Population of South Carolina

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.