Horry County, South Carolina Map

About Horry County, South Carolina

Horry County unfurls along South Carolina's northeastern coast, a land shaped by the slow work of water and wind. Its terrain is predominantly flat, a coastal plain yielding to the sandy loam that supports tenacious pines and palmettos. The Waccamaw River, a dark, slow-moving artery, meanders through its western reaches, feeding into the vast and intricate marshlands that define much of the eastern edge, a wild and watery frontier where the air hangs thick with the scent of salt and decay. To the north, the landscape begins a subtle incline, hinting at the Piedmont beyond, while to the south, the Atlantic Ocean provides an undeniable, ever-present border. Neighboring counties include Georgetown to the south and Brunswick County, North Carolina, across the state line to the north, their own geographies echoing and contrasting with Horry's distinct coastal character.

The settlement of this land began in earnest in the late 18th century, though its indigenous peoples had long navigated its waterways. Horry County was officially established in 1785, named for General Peter Horry, a Revolutionary War hero. Its early development was tied to the cultivation of rice and indigo, crops that thrived in the humid climate and fertile soil, shaping a society deeply influenced by the Lowcountry’s agricultural rhythms and the enduring Gullah-Geechee culture that took root here. Conway, the county seat, emerged as a vital river port, its strategic position on the Waccamaw making it a natural hub for trade and administration, a place where the business of the county coalesced, its streets reflecting the steady passage of time and the ebb and flow of commerce.

Today, Horry County is a place of striking contrasts, its economy a blend of tourism and agriculture, its character a mosaic of coastal vibrancy and a more grounded, inland sensibility. The long, humid coast draws millions, its wide beaches and bustling boardwalks a testament to the allure of sun and surf. Yet, inland, the agricultural heritage persists, farms yielding corn and soybeans, their fields stretching toward the horizon under a sky often painted in shades of bruised purple and soft gray at dusk. Beyond the well-trodden paths of Myrtle Beach and its surrounding communities, smaller towns like Aynor and Loris retain a quieter rhythm, their main streets lined with businesses that have served generations, offering a glimpse into the persistent, everyday life of this dynamic South Carolina county.

About This Horry County Map Page

This page provides an interactive map of Horry County, South Carolina alongside links to detailed street maps for 19 cities and towns. The county seat is Conway. Each city and town map page includes live weather, local news and precise GPS coordinates.

Location data is sourced from the USGS GNIS database and verified by coordinates, not name matching alone.