S.C. Fastest Growing State in the Nation

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

South Carolina is now the fastest growing state in the nation, with no slowdown expected in the years ahead. With a current population of 5.3 million, the state is predicted to add another million citizens in less than 20 years.

Anderson County also continues to grow at historic rates, with an estimated current population of more than 220,000 citizens, adding almost 20,000 since 2020, and is continuing to grow at a rapid pace.

With a birth rate that has actually dropped, the new citizens are moving to the state in record numbers, driven by access to natural resources, a relatively low cost of living and a thriving economy. Couples with grown children and retirees lead the charge, as demand for housing continues to increase, driving up what are still relatively low housing costs in some areas.

Mountains, lakes and a substantial coastline, along with historic cities such as Charleston, recently named one of the top cities in the world, are all added reasons for growth.

Horry, Berkeley, Jasper, Lancaster and Spartanburg counties are expected to grow the fastest, with increases in population of more than 50 percent before 2040. Many rural counties are not expected to see any growth, and may even lose population, over the same time period.

South Carolina now boasts the 23rd highest population in the nation. The growth is posing a challenge to infrastructure and providing services both in Anderson County and statewide, especially roads and wastewater management.