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The largest places in South Carolina in July 2025 were Charleston (159,423), Columbia (147,035) and North Charleston (129,245) by Census estimates. Of 15 listed fast-growing places with 10,000 or more people, Hardeeville grew most since April 2020. Estimates include annexations.
- LargestCharleston159,423 (2025)
- FastestHardeeville+118.7% since 2020
- Places Ranked1510,000+ residents
- SourceCensusVintage 2025
The Ten Largest Places
| Place | July 2025 | July 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 159,423 | 158,791 |
| Columbia | 147,035 | 144,133 |
| North Charleston | 129,245 | 126,551 |
| Mount Pleasant | 95,469 | 95,987 |
| Rock Hill | 75,911 | 75,797 |
| Greenville | 75,310 | 74,948 |
| Summerville | 53,177 | 52,731 |
| Goose Creek | 52,010 | 50,730 |
| Greer | 50,007 | 46,595 |
| Sumter | 43,094 | 43,058 |
Fastest-Growing Places
Places with 10,000 or more residents in July 2025, ranked by percent change since the April 2020 estimates base. Incorporated places (SUMLEV 162) with July 2025 population of 10,000 or more (43 places). Percent change = (POPESTIMATE2025 – ESTIMATESBASE2020) / ESTIMATESBASE2020. Columns used: ESTIMATESBASE2020, POPESTIMATE2024, POPESTIMATE2025. Census estimates reflect boundary changes, including annexations, so this is not growth within fixed boundaries.
| Place | April 2020 base | July 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardeeville | 7,527 | 16,459 | +118.7% |
| Fort Mill | 24,517 | 38,673 | +57.7% |
| Moncks Corner | 13,311 | 20,612 | +54.8% |
| Fountain Inn | 10,413 | 14,722 | +41.4% |
| Greer | 35,462 | 50,007 | +41.0% |
| Bluffton | 27,679 | 36,807 | +33.0% |
| Mauldin | 24,779 | 31,465 | +27.0% |
| York | 8,501 | 10,620 | +24.9% |
| Conway | 25,057 | 30,627 | +22.2% |
| Simpsonville | 23,416 | 28,459 | +21.5% |
| Easley | 22,963 | 27,319 | +19.0% |
| Port Royal | 14,472 | 16,648 | +15.0% |
| Beaufort | 13,721 | 15,775 | +15.0% |
| Myrtle Beach | 35,694 | 40,937 | +14.7% |
| North Myrtle Beach | 18,846 | 21,346 | +13.3% |
Town Guides
We have guides to 24 places, with parking, areas and nearby places. Start from the destinations hub.
FAQ
Which South Carolina town is growing fastest?
Hardeeville, up 118.7% from April 2020 to July 2025 in Census estimates, which include annexed areas.
Is this a list of the best towns?
No. It ranks size and growth only, from Census numbers. ‘Best’ depends on what you need; use the town guides.
What We Could Not Confirm
Not confirmed: we looked for these on official pages and did not find them. Check with the town or operator before you rely on them.
- Hardeeville, Greer and other fast-growing places: Census figures reflect boundary changes including annexations; not verified place by place.
Sources
Read on October 26, 2026. How we check: editorial standards; spot a mistake? Tell us.
Cite this page: It's South Carolina, “Where to Live in South Carolina”, itssouthcarolina.com/living/where-to-live-in-south-carolina/ (updated ). By the It's South Carolina editorial team. Free to quote with attribution and a link to this page; data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0.