As of the census of 2000, there were 52,537 people, 20,495 households, and 14,612 families residing in the county. The population density was 134 people per square mile (52/km²). There were 22,400 housing units at an average density of 57 per square mile (22/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 76.92% White, 20.56% Black or African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.31% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.16% from other races, and 0.84% from two or more races. 2.08% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 39.1% were of American, 6.8% Irish, 5.8% English and 5.6% German ancestry according to Census 2000.
There were 20,495 households out of which 32.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.30% were married couples living together, 15.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.70% were non-families. 25.00% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the county, the population was spread out with 25.80% under the age of 18, 9.00% from 18 to 24, 29.60% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 12.40% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 93.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.70 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $33,787, and the median income for a family was $39,393. Males had a median income of $30,984 versus $21,298 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,421. About 11.00% of families and 13.90% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.90% of those under age 18 and 15.20% of those age 65 or over.
The lifeline of Cherokee County, I-85 runs through the city limits of Gaffney, contributing to much of the growth along Floyd Baker Blvd, the county's main thoroughfare, which bisects I-85. Much of the county's growth occurs along I-85.
One of the nation's busiest airports, Charlotte/Douglas International Airport is located in nearby Charlotte 45 minutes away. For regional and national air travel Greenville-Spartanburg Airport is located in Greer, SC.
A study to determine the feasibility of building an airport in the county revealed that an airport is desperately needed in the county. Previous studies have determined the structure of the airport and possible airport sites have been nrrowed down to two sites - one located just south of Gaffney and one located outside of Blacksburg. A major economic feasibility study is now being conducted to determine if the federal government will contribute 95% of the funds needed to construct the airport. If the study fails, then no federal funding will be provided.
The county is also served by US 29 which parallels I-85 and is mostly used for local traffic. US 29 also serves as a major road in the downtown area of Gaffney. Several of the major South Carolina highways that serve the county are:
SC Highway 11, SC Highway 150, SC Highway 105, SC Highway 18 serve the Gaffney area. SC Highway 5 serves the Blacksburg area.