(The Center Square) — South Carolina saw its population increase by 1.7% from 2022 to 2023, the highest of any state, new numbers show.
According to the latest estimate from the U.S. Census Bureau, South Carolina’s population stood at more than 5.3 million, up from more than 5.2 million in 2022. Census numbers show the state’s population has grown by nearly 5% since 2020.
“According to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Carolina is the fastest-growing state in the nation,” Republican Gov. Henry McMaster said on Twitter. “South Carolina is full of opportunity, and when combined with our rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and strong economy, there is no better place in the world to call home.”
The Palmetto State’s population increase outpaced that of neighboring Georgia (1.1%) and North Carolina (1.3%).
Overall, South Carolina saw its population increase by 90,600 residents in 2023.
While the state saw its “net natural change” — the net number of births and deaths — decrease by 1,271 in 2023, its net migration increased by 91,853. The state’s international migration population increased by 9,291, while its domestic migration increased by 82,562.
Additionally, between April 1, 2020, and July 1, 2023, South Carolina’s net domestic migration increased by 248,055, the fourth most nationwide. Census numbers show six of the 10 states with the highest net domestic migration during the timeframe were in the southeast. At the same time, Arizona, Texas, Idaho and Oklahoma accounted for the remaining states atop the list.
However, South Carolina saw its domestic migration drop by roughly 1% percent in 2023 from a year earlier — from 83,401 in 2022 to 82,562 in 2023.
