The Largest City in South Carolina Now and in 2050

Despite being only the 40th largest state by area, South Carolina is the United States’ 23rd most populous state, with a population of over five million. It borders the states of Georgia to the south and North Carolina to the north. It’s also the 8th oldest state in the nation, having been admitted to the Union on May 23rd, 1788. The state has a rich history, with native peoples living in the area as early as 50,000 years ago. But what is its largest city now, and what will it be in 2050? Let’s take a look below.

What is the Largest City in South Carolina?

As of the 2020 census, Charleston is the largest city in South Carolina. Its population at the time was 150,227 people. 

In addition to being the state’s largest city, it also has a healthy growth rate. It’s South Carolina’s 76th fastest-growing city, with a 29.81% overall growth rate. It ranks just behind Centerville, with an overall population growth rate of 30.26%, and just ahead of Eutawville, with a growth rate of 29.65%. 

In terms of overall population size, Charleston ranks just ahead of South Carolina’s capital city of Columbia, which had a population of 136,632 as of the 2020 census. The Charleston metropolitan area, which consists of Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties, had a population of 799,636 people in 2020.

Nationwide, Charleston is also one of the United States’ most populous cities. It currently ranks 172nd out of 333 cities with significant population sizes in the US.

Charleston, South Carolina Background, Demographics, and Statistics

In 1670, Charlestown was originally named Charles Town in honor of Scotland and England’s King Charles II. Its original location was along the Ashley River’s west bank. In 1860, it moved to its current location. Its original location is now named Charles Town Landing. It has been maintained as a historic site since 1970 in honor of South Carolina’s first permanent English settlement.

After relocating to its current site, Charles Town became North America’s fifth-largest town within ten short years. The state gained its name and official incorporation as a city in 1783. 

Today, Charleston has an overall population density of 1,305.97 per square mile. It consists of six unique districts: Downtown, or “the Peninsula,” which is the city’s geographic center; West Ashley, which lies west of Downtown; Johns Island, which makes up the city’s far western limits; James Island, which lies between Downtown and Folly Beach; the Cainhoy Peninsula, which makes up the city’s eastern limits; and Daniel Island, just north of Downtown.

Around 71.5% of Charleston’s population, or about 109,000 residents, are White. Another 21.7%, or about 25,000 residents, are Black or African-American. Meanwhile, another 3.75% are mixed-race, 3.2% are Hispanic or Latino, 2.16% are Asian, 0.19% are Native American, and the remaining 0.1% are Pacific Islanders. 

As of the state’s 2020 census, Charleston’s 136,632 residents comprised around 58,902 households, with 31,780 families living in the city.

Why Do So Many People Live in and Visit Charleston?

There are several great reasons why Charleston is so populous and culturally significant. Its rich history of being one of the United States’ oldest cities and its wealth of historic landmarks make it a popular choice for history buffs. It is also incredibly culturally diverse, with English, French, and South African cultures having a prominent mark on the city’s history.

The city is also rich in art, with the annual Spoleto Art Festival being a major draw for residents and visitors alike. Composer Gian Carlo Menotti founded the festival in 1977. It takes place over 17 days every spring. It features a wide range of performance artists, composers, and more. Opera, jazz, classical music, and dance are among the types of performances featured yearly.

Additionally, Charleston is home to many historic sites, public parks, and museums dedicated to the city’s diverse background. Among the most notable is the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, a division of the College of Charleston’s library system. The facility is dedicated to preserving and displaying Charleston’s African American residents’ many contributions to its art, music, and overall history. 

Another museum worth noting is the Charleston Museum, which also happens to be the oldest museum in the United States. It was founded in 1773 and officially opened to the public in 1824. It similarly collects, preserves, and displays historical artifacts from the area and is home to two historic houses.

Notably, Charleston is also a hub for sports. It is the home of several prominent sports teams, including the Charleston Battery, a professional soccer team that plays in the USLC. It’s also home to the Charleston RiverDogs, a minor league baseball team, and the Charleston Outlaws RFC, a rugby union club. In addition, it hosts the Credit One Charleston Open, a professional tennis tournament for women held annually since 1973.

What Will Be the Largest City in South Carolina in 2050?

Interestingly, Charleston will likely remain South Carolina’s largest city for the foreseeable future. By 2028, the city’s surrounding metropolitan area is expected to hit a population of one million. Although it is already among the United States’ fastest-growing cities, it is expected to grow by around 60 percent by 2060. This means the area will likely reach about 1.3 million by 2060.

South Carolina’s 5 Current Largest Cities

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com