This analysis integrates precinct-level results from the November 5, 2024 General Election with U.S. Census American Community Survey 5-year demographic estimates, apportioned from block groups to precincts via population-weighted areal interpolation. The integrated dataset covers 301 matched precincts across Charleston (134), Berkeley (89), and Dorchester (78) counties, representing a population of approximately 676,038 and 332,383 votes cast.
| Partisan lean | Precincts | Population | Votes | Median income | % Bachelor's+ | % White | % Black | % Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong D (>60% D) | 67 | 136,935 | 49,942 | $60,521 | 36.7% | 47.8% | 40.3% | 48.7% |
| Lean D (50-60% D) | 55 | 134,034 | 63,875 | $80,507 | 38.8% | 61.6% | 26.8% | 69.4% |
| Lean R (50-60% R) | 98 | 227,673 | 119,590 | $87,834 | 39.9% | 69.7% | 20.7% | 74.1% |
| Strong R (>60% R) | 81 | 177,395 | 98,976 | $92,045 | 34.6% | 74.1% | 15.6% | 81.0% |
| County | Precincts | Population | Total votes | Harris % | Trump % | Median income | % Bachelor's+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 134 | 290,304 | 149,635 | 53.2% | 45.0% | $77,223 | 48.2% |
| Berkeley | 89 | 225,753 | 107,030 | 41.0% | 57.6% | $80,507 | 27.7% |
| Dorchester | 78 | 159,980 | 75,718 | 41.9% | 56.2% | $80,455 | 30.5% |
Sources. Precinct-level vote totals: South Carolina State Election Commission, accessed via the SC Elections Database (electionhistory.scvotes.gov). Demographic estimates: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019–2023 5-year estimates, retrieved via the Census Data API. Geographic boundaries: U.S. Census Bureau TIGER/Line shapefiles — 2020 Voting Districts and 2024 Block Groups.
Integration approach. Block-group demographics were apportioned to precincts (Voting Districts) using population-weighted areal interpolation. For each precinct–block-group overlap, count variables (population, race, education counts) were weighted by the area share of the block group falling within the precinct, then summed. Per-capita measures (median household income) were weighted by apportioned population to produce population-weighted precinct estimates.
Matching. Of the 358 Voting Districts in the 2020 Census tri-county coverage and 307 precincts reporting in the 2024 General Election, 301 were matched by precinct name (98.0% of vote precincts; 84.1% of VTDs). Unmatched precincts result from boundary changes, consolidations, or renamings between 2020 and 2024. Unmatched records are documented separately for review.
Limitations. Findings describe observed patterns in the integrated dataset and are reported as descriptive associations, not causal inference. Areal interpolation introduces error proportional to within-block-group heterogeneity; precincts that cross block-group boundaries unevenly may have apportioned demographics that diverge from their actual resident composition. ACS 5-year estimates have margins of error that compound under apportionment; precinct-level estimates should be interpreted as directional.
Use. This report describes precinct-level demographic patterns in Charleston tri-county and is intended as research context for litigation strategy, voir dire preparation, and market analysis. Findings are descriptive research signals, not predictions of outcomes in any specific case or proceeding. Fast Focus does not provide guidance on the use of demographic information in jury selection. All applicable law — including Batson v. Kentucky and its progeny — governs the permissible use of any demographic data in jury selection.
OpticonIQ is a market intelligence firm. This document is not legal advice and does not create an attorney–client relationship.