South Carolina’s Population Surge: Myrtle Beach Rising Fast

News Summary

Myrtle Beach has emerged as one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S., with a population increase to 413,391 as of 2024. Horry County ranks 10th for new residents, while Jasper County attracts nearly 2,000 newcomers, raising concerns over local infrastructure and housing market strains. Governments anxiously anticipate a potential increase of one million people in South Carolina by 2042, prompting strategic development planning to sustain community charm amid rapid growth.

South Carolina’s Population Surge: Myrtle Beach and Surrounding Areas Among Fastest Growing in the U.S.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach!

In the charming realm of South Carolina, the city of Myrtle Beach is buzzing with exciting news—it’s officially one of the fastest-growing places in the entire country! According to the Census Bureau, the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area has skyrocketed to become the third fastest-growing population center in the U.S. in 2024. Just can’t get enough of this sunny paradise? You’re not alone! The area has doubled its population since 2009, now boasting a cool 413,391 residents as of July 2024.

New Neighbors Galore

Just last year, the neighboring Horry County saw a staggering net domestic migration of 15,061 folks flocking in to call it home, putting it at a remarkable 10th place nationally for new arrivals. This surge is making waves and creating quite the buzz in local communities. On top of that, South Carolina overall is growing at a rate of around 90,000 new residents annually, thanks largely to people moving in from other states, even though the birth rate isn’t really helping out.

Not too far away, in southern Spartanburg County, the city of Woodruff is looking ahead at a future where its relatively small population of about 4,500 people could more than triple over the next seven years due to new housing developments. Talk about making room for new friends!

Big Growth in Jasper County Too!

The excitement doesn’t stop there! Look over to Jasper County, which managed to snag the title of the third-fastest-growing county in the nation after welcoming nearly 2,000 new residents. That’s about a 6% jump in just a year! Amid this growth frenzy, the Nature Conservancy has also made headlines, locking in a $35 million deal on the gorgeous Gregorie Neck, a stunning 4,400-acre waterfront area.

While this growth sounds fantastic for the area’s economy, it has stirred some concerns among local officials. Many are expressing the need to manage this rapid expansion carefully. With development sprouting up all over, they worry about how it might strain the local infrastructure and housing markets.

Impact on Housing and Prices

Speaking of housing, let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in Horry County. Between 2013 and 2022, housing inventory jumped by 10.6%, while the population surged by 29%. As you can guess, that has ramped up home prices dramatically. The median home price nearly doubled in this span, skyrocketing from $95,000 to a whopping $187,500. Prospective homebuyers, especially younger adults, are feeling the pinch as rents also climbed over 66% during the same period.

A Glimpse into the Future

Looking ahead, Census estimates suggest South Carolina could balloon in size by an additional million people by 2042, inching towards a total of around 6.4 million residents. The growth spurt is particularly evident in coastal and metropolitan hubs—Horry, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Berkeley counties have been responsible for more than half of the state’s population gain since the last census.

Interestingly, a notable demographic shift is taking place. Many of the areas seeing significant growth are catering to retirees, which means that in the years to come, we might have a situation where folks over 64 outnumber those under 18. Now, that’s a demographic shakeup!

And as the cities adapt to more residents, exciting projects are underway too. For example, a new minority league ballpark is expected to open in downtown Spartanburg in April 2025, adding to the evolving community tapestry due to all this growth.

In Conclusion

With all this growth and change happening in South Carolina, particularly around Myrtle Beach, the next few years promise to be nothing short of fascinating. As communities welcome so many new faces, the challenge will be ensuring that the charm and community spirit remain intact. So, here’s to new beginnings, new friends, and a vibrant future in the Palmetto State!

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: South Carolina’s Census Growing Population
• My Horry News: Population Growth Outpacing Housing Inventory in Horry County
• GlobeSt: What is Fueling the Migration to South Carolina’s Grand Strand
• WMBF News: Myrtle Beach Chamber Prepares for Rising Population & Tourism
• Myrtle Beach Online: Local News
• Wikipedia: South Carolina
• Google Search: South Carolina Population Growth
• Google Scholar: South Carolina Demographics
• Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
• Google News: South Carolina Housing Market