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South Carolina Population Overview (2026 Projection)
South Carolina is a state in the coastal Southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by North Carolina to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast, and Georgia to the southwest across the Savannah River. South Carolina is the 23rd most populous state in the United States.
The state has a total land area of 30,109 square miles (77,982 square kilometers) and an average population density of about 157 people per square mile, making it the 19th most densely populated state in the country.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, South Carolina had a population of 5,118,425. As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population increased to 5,478,831, reflecting steady population growth driven by domestic migration and natural increase.
👉 Projected Population of South Carolina (2026): ~5.6 million
South Carolina Population Growth (2010–2020)
South Carolina recorded a population growth rate of 10.7% between 2010 and 2020, adding 493,061 residents during the decade. This steady growth placed the state among the faster-growing states in the Southeast. As of the 2020 Census, the median age of South Carolina’s population was 38.8 years, reflecting a balanced mix of working-age residents and retirees.
South Carolina Population Facts (2020 Census)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 5,118,425 (5.1 million) |
| Median Age | 38.8 years |
| Population Rank | 23rd |
| Total Land Area | 30,109 sq mi (77,982 km²) |
| Area Rank | 40th |
| Population Density | 157 per sq mi (60.6 per km²) |
| Capital City | Columbia |
| Largest City | Charleston |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (2020) and population estimates
South Carolina Historical Population
South Carolina’s population has grown steadily over more than two centuries. In 1910, the state’s population stood at 1.5 million, and by 2020 it had increased to 5.1 million, representing a net gain of over 3.6 million people. This long-term growth reflects periods of agricultural expansion, industrialization, urban development, and strong domestic migration in recent decades.
The table below shows decade-by-decade population change and growth rates in South Carolina from 1790 to 2020.
Decadal Population Change (1790–2020)
| Year | Population | % Change |
| 1790 | 249,073 | – |
| 1800 | 345,591 | 38.80% |
| 1810 | 415,115 | 20.10% |
| 1820 | 502,741 | 21.10% |
| 1830 | 581,185 | 15.60% |
| 1840 | 594,398 | 2.30% |
| 1850 | 668,507 | 12.50% |
| 1860 | 703,708 | 5.30% |
| 1870 | 705,606 | 0.30% |
| 1880 | 995,577 | 41.10% |
| 1890 | 1,151,149 | 15.60% |
| 1900 | 1,340,316 | 16.40% |
| 1910 | 1,515,400 | 13.10% |
| 1920 | 1,683,724 | 11.10% |
| 1930 | 1,738,765 | 3.30% |
| 1940 | 1,899,804 | 9.30% |
| 1950 | 2,117,027 | 11.40% |
| 1960 | 2,382,594 | 12.50% |
| 1970 | 2,590,516 | 8.70% |
| 1980 | 3,121,820 | 20.50% |
| 1990 | 3,486,703 | 11.70% |
| 2000 | 4,012,012 | 15.10% |
| 2010 | 4,625,364 | 15.30% |
| 2020 | 5,118,425 | 10.70% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (1790–2020)
South Carolina Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations (Overview)
Christianity is the dominant religion in South Carolina, followed by approximately 78% of the population. Among Christians, Protestant denominations form the largest group at about 66%, reflecting the state’s strong Bible Belt influence. Roman Catholics account for roughly 10% of the population, while Mormons, Eastern Orthodox Christians, and Jehovah’s Witnesses each represent about 1%.
Around 19% of South Carolina’s population is religiously unaffiliated, identifying as atheist, agnostic, or having no particular religious affiliation. Non-Christian religions make up the remaining 3% and include Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Source: Pew Research Center
For more details, read Religion in South Carolina.
Race and Ethnicity (Overview)
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the White alone (non-Hispanic) population is the largest racial or ethnic group in South Carolina, comprising 62.10% of the total population. The Black or African American population is the second-largest group at 24.79%, followed by Hispanic or Latino residents at 6.89%.
People identifying with two or more races account for 3.79%, while the Asian population represents 1.75% of the state’s population.
Ancestry in South Carolina (Overview)
Based on Census studies and estimates, the largest ancestry groups in South Carolina are American, German, English, Irish, and Italian, reflecting the state’s colonial history and European settlement patterns.
For more details, read Race and Ethnicity in South Carolina
Cities and Counties in South Carolina
As of 2022, South Carolina is divided into 46 counties. Greenville County is the most populous county in the state, while Charleston County is the largest by land area.
South Carolina’s largest cities are Charleston, with a population of 150,227, and Columbia, the state capital, with 136,632 residents. They are followed by North Charleston, which has a population of 114,852. All other cities in South Carolina have populations of below 100,000.
For more details, read Cities and Counties in South Carolina.
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