SOUTH CAROLINA
HISTORIC & PROJECTED GROWTH 1790 TO 2050
Sources: Census figures from U.S. Bureau of the Census & *Estimates from Weldon Cooper Center, Demographics Research Group
SOUTH CAROLINA POPULATION DENSITY
South Carolina Land Area - 30,061 square miles
YEAR | PEOPLE PER SQUARE MILE |
|---|---|
2020 | 170.2 |
2010 | 153.9 |
2000 | 133.5 |
1990 | 116.0 |
1980 | 103.9 |
1970 | 86.2 |
1960 | 79.3 |
1950 | 70.4 |
1940 | 63.2 |
1930 | 57.8 |
1920 | 56.0 |
1910 | 50.4 |
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of the Census
South Carolina Population News Articles
South Carolina Takes a Proactive Approach to Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation – Feb 24, 2026
Building toward disaster: Growth collides with rising seas in Charleston, SC – Feb 18, 2026
Sierra Club appeals federal approval of South Carolina air pollution plan – Feb 16, 2026
Which South Carolina law enforcement agencies partner with ICE? – Jan 29, 2026
Census Bureau: South Carolina recorded the nation’s most rapid population gains. Again. – Jan 27, 2026
Rock Hill region helps boost SC to become the nation’s fastest-growing state – Jan 27, 2026
As more SC farms give way to suburban sprawl, a land preservation program is on the rise – Oct 9, 2025
South Carolina's roads: Spending, quality, and safety in question – Oct 3, 2025
Building toward disaster: Growth collides with rising seas in Charleston – Sep 29, 2025
Planned Spartanburg data center will see more emissions testing requirements over pollution concerns – Sep 24, 2025
Charleston County considers plastic bag ordinance amendment – Sep 24, 2025
SC law enforcement increases ICE partnerships since President Trump’s reelection – June 11, 2025
SC has fastest growing county in the US, Census says. Here’s why it’s doing so well - June 4, 2025
Google signs water sustainability agreement with Arable in North and South Carolina – May 31, 2025
SC paper mill with stinking past also had toxic mercury discharges – May 30, 2025
Cooling costs could hit record highs this summer in S.C. – May 20, 2025
More SC cities using impact fees to fund services for newcomers, adding cost to home construction – May 18, 2025
Walhalla, South Carolina, looking to create long-term plan to improve water infrastructure – Sept 5, 2024
Drought intensifies for some Upstate counties – Sept 4, 2024
South Carolina Is Considered a Model for ‘Managed Retreat’ From Coastal Areas Threatened by Climate Change – Sept 3, 2024
Hundreds of dead chickens found floating in SC river. Stench noticeable, riverkeeper says – Aug 22, 2024
In South Carolina, Black voters are split on immigration – June 20, 2024
Summer 2024 Climate Outlook for northeastern SC and southeastern NC – June 5, 2024
South Carolina acts to reduce farmland loss – June 3, 2024
South Carolina Map Shows How State Could Be Underwater From Sea Level Rise – June 2, 2024
21 species declared newly extinct, including one bird last seen in Carolinas 65 years ago – October 20, 2023
Power grid at ‘crisis point’ as SC population booms, House speaker warns – October 19, 2023
SC Ports leader credits deepened harbor, increased cargo capacity for growth – October 16, 2023
Dangerous chemicals found in South Carolina's fish, crabs and oysters. Here's what we know – September 29, 2023
Rising sea levels putting coastal communities at risk – September 28, 2023
‘No time to lose’: SC adopts first resilience plan to cope with stronger storms – July 6, 2023
The Hottest Temperature Ever Recorded in South Carolina Was a Sizzling Nightmare – June 24, 2023
Americans Are Flocking to These 8 Fastest-Growing Counties in South Carolina – June 13, 2023
$1.2 million ‘living shoreline’ project designed to help protect Parris Island from erosion – December 10, 2022
South Carolina ranks No. 3 among deadliest states for cyclists, pedestrians. But help is on the way – December 9, 2022
Toxic chemicals found in virtually every South Carolina river tested. Action needed, critics say – December 8, 2022
10 Largest Cities In South Carolina By Population – December 7, 2022
SC power plant under more federal scrutiny after backup generator failure in January – November 30, 2022
South Carolina Governor Seeks to Protect Port from USS Yorktown Pollution – July 11, 2022
Crabtree Canal in Horry County among 25 waterways to get litter-control device funded by Palmetto Pride – July 3, 2022
Out-of-staters flock to Greenville amid nationwide population shift – June 21, 2022
Climate Change adds to extreme heat in the South – June 20, 2022
South Carolina passes overhaul of e-scrap recycling – June 16, 2022
Stinking SC paper mill with tainted waste pits the focus of state pollution probe – March 12, 2022
UN report underlines a climate change reality: SC has ‘a lot to do’ to adapt – March 5, 2022
South Carolina is the #8 state with the most people living near toxic release facilities – February 28, 2022
Housing can’t keep pace with explosive population growth in this South Carolina town – February 22, 2022
Brennan Acquires 79 Acres in Spartanburg, South Carolina – February 17, 2022

