Topics
Dive into each indicator for South Carolina.
5.37 M
Total population
23rd in the U.S.
65 /km²
Density
40.1 years
Median age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
2.07 M
Households
66.3%
Urban population
21.6%
Under 18
19.5%
65 and older
75.7 years
Life expectancy
Greenville–Spartanburg–Anderson (≈ 1.0 M)
Largest metro
+1.7%/yr
Growth
2020–2024, among top 5 in the U.S.
62.6%
White (non-Hispanic)
25.2%
Black or African American
6th highest in the U.S.
7.2%
Hispanic or Latino
1.9%
Asian
2.5%
Two or more races
0.4%
Native American
Notable coastal presence, Lowcountry & Sea Islands
Gullah-Geechee community
Historical data
Long-run evolution of the key indicators, so you can see the trend — not just today's snapshot.
Population
1790–20245.37 M▲ 2048%
U.S. Census (decennial), 1790–2020 + estimates.
Hispanic or Latino share
1980–20237.2%▲ 1100%
Census race & ethnicity tables.
Black or African American share
1900–202325.2%▼ 57%
Census race tables; South Carolina had a Black majority into the 1920s.
Life expectancy at birth
1980–202375.7 yrs▲ 6%
CDC / NCHS state life tables.
Data table
| Total population | 5.37 M | 23rd in the U.S. |
| Density | 65 /km² | |
| Median age | 40.1 years | |
| Female | 51.3% | |
| Male | 48.7% | |
| Households | 2.07 M | |
| Urban population | 66.3% | |
| Under 18 | 21.6% | |
| 65 and older | 19.5% | |
| Life expectancy | 75.7 years | |
| Largest metro | Greenville–Spartanburg–Anderson (≈ 1.0 M) | |
| Growth | +1.7%/yr | 2020–2024, among top 5 in the U.S. |
| White (non-Hispanic) | 62.6% | |
| Black or African American | 25.2% | 6th highest in the U.S. |
| Hispanic or Latino | 7.2% | |
| Asian | 1.9% | |
| Two or more races | 2.5% | |
| Native American | 0.4% | |
| Gullah-Geechee community | Notable coastal presence, Lowcountry & Sea Islands |
Compared to the United States
Coming soon
Side-by-side comparison of South Carolina vs. the U.S. average.
National ranking
Coming soon
The national ranking against every other state will appear here as more states are published.