About

Located in Aiken County in the southwestern portion of South Carolina the City of Aiken is 56 miles west of the South Carolina state capitol, Columbia, and 174 miles east of the Georgia state capitol, Atlanta. The area of the City is 17.93 square miles and sits 530 feet above sea level.

The life of Aiken officially began on December 19, 1835 - the dating of the charter (incorporation) of the town. Our city was named for William Aiken, Sr., President of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company. Between January, 1830 and October, 1833, William Aiken was instrumental in building what was then the longest railroad in the world (136 miles long), the Charleston & Hamburg line.

The citizens of Aiken are justly proud of its quality residential character and its aesthetically pleasing natural environment with variety in its terrain and an abundance of wooded, undeveloped areas. The wide parkways, historic character and horse training activities give Aiken a unique atmosphere that make it an excellent place to live.

Demographic Characteristics

The United States Census Bureau has recorded the population of the City of Aiken and Aiken County in the decennial years 1940 through 2000 as follows:

We are part of the Aiken-Augusta Metropolitan Statistical Area, which includes Augusta and Richmond County, Georgia.

Form of Government

The City of Aiken operates under the Council-Manager form of government, an organizational framework which has grown widely in popularity since its inception in the 1910's. Aiken first approved the Council-Manager form of government in 1955, and subsequent changes to the state legislation in the early 1970's mirrored the City of Aiken's Council-Manager Plan.

Under the Council-Manager Plan, the City Council serves as the Board of Directors for the city, with the Mayor acting as Chief Executive Officer. City Council sets policy guiding the city's growth, development, and future. The City Manager serves as the Chief Administrative Officer, much like the President of a corporation. Under this role, the City Manager is responsible for daily operations, including hiring and firing of all employees, as well as the efficient and effective use of funds approved by the City Council through the annual budget.

The primary reason for the existence of municipal government is to provide services to the taxpayer that the taxpayers cannot provide for themselves. The services of the City can be readily observed in action, but the typical citizen is generally unaware of the scope of city services, and the scope and role of the advisory boards and committees.

Staff

The city staff, under the direction of the City Manager, is responsible for carrying out the policy of the City Council and implementing programs and services. The City Manager and the City Attorney are appointed by and report directly to City Council. All other department heads and staff members report to the City Manager.

As the city's chief administrative officer, the City Manager oversees responsibilities for the day to day administrative affairs of the town, including assigning staff liaisons to assist the various advisory committees in carrying out their responsibilities. Boards and commission members are appointed specifically for their expertise or interest in the special subject matters addressed by the committee, and the staff serves to assist these committees. Advisory committees determine their own agenda, reviewing needs and issues at the committee's discretion, with the overall guidance of City Council.

Climate

Aiken enjoys a mild climate ranging from an average of 45°F in January to 81°F in July. Precipitation ranges from an average of 5" in May to 3" in October. Snowfall does occur but is rare. Days of sunshine range from an average of 60% in January to 70% in October. Humidty averages are 85% in the mornings to 50% in the afternoons all year long.

† Data courtesy of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.