Population of South Carolina
Current Population
5,428,261
10yr Growth Rate
+17.36%
Rank
#23 of 50
Population Over Time
Analysis# South Carolina Population Analysis
South Carolina's population of 5.43 million ranks it 23rd nationally, with 17.36% growth over the past decade reflecting accelerating migration trends compared to its historical baseline. The state's peak growth occurred during the 1980s, establishing it as a Sunbelt destination, though recent decade-over-decade expansion suggests renewed demographic momentum potentially driven by lower costs and climate migration from northeastern states. Over its 124-year recorded span (1900–2024), South Carolina has grown from approximately 1.3 million to 5.4 million—a 316% increase—indicating sustained long-term expansion despite regional economic fluctuations.
Historical Population Data
| Year | Population | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5,428,261 | +1.02% |
| 2023 | 5,373,555 | +1.71% |
| 2022 | 5,282,955 | +1.72% |
| 2021 | 5,193,848 | +1.47% |
| 2020 | 5,118,425 | +10.66% |
| 2010 | 4,625,364 | +15.29% |
| 2000 | 4,012,012 | +15.07% |
| 1990 | 3,486,703 | +11.69% |
| 1980 | 3,121,820 | +20.51% |
| 1970 | 2,590,516 | +8.73% |
| 1960 | 2,382,594 | +12.54% |
| 1950 | 2,117,027 | +11.43% |
| 1940 | 1,899,804 | +9.26% |
| 1930 | 1,738,765 | +3.27% |
| 1920 | 1,683,724 | +11.11% |
| 1910 | 1,515,400 | +13.06% |
| 1900 | 1,340,316 | — |