South Carolina Ranks as Fastest-Growing State

News Summary

South Carolina has achieved the milestone of being the fastest-growing state in the United States, as per U-Haul’s Growth Index. Key factors contributing to this growth include a low cost of living, a mild climate, and significant job opportunities. Cities like Charleston and Greenville are experiencing booms in tech and manufacturing, while smaller towns like Hardeeville and Moncks Corner are expanding rapidly. The overall population growth in South Carolina is driven by an influx of new residents and urban development, indicating a strong demographic trend.

South Carolina has been ranked as the fastest-growing state in the United States for 2024, according to data from U-Haul’s Growth Index. This marks a significant achievement for South Carolina, as it is the first time the state has topped this list, having climbed three spots and surpassed Texas, which held the top position from 2021 to 2023.

One of the key factors contributing to South Carolina’s growth is its low cost of living, which is approximately 7% below the national average. This financial appeal is complemented by the state’s mild climate, allowing residents to enjoy various outdoor activities throughout the year. According to U-Haul, 51.7% of all one-way traffic involving South Carolina consisted of arrivals in the past year, indicating a strong influx of new residents. While the number of arrivals remained unchanged from the previous year, departures from the state decreased by 2%.

As a result of this shifting demographic landscape, South Carolina has experienced the largest net gain of U-Haul movers in the nation, showcasing a favorable trend towards population increase. The state’s growth was particularly evident in cities like Charleston, where tech startups are flourishing, and Greenville, which is focusing on advanced manufacturing. The traditional manufacturing sector is also booming, with major companies such as Boeing, BMW, and Volvo heavily invested in South Carolina’s economy.

In terms of employment, South Carolina has seen a 7% increase in job opportunities over the past five years. Census estimates have identified 62 towns and cities in the state that grew even faster than the national average in 2024. Notably, Hardeeville recorded the fastest population growth in South Carolina, with a staggering 16.3% increase, while Jasper County, which encompasses Hardeeville, has witnessed an impressive 85% population increase since 2020.

Moncks Corner is also emerging as one of the fastest-growing places in South Carolina, with a growth rate surpassing 10% and a population increase reaching 18,359. There are plans for an additional 4,500 homes to be built by 2034 to accommodate this expanding population. Similarly, the town of Woodruff reported a growth of approximately 10.4%, fueled by significant industrial investment. This growth trend indicates a shift away from traditionally popular coastal areas to inland regions within the state.

South Carolina not only saw an overall population increase but also had the fastest-growing white population in 2023 due to an influx of residents relocating from other states. Projections show that the state is likely to gain an additional one million residents by 2042. Since 2010, Blythewood’s population has nearly tripled, further solidifying its status as one of the state’s fastest-growing towns. Anticipation of new commercial developments also looms with the announcement of Scout Motors’ electric vehicle plant in Blythewood.

Additionally, Camden saw an increase of 436 new residents in 2024, reflecting a growth rate of 14% since 2020. In the broader context, Jasper County was recognized as the fastest-growing county in the nation in 2023, distinguishing itself with notable overall population growth. In recent comparisons, only Florida, Texas, and Utah experienced higher population growth rates than South Carolina.

Out of a total of 271 towns in South Carolina, 177 reported population gains last year, indicating a broader trend of urban and suburban expansion within the state. The average age of residents in South Carolina is approximately 38.8 years, with projections suggesting a demographic shift towards an older population in the coming years. The state recorded an overall population growth rate of 2.0% from 2023 to 2024, highlighting its continuing trend of growth and development.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Business Wire: U-Haul Growth States of 2024
• Post and Courier: South Carolina Population Growth
• US News: Job Growth in Carolina Cities
• Island Packet: Local News on South Carolina
• The State: News on South Carolina
• Wikipedia: South Carolina
• Google Search: South Carolina population growth
• Google Scholar: South Carolina demographics
• Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
• Google News: South Carolina growth