A hospitable southern atmosphere is accompanied by the timeless beauty of the rising Blue Ridge Mountains. Pickens County.South Carolina.USA is a growing area with a low cost of living, mild climate, exceptional healthcare, award-winning school system, and a picturesque country lifestyle. Conveniently located near I-85 midway between Atlanta, Georgia and Charlotte, North Carolina, Pickens County offers the appeal of small-town hospitality that is hard to find elsewhere, while located only 30 minutes from the bustling city life of Greenville.

Go fishing at Lake Hartwell, scuba diving in Lake Keowee, and sailing on Lake Jocassee. The lakes, waterfalls, and streams only add to the relaxing and beautiful atmosphere in Pickens County. Go for a bike ride on the Doodle Trail or check out one of the local markets for the freshest picnic ingredients.

In this section

EDUCATION

The numerous top-flight educational resources in the area offer Pickens County companies a significant competitive advantage.  Leaders from the education, business, and industrial communities work together to ensure Pickens County students are prepared during their academic careers and possess the training and education they need when they enter the workforce.

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School District of Pickens County

With one of the top school systems in South Carolina, Pickens County.South Carolina.USA is not only an ideal location for companies looking for an educated and highly-skilled workforce, but it’s also a great place to raise a family.

Leaders from the education, business, and industrial communities work together to ensure Pickens County students possess the training and education they need when they enter the workforce.

Students in Pickens County.South Carolina.USA excel on standardized tests, participate in championship Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition teams, and enjoy the benefits of learning in new state-of-the-art facilities.

The School District of Pickens County is the #1 rated countywide school district in the state of South Carolina. The district also boasts an 85% on-time graduation rate with 73% of students scoring at least a Silver Certification on the WIN test.

Pickens County Career and Technology Center

The Pickens County Career and Technology Center (PCCTC) is a leader in the state of South Carolina in meeting all federally recognized Perkins standards.

The PCCTC has the following programs of study that help to build the emerging workforce in Pickens County. The PCCTC has seen their enrollment balloon to over 1,400 students with students starting the programs as early as the 8th grade! These programs help to deliver job-related skills and education that helps to build the talent pipeline for businesses in Pickens County. Students completing these programs have at least 2.5 years of classroom and on-the-job training and leave their program of study with at least one (1) industry-recognized certification.

CTC

Highlighted Career Pathways

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Agriculture Mechanics
  • Animal Science
  • Automotive Technology
  • Biomedical Science
  • Building Construction
  • Cosmetology
  • Culinary Management
  • Digital Art and Design
  • Electricity
  • Engineering
  • Environmental & Natural Resources
  • Firefighting
  • Graphic Communications
  • Health Science
  • Horticulture
  • Integrated Production Technology
  • Law Enforcement
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management
  • Machine Tool Technology (Including CNC Training on 5-axis Machines)
  • Marketing Communication
  • Mechatronics
  • Sports Medicine
  • Welding

Higher Education

Pickens County.South Carolina.USA is the home to Clemson University, where nearly 23,000 students are pursuing engineering, manufacturing, math or science-related degrees (2021). Pickens County is also home of Southern Wesleyan University, and Tri-County Technical College within its borders and an additional 25 colleges and universities in the area. Pickens County is uniquely positioned to provide an educated and technically capable workforce to area companies.

Higher Ed

Real Estate

The housing market for Pickens County.South Carolina.USA is projected to grow to over 58,000 households by 2026. The average home value in 2021 is $235,090.