Sam Crouch Sr., the owner of Crouch Hardware in Edgefield, S.C., says the population increase in Edgefield County and his affiliation with ACE Hardware have been great for his business. Edgefield is the third-fastest growing county in the state. RON COCKERILLE/STAFF

The community he was born and raised in is growing - and quickly.

The Census Bureau's 2000 head count for the Palmetto State confirmed that Edgefield is the third-fastest growing county in the state, behind Beaufort and Horry - both coastal counties.

Between 1990 and 2000, the county gained 6,220 people - a 34 percent growth rate. The rural county's population rose from 18,375 to 24,595 during the past decade.

Edgefield County was one of few rural areas in the state to gain residents in the 1990s.

But Mr. Butler, 60, said more traffic, stores and industries won't change the community's ``small-town appeal.''

``I like the people here and the way we get along everyday - white and black people,'' Mr. Butler said. ``We're like a family. No amount of growth will change that.''

Mayor John Pettigrew said a combination of things are luring people to the county.

Growth overview Between 1990 and 2000, the county gained 6,220 people - a 34 percent growth rate. The rural county's population rose from 18,375 to 24,595 during the past decade.

``Number one, we have a beautiful county and very friendly people,'' he said. ``A lot of people are deciding to leave the congestion and crowds in Augusta, so they move in this direction.''

He also cited an improving education system and a strong commitment to industry.

``Growth has been good,'' he said. ``We're bringing in new people and new ideas.''

The southwestern portion of the county - closest to North Augusta - is its fastest growing. New neighborhoods - including Mount Vintage Plantation, a sprawling golfing community - and schools were built in the past decade in and close to Merriwether.

Some of the new people who live in Edgefield County don't get out enough to notice those changes, though. The newcomers include inmates at a 1,600-bed federal prison that opened in 1998, accounting for part of the county's 34 percent growth.

A new industrial park was built not far from the prison, luring businesses and employees to the area. The county created 760 jobs and garnered more than $65 million in capital investment last year alone.

``Community leadership is responsible for the federal prison locating in Edgefield County, and for the outstanding infrastructure we have to offer industry,'' County Administrator Wayne Adams said. ``Community leadership, high quality infrastructure and nearness to the Augusta area make us a can't-miss prospect for even more growth.''

Edgefield Mayor John Pettigrew has lunch in a popular lunch place in downtown Edgefield, The Ten Governors restaurant. Co-owner Nancy Luquire said most of the growth affects the outskirts of the town. RON COCKERILLE/STAFF

Mr. Adams said the challenge in this decade will be to use the planning to ensure the growth the county experiences benefits its residents financially without otherwise compromising their quality of life.

Sam Crouch Sr., the owner of Crouch Hardware in Edgefield, said the growth and his affiliation with ACE Hardware have helped his business.

``When a new industry comes into the county, they know ACE Hardware's name and they come here,'' said Mr. Crouch, who became affiliated with the hardware chain about 10 years ago. ``We sell quite a bit to the industrial park businesses.''

Some other downtown business owners say they haven't seen much of an impact from the population boom. The Ten Governors restaurant co-owner Nancy Luquire said most of the growth affects the outskirts of town.

``We've lost some downtown businesses, which really hurt,'' she said. ``Although the town has suffered, the county has grown. The shortcoming is that we need more downtown businesses.''

Despite the lull, Mrs. Luquire's country buffet continues to be the hot spot in town near lunchtime. The mayor, chief of police and other local officials can regularly be found eating green beans, creamed corn and country-fried steak.

Looking up from his plate, Mr. Pettigrew said, ``Some things won't ever change.''

Reach Katie Throne at (803) 279-6895.