On February 17, 2026, it was reported that South Carolina has achieved the highest population growth rate in the United States. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, between July 1, 2024, and July 1, 2025, South Carolina’s population increased by 1.5 percent, outpacing all other states.
Consistent Growth Over the Years
South Carolina has demonstrated a trend of rapid population growth, consistently ranking among the top six states for percentage change over the past five years. Specifically, the state experienced its highest population growth rate of 1.9 percent between July 2022 and July 2023, marking it as the third fastest in the nation during that period. Recent population growth rates reflect these trends.
Components of Population Change
Population growth in South Carolina can be attributed to three major components: natural change, international migration, and domestic migration. Natural change is calculated by subtracting the number of deaths from the number of births, while international migration accounts for the number of individuals moving from outside the United States. Domestic migration refers to the movement of people from one U.S. state to another.
During the period from July 2024 to July 2025, South Carolina’s population increased by nearly 80,000 people. Notably, births in the state outnumbered deaths for the first time in five years, resulting in a positive natural growth of 564 individuals. Additionally, net international migration saw a decrease, with under 13,000 people moving to South Carolina from outside the U.S., a significant drop compared to the 32,760 international migrants recorded between July 2023 and July 2024.
Domestic Migration as a Primary Driver
The primary force behind the recent population increase in South Carolina has been domestic migration. From July 2024 to July 2025, the state netted 66,622 domestic migrants, indicating a substantial influx of individuals relocating to South Carolina from other states. Historical data shows that domestic migration was particularly high between July 2021 and July 2022, though it has been tempered by some negative natural change during other periods.
For context, from July 2020 to July 2025, the highest population growth was recorded between July 2022 and July 2023, with an increase exceeding 100,000 people. This growth, while impressive, has been moderating since its peak during the pandemic when remote work and heightened labor market turnover contributed to unusual relocation rates across the country.
Implications for the Labor Market
The rapid population growth in South Carolina has significant implications for its labor market. Increased population typically leads to a larger labor force and heightened demand for goods and services. However, the effects of this growth are not uniform across the state, as some regions may experience more acute pressures on their labor markets than others.
For both new residents and long-standing citizens, job seekers in South Carolina have access to resources provided by the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW). These resources can be found online at scworks.org or by visiting local SC Works centers, which offer support and assistance for job seekers and employers alike.
As South Carolina continues to grow, its population dynamics and labor market will remain critical areas of focus for policymakers and residents.