What Are The 10 Fastest Growing Cities In South Carolina?
You may not know much about South Carolina, but it is becoming a trendy place to move to in the United States. This is a state that offers awesome weather, tons of outdoor activities, and a place you can focus on family. The economy in South Carolina is very strong, and you will be able to find homes that are affordable. If you’re curious to learn which cities may be the most appealing to you, this guide will help you figure it out.
Through research, we have discovered what the top ten fastest-growing cities are in South Carolina. We took a look at the population from 2010 and compared it to the 2021 population. The first fastest growing city in the state is Hardeeville, with a growth rate of 103.1%. This is closely followed by Bluffton with a growth rate of 93.4% and Fort Mill with a rate of 72.2%. There are seven more cities to keep in mind when researching the state.
Many of the cities are very desirable for those who are retiring or raising a family. This is a state that is full of charm, warmth from the neighbors, and southern hospitality. You can go to the beach and enjoy boating or go on some fantastic hikes around the state. No matter what you’re looking for, you are sure to find something you love about South Carolina. Take a peek at one of these cities and everything it has to offer.
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How The Fastest Growing Cities Were Determined
Every year the ACS or American Community Survey takes count of a cities population. We were able to look through 2010s populations and compare them to the 2021 populations. This allowed us to find the exact percent a city grew within the last several years. There are over 271 cities in South Carolina. However, for this guide, we narrowed it down to ten for you to look through. Each city has its own unique charm that you might find appealing.
City | Previous Population (2010) | Current Population (2021) | Growth Rate % |
Hardeeville | 2,985 | 6,064 | 103.1% |
Bluffton | 10,748 | 20,799 | 93.5% |
Fort Mill | 10,273 | 17,692 | 72.2% |
Tega Cay | 7,014 | 10,412 | 48.8% |
Conway | 16,424 | 23,838 | 45.1% |
Hanahan | 16,944 | 24,353 | 43.7% |
Moncks Corner | 7,508 | 10,743 | 43.1% |
Mount Pleasant | 64,208 | 86,982 | 35.3% |
Summerville | 40,409 | 53,037 | 31.3% |
Lexington | 16,410 | 21,334 | 30.0% |
1. Hardeeville
- Current Population: 6,064
- Previous Population: 2,985
- Growth Rate: 103.1%
This city was founded in 1911 and is now one of the fastest-growing cities in the Southeast. It is a beautiful city with tons of scenic views to enjoy. Unfortunately, the crime rate is higher than the national average here. The total crime rate for Hardeeville is 48% higher than the national average. However, it is still safer than 8% of other cities in the United States. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 134.
People continue to flock to this town because of the affordable prices of living. The median home value in this area is $336,000 and you will find that price gets you very nice houses. This was recently a city that was voted the 25th best place to retire in South Carolina. In this city, you can enjoy golf courses, the pier or boardwalk, and have picnics in the local parks.
2. Bluffton
- Current Population: 20,799
- Previous Population: 10,748
- Growth Rate: 93.5%
This was founded in 1852, and it was originally a one-mile-long town. Now it is the second-best place in the Savannah area to raise a family. It has grown considerably in the last decade. One of the best things about this small town is that there is a very low crime rate. The total crime rate is 57% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 540.
There are many small-town activities you can do in this area. You can tour Old Town Bluffton, enjoy the weekly farmers market, and tour the museums in town. This is a great place to raise a family because of the highly rated schools that are hard to compete against. The next major reason people choose to move here is because of the house prices. 80% of the community owns their homes because the median home value is $290,800.
3. Fort Mill
- Current Population: 17,692
- Previous Population: 10,273
- Growth Rate: 72.2%
Fort Mill is located in York County and was founded in 1811. People love this area so much it was recently voted the 4th best place to live in South Carolina. Why? People love this area so much because of the close community and the low crime rate. The total crime rate is 52% below the national average; your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 965.
In this town, you will find tons of theaters, parks, and museums you can enjoy with the family. The schools are highly rated, and the area is diverse. You will find people love living here because of the affordability of the area. The median home price is $289,200, and 76% of the community owns their houses.
4. Tega Cay
- Current Population: 10,412
- Previous Population: 7,014
- Growth Rate: 48.4%
Recently, this was voted the number one place to raise a family in South Carolina. It is safe, beautiful, and has a lot to provide for the community. The total crime rate is 40% of the national average, and your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 2265. There is also very little property crime in this area which means most of the community feels very secure.
This community is located on Lake Wylie and has incredible views that you need to see. You can enjoy activities on the lake all summer long. There are tons of trails to hike and explore. Another thing to experience is the annual strawberry festival that draws in a large crowd. You will find that the median home value is $331,100 and almost the entire community chooses to buy homes.
5. Conway
- Current Population: 23,838
- Previous Population: 16,424
- Growth Rate: 45.1%
The original name of this town was called Kingston Village, and it was established in 1735. This area is a 15-minute drive to Myrtle Beach and is known to have some scenic views that are enjoyable. Unfortunately, the crime rate is 53% higher than the national average, and your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 236. The great news about this area is that so many people are moving here that crime decreases by 14% year after year.
There are tons of wildlife and nature reserves that you should explore when visiting this city. Also, the downtown area is known to have some unique antique shops that are fun to window shop and browse through. One of the best things about this place is there are tons of local farms you can visit. You will find that people love this area so much they choose to buy homes instead of rent. The median home value is $155,000 in this area.
6. Hanahan
- Current Population: 24,353
- Previous Population: 16,944
- Growth Rate: 43.7%
Hanahan was recently voted the number one best place to live in Berkeley County. It is a suburb of Charleston and a great option when looking for safe places to live in South Carolina. The total crime rate is 40% lower than the national average, and your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 490. People love this area and fall in love with the charming neighborhoods.
If you are in the mood, there are a few well-known distilleries to try out, as well as some fun museums to browse through. If you are looking for something involving nature, there are magnolia plantations and gardens to check out as well. This area is brimming with activity and will find a lot of homes for sale. The median home value is $228,800.
7. Moncks Corner
- Current Population: 10,743
- Previous Population: 7,508
- Growth Rate: 43.1%
Moncks Corner was founded in 1885 and is now known for breathtaking scenic views. This is a small town, and you can expect all the neighbors to know each other many people claim that no crimes happen to them. However, the crime rate is 58% above the national crime rate. You should not feel threatened when moving here; Moncks Corner is 52% safer than other South Carolina Cities. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 218.
This area was recently rated the 5th best place to buy a home in the Charleston area. Moncks Corner offers tons of activities to do outside and enjoy. You can go fishing, explore farms and walk through corn mazes during fall. This is one of the best places to buy a home because the median home value is $203,200.
8. Mount Pleasant
- Current Population: 86,982
- Previous Population: 64,208
- Growth Rate: 35.5%
This is rated the number one place to live in the Charleston area. Mount Pleasant was founded in 1680 and is home to Shem Creek, known for shrimp boats and delicious seafood restaurants. This area in South Carolina is exceptionally safe. The total crime rate in Mount Pleasant is 46% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 881.
Mount Pleasant has a well-known Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum that is a super hot attraction. There is also a waterfront memorial park that has some amazing views. You will find that 72% of the community chooses to own rather than rent. The median home value in Mount Pleasant is $461,000, which is double the national average. However, that is one of the biggest expenses in the area.
9. Summerville
- Current Population: 53,037
- Previous Population: 40,409
- Growth Rate: 31.1%
Summerville became an official town in 1847 and is known for tons of space in and surrounding the city. This is a good place for active people to retire and was recently rated the 7th best place in the Charleston area to raise a family. One thing to be aware of in this town is that the total crime rate is 40% above the national average. However, your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 285, which is 7% below the national average.
You will find tons of art galleries and museums you can enjoy throughout the year. There is a local farmers market you can stop by and grab fresh produce, and the best feature is the Azalea Park and Sculptor Garden. If you’re looking for a home to buy, this is a great area to look at because the homes are priced under the national average. The median home value is $207,800.
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10. Lexington
- Current Population: 21,334
- Previous Population: 16,410
- Growth Rate: 30.0%
This county was established in 1785 and is now a suburb of Columbia, South Carolina. Young professionals who think they will have kids one day choose to move here because of the top-rated schools. The only thing you should be aware of is that the crime rate is 28% above the national average. Still, violent crime is 14% below the national average. Your chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 308.
If you love wineries, this town has tons of them to choose from, or bars, pubs, and restaurants. There are theaters you can attend and museums to tour. People love living in this area, and you will find that 66% of the community chooses to buy homes here. The median home value is $190,500. South Carolina has some of the best places to live in the United States.
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Kayla is a full-time content creator and her passion is everything green. When she's not writing city-based content at UpgradedHome, her focus is on the environment and sustainability. Kayla loves to travel and is always looking forward to her next vacation!
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