South Carolina Was The 4th Fastest Growing State In 2024

According to data released in December by the United States Census Bureau, South Carolina was the 4th fastest-growing state in 2024 by percentage of population growth at 1.7 percent with nearly 91,000 new residents that moved to the Palmetto State last year. The only states that grew faster than South Carolina were Florida, Texas, and Utah. In terms of pure numeric growth, South Carolina was the 10th fastest-growing state as our total population increased to over 5.47 million people from roughly 5.38 million in 2023. South Carolina saw the 3rd largest gain (nearly 68,000 individuals) from domestic migration, which is individuals who relocate here from other parts of the U.S., trailing only Texas and North Carolina.

Some of South Carolina’s growth can be attributed to the broader national population shift to Southern states as the South is the most populated region of the country at nearly 132.7 million residents. According to the Census Bureau data, in 2024 “…the South added more people than all other regions combined, making it both the fastest-growing and largest-gaining region in the country.”

With South Carolina’s continued population growth, local businesses will see increased demand for their goods and services, and the state will remain a top destination for economic development. Learn more here.