South Carolina Population 2013
The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of South Carolina in 2013 was 4,723,723, which is ranked the 24th largest population in the United States. This estimate shows a 2.1% increase since the last census in 2010, also conducted by the United States Census Bureau. The population density of the state is 155 people per square mile, ranked the 19th largest density in the United States.
South Carolina Population Projections
By the year 2015, the population of South Carolina is expected to reach about 4,785,000 people, which is an approximate 1.3% increase from the current population. By the year 2020, the population of South Carolina is expected to reach 5.020,000 people, which is an approximate 6.3% increase from the current population. By the year 2025, the population of South Carolina is expected to reach 5,256,000 people, which is an approximate 11.3% increase from the current population. By the year 2030, the population of South Carolina is expected to reach 5,488,000 people, which is an approximate 16.2% increase from the current population. By the year 2035, the population of South Carolina is expected to reach 5,723,000 people, which is an approximate 21.2% increase from the current population.
South Carolina Land Mass
The state of South Carolina is approximately 260 miles long and 200 miles wide with a square area of 32,007 square miles, making it the 40th largest state in the country. Of the 97,818 square miles, 1,896 square miles are covered by water. The highest point in the state of South Carolina is Sassafras Mountain, which is 3,560 feet above sea level. The lowest point in the state is at the Atlantic Ocean, which reaches sea level. The geographic center of South Carolina is located in Richland County, 13 miles southeast of Columbia. South Carolina is bordered by two states: North Carolina and Georgia. The Atlantic Ocean borders the eastern border of the state.
South Carolina can be broken up into three distinct geographic land areas: the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge. The Atlantic Coastal Plain makes up two-thirds of the entire state from the southeastern corner of the state to the northwestern corner. The Outer Coastal Plain tends to be flat with rivers and swamps. The Inner Coastal Plain has many rolling hills and has the most fertile soil. The Central Coastal Plain is a forested area called the Pine Barrens. The Piedmont is to the northwest of the Atlantic Coastal Plain and is made up of higher elevations. Lastly, the Blue Ridge covers the northwestern corner of the state with forest-topped mountains. The highest point in the state is in the Blue Ridge.
South Carolina Demographics
Of the approximate 4.7 million people in the state of South Carolina, about 51.4% of the population is female, while 48.6% is male. Also, approximately 68% of the population identifies as white (including Hispanic or Latino). But, out of that 68%, only about 5% do identify as Hispanic or Latino and the other 63% as Caucasian. Those that identify as Black or African American make up only 28% of the entire population of the state of South Carolina. The rest of the population is made up of those that identify as Asian, American Indian, Alaskan Native, Hawaiian, other Pacific Islanders, or those that identify as two or more races. These other races make up about 4% of the South Carolina population.
South Carolina Religion
The population of South Carolina identifies as religious at a slightly higher rate than the national average. About 52% of the state population identifies as religious, compared to the national average of 49%. Out of the 52%, about 23% identify as members of the Baptist Church, making it the largest denomination in the state of South Carolina. The next largest denomination is Methodist, which makes up about 9% of the population. All the other Christian denominations make up about 19.6% of the population. Those who identify as Jewish, Islamic, or Eastern religions only make up 0.4% of the population.
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South Carolina Economy
The unemployment rate in the state of South Carolina is approximately 8% compared to the national unemployment rate of 7.9%. Over half of the agricultural income of the state comes from livestock and products that come from livestock. Specifically, broilers account for 27% of all agricultural receipts and are the most valuable piece of livestock in the state.
Other Resources
Learn more about South Carolina using the following link.