 1785.
The county seat and largest city is Rock Hill followed by York, Fort Mill, and Clover. The total area of the county is 696 square miles, of which a significant part is urbanized, reflecting the county's development along the Charlotte metropolitan area.
Economically, York County hosts diverse industries including manufacturing, healthcare, retail, sports, and tourism. The county features Carowinds, a large amusement park, and Lake Wylie, a popular destination for fishing and water sports. York County is also home to numerous historical sites, among them the Brattonsville Historic District which recreates colonial and Civil War-era life.
With regard to education, York County has four public school districts and several private schools. The county also houses Winthrop University and York Technical College among others.
Politically, York County leans towards the Republican Party, though the region's politics can be competitive with a growing population. The county’s government runs under the council-manager form, whereby a county manager is appointed by an elected council.
