South Carolina State Facts & Information

South Carolina is nicknamed "the Palmetto State" after the cabbage palmetto tree, which appears on the state flag. Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island was built out of palmetto tree trunks, and the palmettos' incredible spongy consistency repelled British cannonballs during the Revolutionary War, helping the Patriots win the first major naval battle of the war. This historic role of the palmetto tree in defending South Carolina earned it a place of honor in the state's identity and symbolism.

South Carolina's population reached 5,479,000 as of July 2024, an increase of 91,000 people. The state is experiencing rapid growth, ranking as the 23rd most populous state and growing by the fastest percent change in population from 2022 to 2023. The majority of this growth stems from domestic migration, with the state netting over 68,000 domestic migrants from 2023 to 2024. All ten metropolitan statistical areas in South Carolina recorded population growth, with the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach metro area ranking third in the country with 3.8% growth, while Spartanburg was tenth with 2.7% growth.

In the early 21st century, South Carolina's economy is based on industries such as aerospace, agribusiness, automotive manufacturing, and tourism. South Carolina has attracted new businesses by having a 5% corporate income tax rate, no state property tax, no local income tax, no inventory tax, and no wholesale tax. The state's main job industries include automotive manufacturing, aerospace, and healthcare. Major corporations driving the state's economy include the Medical University of South Carolina, BMW Manufacturing Co., and Boeing South Carolina. The average hourly wage in manufacturing is $33.91 (2024). In 2024, the real GDP amounted to $273.32 billion.

Myrtle Beach is likely South Carolina's biggest tourist attraction, serving as the center of the Grand Strand string of beaches that collectively draw over 14 million visitors every year. Charleston is known for its historic charm, cobblestone streets, and antebellum architecture, where you can tour historic homes like the Nathaniel Russell House, stroll through gardens at Middleton Place, and sample Lowcountry cuisine. Hilton Head Island features upscale resorts, golf courses, and pristine beaches along the Atlantic coast. The plantation museums of South Carolina are also popular, allowing visitors to explore the deep history of slavery in the United States.

South Carolina is home to the US's first commercial tea farm and is the birthplace of sweet tea. The first known shipment of golf clubs came into Charleston in 1739, and the first golf club in the US, the South Carolina Golf Club, was also founded in Charleston in 1786. South Carolina is the only state in America that owns and operates its own fleet of school buses. The state is also the only one in the US where any sobriety tests must be videotaped, and breath tests must also be captured on video by the arresting officer. Duncan Park Baseball Stadium in Spartanburg is the oldest minor league stadium in the nation.

South Carolina still has a strong Gullah influence, most notably in food and basket-weaving. The Gullah people are descendants of African slaves brought from West Africa to work on the rice, indigo, and cotton plantations along the coastal regions of South Carolina. They developed a unique culture, language, and traditions that have been preserved through generations. The Gullah culture represents an important living connection to African heritage and contributes to South Carolina's rich cultural diversity, particularly in the Lowcountry regions.

The Shag is the official state dance of South Carolina and is particularly popular among tourists visiting Myrtle Beach. This upbeat dance was created by workers who worked in Myrtle Beach in the 1940s. The Shag is a smooth, sophisticated swing dance done to beach music, and it has become an integral part of South Carolina's beach culture. Annual Shag dancing events and festivals celebrate this unique cultural tradition, drawing dancers from across the country to participate in competitions and social dancing.

South Carolina is the 40th most extensive of the 50 states and has 46 counties. Greenville County leads with 568,227 residents, while Allendale is the least populous county and has been declining by 7.74%. The state's population distribution shows dramatic variation, with rapid growth in coastal and metropolitan areas contrasted with decline in some rural counties. All ten metropolitan statistical areas recorded population growth from 2023 to 2024, demonstrating the concentration of population in urban and resort areas while some rural areas face demographic challenges.