Population: 26,748
Population in 2010: 18,238
Median income: $79,937
Mayor: Paul Shewmaker
City Council:
Chad O’Rear, Ward 1
Aaron Rupe, Ward 2
Shannon Williams, Ward 3
Sherry Roche, Ward 4
Tim Pinkerton, Ward 5
Lou Hutchings, Ward 6
Big number: In the last five years, there has been a 31% increase in the dollars spent in Simpsonville.
Fast fact: Simpsonville’s downtown area is near 100% occupancy, according to the city.
Business history:
Simpsonville has a rich business history that traces its roots back to the mid-19th century. Originally settled as a crossroads community, the town’s economic foundation was established through agriculture and the flourishing textile industry. In the late 1800s, Simpsonville experienced significant growth with the arrival of the Greenwood, Laurens and Spartanburg Railroad, transforming the town into a transportation hub. The 20th century saw Simpsonville diversify its economic landscape. The decline of the textile industry prompted the town to explore new avenues, and it evolved into a commercial and retail center for the surrounding region. Small businesses, ranging from family-owned shops to service providers, flourished and contributed to the town’s economic resilience. In recent decades, Simpsonville has continued to attract businesses, benefiting from its strategic location and a growing population. Retail developments, restaurants and service industries have thrived, creating a vibrant local economy.
What’s next:
The city of Simpsonville is currently embarking on two major improvements to its city center. The first is the municipal complex and city park improvements, which will create a campus-like setting for municipal services, the arts, recreation and entertainment. City Park will provide both passive and active recreation options including disk golf, inclusive playground, tennis, pickleball, basketball, dog park and youth football. Entertainment options include a reimagined great lawn and amphitheater stage to a thriving arts center. City Park will also serve as the permanent home of the Simpsonville Farmers Market, and municipal buildings are being constructed to meet the growth of the community, including a shared summary and municipal court building situated between a new city hall and police department and the fire department headquarters. Construction on this project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The city is also working on upgrades to its central business district including wider sidewalks, pedestrian-scale street lighting, streetscape improvements, a festival street, traffic realignment and improved crosswalks. Project design is underway, with bidding and construction expected to begin early 2024.
Sources:
United States Census Bureau
City of Simpsonville staff
