The 2020 Census results are in, and the growth is real. Charleston’s population now stands at 150,227 residents, up 14.3% from 2010, according to new data.

In other words, that equates to 1 new resident every 3 hours for the past decade.

Why is this happening now?

Every 10 years, the US Census Bureau collects nationwide population and demographic data, which is used to redraw congressional and state legislative district lines + determine federal spending.

What did we find?

In terms of population growth, Charleston County remained in the top 3 counties by population + accounts for 6% of the statewide growth.
Mt. Pleasant saw an increase of ~34% in the last 10 years, making it SC’s fourth largest place. FunFact: Mt. Pleasant is a town — not a city — so this growth is pretty impressive.
North Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, and Goose Creek joined Charleston as Lowcountry spots that made SC's top 10 most populous cities + towns, with a total population of 452,741 residents.

Why does this matter?

Redistricting, or the process of redrawing council and school districts, is completed every 10 years after the US Census is finalized. New voting district boundaries must be balanced by population and follow traditional redistricting criteria.

With the census data now available, the state of South Carolina is getting ready to review the 7 US House districts, 46 state Senate districts, and 124 House districts. Stay up-to-date on the redistricting committee here.