South Carolina State Population
South Carolina's expanding population.
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 1910 | 1,515,400 |
| 1920 | 1,683,724 |
| 1930 | 1,738,765 |
| 1940 | 1,899,804 |
| 1950 | 2,117,027 |
| 1960 | 2,382,594 |
| 1970 | 2,590,516 |
| 1980 | 3,121,820 |
| 1990 | 3,486,703 |
| 2000 | 4,012,012 |
| 2010 | 4,625,364 |
| 2020 | 5,118,425 |
South Carolina's population, currently exceeding 5.3 million residents, has undergone significant historical shifts, reflecting broader national trends and unique regional developments. From its early prominence as one of the original thirteen colonies, experiencing rapid growth largely due to enslaved labor and agricultural economies, the state faced a period of stagnation and out-migration following the Civil War and economic hardships. However, the latter half of the 20th century marked a turning point, with burgeoning tourism, industrial development, and the attraction of military bases fueling renewed expansion. Today, the state is experiencing robust growth, driven largely by domestic in-migration, with retirees, families, and individuals seeking a lower cost of living and warmer climate flocking to its coastal regions, rapidly expanding metropolitan areas like Charleston and Greenville, and burgeoning suburban communities, steadily diversifying the state's demographics and reshaping its cultural and economic landscape.
Data Source: US Census Bureau