South Carolina: What you need to know
South Carolina works because it’s a highly desirable place to live. A vibrant arts-and-culture scene loaded with things to do , four distinct seasons and some of the nation’s best beaches and outdoor-recreation opportunities have created a lifestyle that draws and keeps business leaders and talent alike. The state’s subtropical climate allows residents to enjoy outdoor activities throughout most of the year.
The best places to live in South Carolina include Charleston, Greenville and Rock Hill, where millennials are drawn by technology-driven, entrepreneurial economies.
The University of South Carolina and Clemson University anchor a standout higher education system. The state is an innovation destination, spawning new companies in such breakthrough fields as information technology, energy and biotechnology. BMW, Boeing and General Electric among the leading companies that have helped South Carolina has fashion a diverse and sophisticated manufacturing sector.
South Carolina Communities Make the Livin' Easy
There's truly something for everyone in the Palmetto State.
If outdoor adventure is your #1 priority, these small cities are the perfect home base.
Tradition, quality workforce and excellent transportation assets attract automakers
Workforce development programs give South Carolina a competitive advantage
Learn why there’s a good chance the products that make your life comfortable and convenient were made in South Carolina
Reason #1: The million-dollar sunsets.
Read More About South Carolina
- Considering a move to Charleston, SC? Here are some good reasons why you should.
- Golf, festivals, beaches and parks make the state a popular destination.
- Farming, forestry, food production are key economic players
- State has five interstates, several railroads and the mighty Port of Charleston
- Talented workforce, favorable business climate give South Carolina’s life sciences industry a boost
- Learn why so many companies choose South Carolina as the place to grow, invest and create jobs
- Entrepreneurs diversify into infotech, energy and biotech
- Discover the most desirable places to put down roots in the Palmetto State
- These 7 beaches will be everything you've ever wanted in a seaside vacation.
Featured Cities in South Carolina
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Quick Facts about SC
| Population | 4,777,576 |
| Latest Population Increase | 0.00% |
| Median Household Income | $45,483 |
| Median Home Price | $139,900 |
| Median Property Tax | $1,183 |
| Median Rent | $69 |
Employment Rate in SC
| Employed | 95.6% | |
| Unemployed | 4.4% |
Featured Cities/Population in SC
| Columbia, SC | 131,958 |
| Beaufort, SC | 12,839 |
| Sumter, SC | 40,851 |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | 39,071 |
| Clemson, SC | 14,664 |
| Anderson, SC | 26,978 |
| Spartanburg, SC | 37,465 |
| Greenville, SC | 61,734 |
| Charleston, SC | 127,694 |
| Rock Hill, SC | 69,196 |
Race in SC
| Ethnicity White | 67.2% | |
| Ethnicity Black | 27.5% | |
| Ethnicity Asian | 1.4% | |
| Ethnicity Hawaiian | 0.1% | |
| Ethnicity Hispanic | 5.3% | |
| Ethnicity Indian | 0.3% | |
| Ethnicity Other | 1.5% |
Employment Rate in SC
| Employed | 95.6% | |
| Unemployed | 4.4% |
Educational Levels in SC
| Bachelor's Degree | 16.5% | |
| Associate's Degree | 8.9% | |
| Graduate or Professional Degree | 9.3% | |
| High School Graduate | 29.8% | |
| Some College, No Degree | 21% | |
| Percent Bachelor's Degree or Higher | 25.8% | |
| Percent High School Graduate or Higher | 85.6% |
Industry in SC
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting and Mining | 1% |
| Construction | 6.4% |
| Manufacturing | 13.8% |
| Wholesale Trade | 2.7% |
| Retail Trade | 12.2% |
| Transportation and Warehousing, and Utilities | 4.6% |
| Information | 1.8% |
| Finance and Insurance, and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | 5.8% |
| Professional, Scientific and Management and Administrative and Waste | 9.6% |
| Educational Services and Health Care and Social Assistance | 21.7% |
| Arts, Entertainment and recreation and Accommodation and food Services | 10.5% |
| Other Services, Except Public Administration | 5% |
| Public Administration | 4.9% |
Housing in SC
| Homes Rent | 68.6% | |
| Homes Owned | 31.4% |
Data Sources : U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Census, 2011-2015 American Community Survey, 2010 Census Gazetteer, GreatSchools, WalkScore, Bureau of Labor and Statistics, County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service, Veterans Administration (VA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
South Carolina Rankings
Best places to Live in South Carolina
| Title | Population | Median Home Price | Median Household Income |
|---|---|---|---|
| Columbia | 131,958 | $162,200 | $41,260 |
| Charleston | 127,694 | $255,600 | $55,546 |
| North Charleston | 104,146 | $141,400 | $39,543 |
| Mount Pleasant | 74,952 | $372,000 | $77,638 |
| Rock Hill | 69,196 | $129,200 | $40,396 |
| Greenville | 61,734 | $221,800 | $41,924 |
| Summerville | 46,200 | $181,300 | $55,476 |
| Sumter | 40,851 | $133,800 | $38,808 |
| Goose Creek | 39,408 | $167,400 | $61,122 |
| Hilton Head Island | 39,071 | $434,900 | $66,646 |
| Florence | 38,000 | $153,700 | $42,853 |
| Spartanburg | 37,465 | $121,000 | $35,126 |
| Aiken | 30,183 | $175,200 | $55,502 |
| Myrtle Beach | 29,198 | $171,600 | $36,514 |
| Greer | 27,186 | $143,800 | $44,455 |
| Anderson | 26,978 | $125,000 | $30,526 |
| Mauldin | 24,396 | $153,600 | $59,960 |
| Greenwood | 23,254 | $87,800 | $24,593 |
| Taylors | 22,475 | $138,400 | $49,283 |
| North Augusta | 22,037 | $150,600 | $50,028 |