South Carolina\u2019s cities are fueling a 1.4 percent increase in the state\u2019s population as younger residents leave rural communities for opportunities in bigger markets, leaving the smaller areas with fewer residents and greater labor force concerns.<\/p>\n
The state\u2019s population has grown to 5,190,705 people, recent Census Bureau data shows \u2014 up from 5,118,425 residents in July 2021.<\/p>\n
Most of the population growth took place in 26 of the Palmetto State\u2019s 46 counties located closest to South Carolina\u2019s biggest cities. At the same time, populations are gradually shrinking in rural areas, particularly those in the southern and eastern parts of the state, said Dan Ellzey, executive director of the state\u2019s Department of Employment and Workforce.<\/p>\n
The most significant population declines were in Sumter and Orangeburg counties, where 366 and 177 residents, respectively, left in the past year.<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n South Carolina\u2019s cities are fueling a 1.4 percent increase in the state\u2019s population as younger residents leave rural communities for opportunities in bigger markets. https:\/\/t.co\/j7GgVTYZ1Z<\/a><\/p>\n — The Post and Courier (@postandcourier) June 1, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n