News Summary
South Carolina has surpassed Texas as the fastest-growing state in 2024, driven by its low cost of living, robust economy, and mild climate. The state has seen a 2% decrease in departures while maintaining a steady influx of movers, with cities like Hardeeville and Moncks Corner recording significant population increases. The expansion of key sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare, coupled with the development of new residential projects, signals a trend of sustained growth. Projections predict that South Carolina will add around one million residents in the coming years.
South Carolina has officially claimed the title of the fastest-growing state in 2024, surpassing Texas for the first time according to a report from U-Haul that analyzed one-way customer transactions. This marks a significant jump for South Carolina, which has moved up three spots from its previous ranking in 2023. Texas held the number one position for three consecutive years from 2021 to 2023.
This growth can be attributed to several factors, including a cost of living that is approximately 7% below the national average, making it an appealing option for those seeking affordability without relinquishing lifestyle amenities. The state also enjoys a mild climate that promotes outdoor activities year-round, such as golfing, hiking, and beach outings.
U-Haul’s data indicates that the number of arrivals in South Carolina remained steady while departures decreased by 2%, resulting in the largest net gain of U-Haul movers across the country. In fact, over 51% of one-way U-Haul traffic in South Carolina in 2024 consisted of inbound movers. The state’s thriving economy, particularly its booming manufacturing sector, plays a crucial role in attracting new residents. Leading companies like Boeing, BMW, and Volvo are significant contributors to this expansion.
The tech and healthcare sectors in South Carolina are equally experiencing rapid growth, with a reported 7% increase in employment over the past five years. Cities and towns surrounding major urban centers stood out in the report for exhibiting notable population growth. Among the fastest-growing municipalities are Jasper County, Hardeeville, Woodruff, and Moncks Corner, with Hardeeville specifically experiencing a staggering 16.3% population increase from July 2023 to July 2024, making it the leading municipality in this regard.
Overall, Hardeeville’s population has surged by 85% since the 2020 Census, which exemplifies the trend of growth seen across the state. Other communities like Beaufort and Moncks Corner have also reported substantial population increases. The latest census data reveals an intriguing shift in demographics, with growth moving inland from the previously dominant coastal regions.
Mount Pleasant, which was among the fastest-growing cities previously, has observed below-average growth with only 109 new residents in 2024. Conversely, South Carolina has seen an annual influx of approximately 90,000 new residents, predominantly settling in urban and suburban areas adjacent to major cities.
Moncks Corner, for instance, recorded a population increase of over 10%, bringing its total to approximately 18,359, with forecasts predicting an addition of 4,500 new homes by 2034. Meanwhile, Woodruff reported an estimated 10.4% growth, driven by industrial investments, including a battery plant established by BMW.
The Upstate region is flourishing as well, benefiting from affordable housing options, access to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and expanded business investments. Blythewood’s population has nearly tripled since 2010, propelled by commercial developments such as the forthcoming Scout Motors electric vehicle plant. Various counties across South Carolina, especially Jasper, Horry, and Berkeley, are witnessing considerable population increases due to urban development and an influx of new residents.
Many of the new arrivals to South Carolina are migrating from states like New York, North Carolina, and New Jersey, further contributing to the overall population surge. Projections indicate that the state is on track to add around one million residents by 2042, raising its population to approximately 6.4 million.
As the state continues to grow, the U-Haul report emphasizes the importance of balancing quality of life with the challenges that accompany rapid development, such as traffic congestion and educational capacity concerns.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Post and Courier: South Carolina Population Growth
- Wikipedia: Demographics of South Carolina
- The State: South Carolina Growth
- Google Search: South Carolina population growth
- Island Packet: Local News on SC Growth
- Google Scholar: South Carolina economic growth
- The Center Square: SC Economic Insights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Business Wire: SC Economic Development
- Google News: South Carolina economic trends
