America’s fastest-growing state is expected to welcome another million residents over the next two decades.
According to the latest projections, South Carolina’s population will grow to 6.4 million by 2042.
The state boasts a strong labor market that recovered quickly from the pandemic and a relatively low cost of living, which has already attracted large numbers of new residents.
This trend appears set to continue, although some experts argue the increase may be an underestimate.
Economic growth will probably be concentrated in five provinces, while most provinces will see their population decline.
According to the latest projections, South Carolina’s population is expected to rise to 6.4 million by 2042
The largest influx is predicted for Horry County, with an expected increase of 53 percent, adding 216,662 residents. Post and courier service defeated.
This coastal county has long been the fastest growing in the state, aligning with trends for all of South Carolina’s coastal counties, which are expected to continue growing.
In addition, Berkeley, Jasper, Lancaster and Spartanburg counties are expected to grow by 49 to 51 percent.
South Carolina is the 23rd largest state in the country and had the fastest percentage population growth from 2022 to 2023.
A slightly negative birth rate was recorded, meaning that the population growth was due to people moving to the state.
Many new residents are attracted by the low cost of living, which is six percent lower than the national average, and the state’s booming economy.
Home prices are about a fifth lower than in the rest of the US, and the state also has breathtaking scenery. It’s easy to find a bargain here: a house with a picturesque view.
Despite the projected growth, 25 of South Carolina’s 46 counties are expected to experience population declines.
The boom will likely be concentrated in just five provinces, with most provinces actually seeing population declines.
Rural areas are most likely to experience population decline, with twelve of these areas expected to have fewer than 20,000 inhabitants by 2042.
One of these is Allendale County, which is expected to lose half its population, leaving just 3,515 people.
“We hope policymakers and the private sector will find this information useful as they plan for the future,” said Frank Rainwater, director of the state Department of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs.
‘Population is the most important determinant of what happens in local areas.’
South Carolina’s population is predicted to grow 19 percent over the next 20 years compared to 2024.
The latest population projections for South Carolina are from 2019. Previous attempts to model growth resulted in underestimates.
In 2003, Clermiston University predicted that the population of the Charleston metropolitan area would reach nearly 80,000 by 2030.
South Carolina is the 23rd largest state in the country and grew at the fastest percentage change in population from 2022 to 2023
However, the milestone was reached ten years earlier than expected.
Rapid population growth is generally considered positive, but can put pressure on amenities and infrastructure.
Some local governments have already passed measures to curb growth, while others are imposing levies to soften the impact.
As with all forecasts, the latest figures come with a caveat, as they can be changed by factors such as new jobs, extreme weather conditions or changes in migration flows.