Central, Pickens County, South Carolina, USA

Central is a town in Pickens County, South Carolina, located between Clemson and Easley in the state’s Upstate region. The community developed after the railroad established operations there in 1873 at a point roughly midway between Atlanta and Charlotte, which gave the town its name. Central had an estimated population of 5,339 in 2024 and is home to Southern Wesleyan University. The town is governed by an elected mayor and six-member council and provides services including police, fire protection, public works, utilities, planning, parks and recreation.