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About in Dillion, SC
Dillon, South Carolina, though a small micropolitan area with just over 6,000 residents in the city and about 30,000 countywide, has carved out a significant role in global trade through the Inland Port Dillon, which has connected local agriculture and manufacturing directly by rail to the Port of Charleston since 2018. This intermodal hub, serviced by CSX, handles thousands of shipping containers annually, enabling efficient import and export flows for major employers such as Harbor Freight Tools, Perdue Farms, and regional agribusinesses.
Container activity in Dillon shows marked seasonality tied to Southern crop cycles, with peaks from late spring through early fall as soybeans, cotton, peanuts, and yellow peas are harvested and shipped. This steady movement of goods not only sustains local agricultural income but also underpins logistics, warehousing, and distribution jobs that ripple through the Pee Dee region. By streamlining containerized freight between inland producers and the coast, the Inland Port has strengthened Dillon’s economic base, supported year-round employment in both transport and value-added industries, and positioned the county as a critical, if small-scale, link in South Carolina’s export infrastructure.
Local Economic Drivers in Dillon, SC
Major Employers
Food Lion, Harbor Freight Tools, McLeod Health, Perdue Farms and Walmart.
Metropolitan Population
City of Dillon: Around 6,170 residents as of 2025, showing a modest decline (~1% annually).
Intermodal System
- The Inland Port Dillon, serviced by CSX rail, is a key logistics node—facilitating container movement for both imports and exports.
- The port has spurred growth in associated logistics and distribution activity across Dillon and the Pee Dee region.
Imports & Exports (Trade)
- Dillon benefits from its connection to the Inland Port Dillon, operational since 2018, linking local agriculture and manufacturing directly by rail to the Port of Charleston.
- The inland port handles thousands of shipping containers annually, propelling local exports and boosting trade infrastructure.
Seasonality of Crops
- Dillon County farms span large acreage (over 111,000 acres), with 76% of agricultural output from livestock and poultry, while crops account for about 24%.
- Specialty crops handled include soybeans, cotton, peanuts, and yellow peas which are containerized and shipped via Inland Port Dillon.
What We Love About Dillion, SC
Dillon, South Carolina, is a small town located in the northeastern part of the state, near the border with North Carolina. Founded in 1888, the town grew around the development of the railroad and agriculture, which remain central to its identity. One of its most iconic landmarks is South of the Border, a whimsical roadside attraction and travel stop that has become a quirky symbol of the region. South of the Border features restaurants, shops, a miniature golf course, and a towering sombrero-shaped observation deck, drawing visitors traveling along Interstate 95. Dillon is also known for its strong community spirit, with local events and cultural activities that reflect the charm of rural South Carolina.
South Carolina itself is renowned for its rich history, coastal beauty, and unique cultural contributions. As one of the original 13 colonies, the state has a storied past, with historic sites ranging from Charleston's well-preserved antebellum architecture to the Revolutionary War battlefields scattered throughout. The state boasts diverse natural attractions, from the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the west to the pristine beaches of the Atlantic coast. South Carolina is also celebrated for its contributions to Southern cuisine, including Lowcountry dishes like shrimp and grits, as well as its legacy of sweetgrass basket weaving, an art form unique to the Gullah-Geechee people. Together, Dillon and South Carolina offer a blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty that captures the essence of the South.