10 Largest Cities in South Carolina (2024)
- Charleston
- Columbia
- North Charleston
- Mount Pleasant
- Rock Hill
- Greenville
- Summerville
- Goose Creek
- Sumter
- Florence
Charleston (Population: 150,227)
Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina by population, with 150,227 residents. It’s also the principal city in the Charleston MSA, which covers Charleston, Berkley, and Dorchester Counties. The entire MSA is home to just under 800,000 people, making it the third largest in the state and eighth largest in the Deep South. Considered one of the best mid-sized cities on the East Coast, Charleston saw a 25% increase in residents between 2010 and 2020.
Columbia (Population: 136,632)
Columbia is the capital city of South Carolina and also its second biggest city by population, with 136,632 residents. It’s the largest city in the Columbia MSA, which is home to 837,092 residents, making it the second largest in the state and 7th largest in the Deep South. It’s also the anchor of the Midlands Region, which forms the geographic center of the state and includes just over 1 million residents. With a diverse economy and low cost of living, Columbia is a great place to live for both families and young professionals, and the population increased by 5.7% between 2010 and 2020.
North Charleston (Population: 114,852)
North Charleston is the third largest city in South Carolina, with a population of 114,851. Located directly northwest of Charleston, the city comprises a major portion of the Charleston MSA. With great restaurants, craft breweries, and entertainment options, North Charleston is a young, vibrant city with a median age of 33.5, which is 20% lower than the statewide median. It’s also a fast-growing city, and its population increased by 17.8% between 2010 and 2020.
Mount Pleasant (Population: 90,801)
Mount Pleasant is a suburb in the Charleston metro area and the fourth-largest municipality in South Carolina, featuring a population of 90,801. In 1970, it was home to just over 6,000 residents but has seen an explosion in population over the past 50 years. The number of residents doubled between 1990 and 2000 and continued to increase by 33% between 2010 and 2020. As a result, it’s one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing cities, offering great schools, low crime, and a range of housing options.
Rock Hill (Population: 74,372)
Home to 74,372 residents, Rock Hill is also one of the biggest cities in South Carolina. Located in the far northern part of the state, Rock Hill is actually within the Charlotte metro area and considered the fourth largest city in that region. Known for its scenic beauty, Rock Hills is situated on the banks of the Catawba River and is home to over 30 public parks. The population has been slowly growing since 1880 and increased by 12.4% between 2010 and 2020.
Greenville (Population: 70,720)
The sixth largest city in South Carolina is Greenville, which has a population of 70,720. Located approximately halfway between Atlanta and Charlotte, Greenville is the center of the Upstate Region of South Carolina, which is home to over 1.4 million residents. Like many South Carolina cities, Greenville has seen an explosion in population, and between 2015 and 16, it was the fourth fastest-growing city in the US. With easy access to major highways, a robust economy, and a central location, Greenville is a great place to live for residents of all different backgrounds.
Summerville (Population: 50,915
Summerville is also one of the largest cities in South Carolina. Located in Dorchester County Summerville has a population of 50,915. It’s part of the Charleston MSA and the third-largest municipality in the region. In 1980, less than 6500 residents lived in the town of Summerville, and the population increased by almost 250% by 1990. Today, Summerville is a quiet, family-friendly community, and about 61% of households are married couples.
Goose Creek (Population: 45,946)
Goose Creek is the 8th largest place in South Carolina, with a population of 45,946. Another fast-growing South Carolina city, Goose Creek, saw a 27.8% increase in residents between 2010 and 2020. It’s also a major city in the Charleston MSA. Often ranked among the safest cities in South Carolina, Goose Creek is a peaceful suburb with easy access to amenities.
Sumter (Population: 43,463)
The ninth most populated city in South Carolina is Sumter, which features a population of 43,463. Sumpter is the county seat of Sumpter County, which, along with Lee and Clarendon counties, forms the East Midlands area. Sumter is also the principal city in the Sumter MSA, which is home to a total of 134,925. It’s home to Shaw military base, one of the largest military facilities in the US. Sumpter offers mild weather and a low cost of living, which attracts a steady stream of new residents each year, and the population increased by 7.3% between 2010 and 2020.
Florence (Population: 39,899)
Florence is the 10th largest city in South Carolina, with a population of 39,899 residents. It’s the main city in the Florence MSA, which is home to just under 200,000 people. The Florence metro area also forms the core of the Pee Dee region, which covers eight counties in northeastern South Carolina and features a total population of just under 1 million residents. Florence offers a low cost of living with a small-town charm and easy access to amenities, making it a popular place for young families and retirees.