Population: 29,771
Population in 2010: 26,686
Median income: $40,445
Mayor: Terence Roberts
City Council:
Kyle Newton, Seat 1
Luis Martinez II, Seat 2
Jeff Roberts, Seat 3
Tony Stewart, Seat 4
Beatrice Thompson, Seat 5
Rick Laughridge, Seat 6/mayor pro tem
Matt Harbin, At Large Seat 7
John Roberts, At Large Seat 8
Big number: 19.8% of the city’s total employment is in health care and social assistance.
Fast fact: Downtown Anderson accommodated 38,325 hotel guests in 2022.
Business history:
In the 1800s, the textile industry primarily generated Anderson’s economy, with the first being Anderson Cotton Mills. Textiles were king for about a century or so but have since faded.
The city’s business changed as the textile industry began to wind down, giving way to the automotive sector and focusing on research and production. The automotive industry still fuels a large part of the city’s economy today, along with retail business.
In recent years, given Anderson’s proximity to Clemson and various events throughout the year, the city has also enjoyed a rising tourism industry that fuels hospitality revenue. The city continues to grow an eclectic mix of retail and industry.
What’s next:
Anderson will continue the trend and see various businesses coming to the city, particularly in retail and hospitality.
Run-in, a locally based shoe store specializing in active apparel, will make its way to downtown Anderson. The city will soon see growth in the way of Thunderbird, so named for once being the Thunderbird Motor Lodge, a historic site for the town. The space will transform into 39 luxury apartments. The new homes will be located on Sharpe Street in downtown Anderson.
The popular Texas-based fast food chain Whataburger is also coming to Anderson, rounding out upcoming business both for local and national operators.
Sources: The U.S. Census, Data USA, and The city of Anderson
