South Carolina’s population grew by 10.7%, the fifth decade in a row the state has recorded double-digit growth. Despite the boost, the state won’t see an additional U.S. House of Representatives seat on the horizon, according to U.S. Census Bureau data released Monday.
South Carolina’s population reached 5,118,425 people as of April 1, 2020, growing by 493,041 since the last census in 2010. The growth stems from an influx of people moving into South Carolina from out of state, especially older residents who have retired or are planning to retire.
The increase was enough to propel South Carolina past Alabama’s 5 million people, becoming the 23rd most populous state in the U.S., just behind Minnesota with 5.7 million people.
The strongest growth was found along the coast. Horry County saw growth, and further inland, York and Lancaster counties, south of Charlotte, also saw a population increase.
Further data breakdowns by race, gender and age as well as county-by-county and neighborhood figures will be released later, according to the Associated Press.
Census data will be used to redraw district lines for the U.S. House of Representatives, state House, state Senate and local leaders. South Carolina won’t gain a congressional seat like it did after the 2010 census, but North Carolina will add a 14th district.
The census is taken every 10 years. South Carolina’s population has grown by at least 10% every decade since 1980, when it grew by 20.5%, according to census data.
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