South Carolina continues to attract more new residents than almost any other state in the country. In fact, it’s currently the fastest-growing state in the U.S., with the population increasing by approximately 1.5% over the past year—adding roughly 80,000 new residents.
For anyone considering moving to South Carolina, that growth isn’t surprising. From lower taxes and a lower cost of living to beautiful coastal communities and a growing job market, the state offers something for a wide range of buyers.
But the story isn’t just about population growth. It’s also about who’s moving to South Carolina, where they’re relocating from, and which parts of the state are seeing the biggest demand.
Here’s what the latest migration trends reveal.
Why Are So Many People Moving to South Carolina?
One of the biggest reasons people are relocating to South Carolina is the combination of affordability and lifestyle.
Compared to many states in the Northeast and on the West Coast, South Carolina offers:
- Lower property taxes
- A lower overall cost of living
- More affordable housing in many markets
- Mild weather and year-round outdoor recreation
- Beautiful beaches, lakes, and mountains
- Growing employment opportunities
- A slower pace of life
For many buyers, it’s an opportunity to enjoy more space, lower monthly expenses, and a better quality of life without sacrificing access to amenities.
Where Are New South Carolina Residents Coming From?
One of the biggest reasons people are relocating to South Carolina is the combination of affordability and lifestyle.
Compared to many states in the Northeast and on the West Coast, South Carolina offers:
- Lower property taxes
- A lower overall cost of living
- More affordable housing in many markets
- Mild weather and year-round outdoor recreation
- Beautiful beaches, lakes, and mountains
- Growing employment opportunities
- A slower pace of life
For many buyers, it’s an opportunity to enjoy more space, lower monthly expenses, and a better quality of life without sacrificing access to amenities.
Where Are New South Carolina Residents Coming From?
Most people moving to South Carolina are relocating from higher-cost, higher-tax states, including:
- California
- New York
- New Jersey
- Massachusetts
- Illinois
Many of these buyers are selling homes in expensive metropolitan areas and purchasing larger homes in South Carolina while reducing their overall cost of living.
Another growing trend is what’s becoming known as the “Florida Flip.”
After years of Florida attracting retirees and remote workers, some buyers are now leaving Florida due to:
- Rising homeowners insurance premiums
- Increasing traffic and congestion
- Higher housing costs in many markets
For some, South Carolina offers a similar coastal lifestyle with lower long-term ownership costs.
Today’s buyers represent a diverse mix of lifestyles and life stages.
In coastal markets like Myrtle Beach, new residents generally fall into three primary groups:
Retirees
Retirees continue to make up one of the largest segments of inbound buyers, accounting for approximately 35–40% of new residents.
Many are drawn by South Carolina’s mild climate, lower taxes, golf communities, and coastal lifestyle.
Families and Remote Workers
Families and remote professionals account for roughly 40% of inbound migration.
With more flexible work arrangements, buyers are prioritizing larger homes, better affordability, and communities that offer outdoor recreation and a high quality of life.
Higher-Income Households
More than 40% of new residents in some coastal markets report household incomes above $150,000, reflecting continued demand for luxury homes, waterfront properties, and new construction communities.
Population growth isn’t occurring evenly across the state.
Instead, it’s largely concentrated in two major regions.
The South Carolina Coast
The Lowcountry and Grand Strand continue to experience some of the state’s strongest growth.
Horry County
Home to Myrtle Beach, Horry County remains South Carolina’s fastest-growing destination, with nearly twice as many people moving in as leaving each year.
Jasper County
Located between Bluffton and Savannah, Jasper County is emerging as one of the fastest-growing counties in South Carolina thanks to new residential development and its proximity to both Hilton Head Island and the Savannah metro area.
The South Carolina Upstate
The Upstate continues to attract buyers looking for economic opportunity alongside a lower cost of living.
Greenville
The Greenville metropolitan area has now surpassed one million residents, fueled by continued investment in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and corporate relocations.
Spartanburg
Spartanburg is also experiencing significant growth as manufacturing and logistics continue expanding throughout the Upstate region.
Major investments—including a $125 million data center expansion—are helping create new jobs while attracting additional residents.
While every buyer’s priorities are different, several factors consistently drive relocation decisions.
Lower Property Taxes
South Carolina has one of the lowest effective property tax rates in the country at approximately 0.57%.
For owner-occupied homes, the tax advantages are even greater thanks to the state’s 4% assessment ratio and exemption from school operating taxes.
Retirement Tax Benefits
South Carolina remains especially attractive for retirees because:
- Social Security benefits are not taxed.
- Many retirees qualify for additional deductions on retirement income.
Affordable Cost of Living
Although home prices have increased in recent years, many South Carolina markets remain more affordable than comparable coastal destinations throughout the Northeast and Florida.
Combined with lower taxes and everyday living expenses, many buyers find they can stretch their budget significantly further.
For many buyers, the answer continues to be yes.
Whether you’re looking for coastal living near Charleston or Myrtle Beach, mountain views in the Upstate, or simply a lower cost of living, South Carolina offers a variety of communities to fit different lifestyles and budgets.
As more people continue relocating to the state, demand for homes remains strong across many markets, particularly in desirable coastal communities and growing metropolitan areas.
If you’re considering moving to South Carolina, understanding where growth is happening—and why—can help you find the community that’s the best fit for your long-term goals.
