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Hardeeville holds the crown, for now.
According to recent population surveys, Hardeeville, a small city along the South Carolina-Georgia line, is the Palmetto State’s fastest-growing town. WorldPopulationReview notes that Hardeeville’s annual growth rate approaches 9.95%, and HomeSnacks reports a staggering 264% population increase over roughly a decade. Its location near Savannah, Hilton Head and I-95 has made it a hub for logistics, manufacturing and retirees seeking warmer climates. While Hardeeville leads the pack, other towns like Fort Mill and Blythewood aren’t far behind, posting annual growth rates of 7-7.5%.
This article unpacks what’s driving these surges and whether buying in a boom town makes sense for you.
Growth in South Carolina has been spread across several areas for different reasons. Here is a practical look at three that show up consistently in population and permit data:
Myrtle Beach Metro (Horry County) Horry County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in the entire United States for several years in a row. The draw is a combination of coastal lifestyle, no state income tax (Myrtle Beach itself is not income tax free, but South Carolina is relatively low), and home prices that are still below those of comparable coastal markets in Florida or North Carolina. Median home prices in the Myrtle Beach area run $280,000 to $350,000 for standard residential neighborhoods, with waterfront properties going significantly higher. The economy runs heavily on tourism and retiree services, which is worth factoring in if you depend on a local job market.
Greer / Simpsonville Area (Upstate SC) The Greenville-Spartanburg metro's suburban communities, particularly Greer and Simpsonville, have added population rapidly thanks to BMW's manufacturing presence, Michelin's North American headquarters, and significant supply-chain related employment. Median home prices range from $280,000 to $400,000 depending on neighborhood. School ratings are strong in both Greenville County and Spartanburg County portions of the area.
Blythewood (Richland County, near Columbia) Blythewood has grown steadily because of Richland 2 school district, I-77 access, and relative affordability compared to Charlotte-adjacent markets. Median prices run $320,000 to $450,000 for new construction. It draws buyers who want Columbia-area salaries with suburban lifestyle and top schools.
If you are buying in one of these markets as an investment, look at the employer base, not just the population trend. Population growth without job growth reverses quickly.