- South Carolina is gaining a reputation as a premier move-to destination due to its affordability, job market, lifestyle, beaches, mild climate, and being tax-friendly for retirees.
- South Carolina’s population grew by nearly 80,000 residents between July 2024 and July 2025.
- The state’s unemployment rate rose to 4.8% in December 2025, partly due to a larger labor force.
- Upstate regions like Greenville, Spartanburg and Anderson are among top counties for state population growth.
South Carolina is gaining a reputation as a move-to destination due to its affordability, job market, lifestyle, and being tax-friendly for retirees.
The Palmetto State recorded its fastest growth in 2025 with a 1.5% increase, adding nearly 80,000 new residents between July 2024 and July 2025, according to the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce.
This surge was primarily fueled by people relocating from other U.S. states, with 41,548 new residents coming from other parts of the country.
Where are people moving to in South Carolina?
Rapid growth was especially notable in communities in the Upstate region, such as Greenville, which ranked first with 592,843 residents. Spartanburg, ranked fifth with 390,388 residents, and Anderson, ranked ninth with 223,553 residents, also experienced significant population increases, according to the study…