Clemson, Pickens County, South Carolina, USA

Clemson is a university city in South Carolina’s Upstate, extending across Pickens and Anderson counties near the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Clemson University and its main campus are the community’s defining institution, while Lake Hartwell borders the area and supports boating and outdoor recreation. The city had an estimated population of 18,610 in 2024. University enrollment creates a much larger seasonal population and gives Clemson an international academic and research presence. Education, research, athletics, hospitality, retail and lake-related tourism drive much of the local economy.