Farms and land in Florence County, SC, are waiting for investors who know a good deal when they see it. Farming, development, manufacturing and recreation and tourism provide endless possibilities for new businesses, for relocating or to build a getaway surrounded by nature. The 804-square-mile county includes 146,000 acres of farmland of which 20% is left in woodlands, making it perfect for hunting or future timber sales. Ninety-eight percent of farm revenues are from crops. The top employment field in the county is health care and related industries such as insurance companies. The largest manufacturers include Honda, ESBA Welding and Cutting, Smurfit Stone and NUCOR. Recreation is a growing industry, much of it based on the abundance of natural resources. During a portion of the year, many farm fields are turned into impoundments for waterfowl hunting for Canada Geese, buffleheads and other migrating ducks. Woodlands and farm fields offer opportunities to hunt Whitetail deer, small game and turkeys. Fishermen head for shorelines, lakes and ponds to catch bass, bluegill and crappie. The county has a population of 138,000 and is served by multiple school districts offering K-12 as well as Florence-Darlington Technical College, Francis Marion University, Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology and McLeod Regional Medical Center School of Medical Technology.
