South Carolina has 5,570,274 residents, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates available in 2026. The state gained 79,958 people in one year, more than the entire population of Greenville city.
The latest Census population figures also show that South Carolina has 46 counties and more than 2.57 million housing units.
| Population Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Latest official population | 5,570,274 |
| Population in 2024 | 5,490,316 |
| Population in 2020 | 5,118,425 |
| Population in 2010 | 4,625,364 |
| Annual population increase | 79,958 |
| Annual growth rate | 1.5% |
| Population growth since 2020 | 8.8% |
| Number of counties | 46 |
Fastest Population Growth in the US
South Carolina grew faster than every other state between July 2024 and July 2025. Idaho came second with 1.4% growth, followed by North Carolina at 1.3%.
Texas added far more residents in total, gaining 391,243 people. However, its much larger population meant that its percentage increase was lower.
Population Growth Compared With Other States
South Carolina grew three times as fast as the United States overall. Its 79,958 new residents also placed it fifth nationally for the number of people added.
The Census Bureau population report found that movement between states was responsible for most of the increase.
Where Are New Residents Coming From?
South Carolina gained a net 66,622 people through domestic migration during the latest reporting year. That means 66,622 more people moved into the state from other parts of the country than moved away.
Domestic migration accounted for more than 83% of the total population increase.
South Carolina has attracted residents for several reasons. Coastal retirement communities appeal to older households, while the Upstate offers jobs in manufacturing, healthcare and distribution. Suburban development has also expanded near Charleston and Charlotte.
Growth has not been evenly distributed. Greenville, Horry, Spartanburg and Berkeley counties have added thousands of residents, but several rural counties continue to lose population.
South Carolina Population by County
Greenville County has the largest population in South Carolina, with 583,125 residents in 2025. Charleston County ranks second with 436,200, followed closely by Richland County with 434,956.
Horry County, home to Myrtle Beach and many surrounding communities, had 427,551 residents. It added 13,244 people in one year, more than any other county in the state.
Largest Counties in South Carolina
| County | Population in 2025 | Residents Added in One Year |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville | 583,125 | 9,255 |
| Charleston | 436,200 | 2,943 |
| Richland | 434,956 | 4,156 |
| Horry | 427,551 | 13,244 |
| Spartanburg | 380,857 | 10,923 |
| Lexington | 317,588 | 3,504 |
| York | 306,887 | 4,126 |
| Berkeley | 274,666 | 8,674 |
| Anderson | 219,930 | 2,540 |
| Beaufort | 204,433 | 1,427 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 county population estimates.
Jasper County recorded the fastest percentage growth in South Carolina, adding 2,195 residents between July 2024 and July 2025. Its population increased 6% in a single year.
The county also ranked first nationally for population growth among counties with at least 20,000 residents.
Jasper sits between the Hilton Head area and Savannah, Georgia. Its location places it near growing coastal communities on both sides of the state border.
Berkeley County grew 3.3%, followed by Horry County at 3.2%. The South Carolina employment agency identified domestic migration as the leading source of growth in many of these counties.
Smallest County by Population
Allendale County had 7,355 residents in 2025, making it the least populated county in South Carolina.
Its population decreased by 176 people during the year. Similar declines in smaller rural counties show that the statewide increase is concentrated in particular areas.
The Census Bureau publishes the complete county population figures for all 46 counties.
Largest Cities in South Carolina
Charleston is the largest incorporated city in South Carolina, with 159,423 residents in 2025. Columbia, the state capital, follows with 147,035.
North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Rock Hill are also among the largest cities.
Greenville offers an interesting comparison. The city has about 75,000 residents, but Greenville County has more than 583,000. Most people in the county live outside Greenville city limits.
Population of Major South Carolina Cities
| City | Latest Population |
|---|---|
| Charleston | 159,423 |
| Columbia | 147,035 |
| North Charleston | 129,245 |
| Greenville | 75,310 |
Figures are Census estimates dated July 1, 2025. The table includes selected major cities rather than a complete city ranking.
The Census city population records provide figures for incorporated towns and cities throughout the state.
Population by Age
South Carolina has a substantial older population. Residents aged 65 and older account for 21.1% of the state, slightly more than the 20.6% who are younger than 18.
The state attracts retirees, particularly along the coast. In Horry County, nearly 30% of residents are at least 65 years old.
| Age Group | Share of Population |
|---|---|
| Under 5 years | 5.3% |
| Under 18 years | 20.6% |
| 18 to 64 years | 58.3% |
| 65 years and older | 21.1% |
The under-5 group is included in the under-18 figure. The 18 to 64 share is calculated using the other two nonoverlapping age categories.
Age differences affect the services communities need. Areas with growing retiree populations may see greater demand for medical care, while places attracting younger families need more schools and housing.
Population by Race and Ethnicity
White residents account for 68.3% of South Carolina’s population, according to the latest Census QuickFacts. Black or African American residents make up 24.4%.
The Hispanic or Latino population represents 8.5% of all residents. Hispanic origin is counted separately from race, so Hispanic residents are also included in the racial categories.
| Race or Ethnicity | Population Share |
|---|---|
| White | 68.3% |
| Black or African American | 24.4% |
| Asian | 2.2% |
| American Indian or Alaska Native | 0.9% |
| Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander | 0.1% |
| Two or more races | 4.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino, any race | 8.5% |
The racial percentages may not total exactly 100% because of rounding. Hispanic origin overlaps with the racial categories and should not be added to them.
How South Carolina’s Population Has Changed Since 2010
South Carolina had 4.63 million residents in 2010. By the 2020 Census, the total reached 5.12 million. Five years later, it had passed 5.57 million.
The state has gained nearly as many people since 2020 as it did during the entire previous decade.
South Carolina has consistently been among the fastest growing states in recent years. Its population increase reached 1.9% between July 2022 and July 2023 before slowing to 1.5% in the latest reporting period.
For comparison, neighboring North Carolina has more than twice as many residents, but South Carolina grew faster in percentage terms during the latest year.
Final Thoughts
Nearly 80,000 additional residents in one year means more demand for homes, roads, schools and medical services. The effects are especially noticeable in counties adding thousands of people annually.
Horry County, for example, has gained more than 76,000 residents since 2020. Local governments must plan for additional traffic, public services and residential development.
South Carolina had 2,579,744 housing units in July 2025, according to the Census Bureau. The state also issued 45,862 building permits during 2025.
However, a building permit doesn’t mean a home has already been completed or occupied. It indicates construction activity that may add housing later.
Growth also differs between counties. Places such as Horry, Berkeley and Jasper are adding residents quickly, while Allendale and some other rural communities have smaller populations than a year earlier.
The latest figures put South Carolina at 5.57 million residents. Future growth will depend heavily on how many people continue moving into the state, particularly its coastal and suburban counties.
