2. POPULATION CHANGE

Definition: The following information presents the rates of change for population from 1960 to 2007 for South Carolina, the United States, and the Southeast. 

Significance:  According to experts, population change affects—for good or ill—much of the quality of life throughout a state.  For example, a rapidly increasing population may put a large strain on public infrastructure such as roads, schools, and hospitals.  A declining population can negatively impact state tax revenues or economic development.   The Southeast has grown, and South Carolina has shared in that growth. For example, the Southeast has gradually increased in population, from 15.6% of the national population in 1960 to 19.6% of the national population in 2007.  South Carolina has exceeded the national average rate of growth since 1970. However, South Carolina has lagged behind the Southeastern average for all periods studied.

HistoricAL/Trend Analysis, Population Change

Data reflect changes in the total populations of South Carolina (SC), the United States (US), and the Southeast (SE).  The southeast region consists of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Source: United States Census Bureau, Population, 1790-2000

Source: United States Census Bureau, Decennial Census

Source: United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey

Selected State Rankings, Population Change, 2000-2007 (“1” represents state with highest percentage of population change)

Rev: 2/22/07