COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina is experiencing one of the fastest rates of population growth in the United States, prompting state lawmakers to investigate the underlying causes and prepare for future demands. During a meeting on Thursday, members of the Senate Special Committee on Growth received insights from analysts at the South Carolina Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office, who reported that approximately 80,000 new residents moved to the state between 2024 and 2025, marking the fifth-largest population increase nationwide. Most new residents are seniors aged 65 and older relocating from other states.
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Senator Sean Bennett, chairman of the committee, emphasized the importance of data for making informed decisions. Panelists noted that the next few decades in South Carolina may differ significantly from the past, largely due to shifting demographic trends that will affect government service demands. Lisa Joliff, director of the Fiscal Analysis Division, stated that the influx of seniors necessitates an adjustment in service provision moving forward. "Our next 30 years are not going to look like the last 30 years," Joliff said.
Projections indicate that the state's population could reach about 6.6 million by 2040, an increase of approximately 1.5 million from the 2020 Census. The impact of this growth is already evident on South Carolina's roadways, with vehicle miles traveled increasing by 1.6% annually, outpacing the 1.2% population growth rate, raising concerns about future transportation infrastructure needs.
In the realm of education, trends show a decline in traditional public school enrollment while homeschooling has surged from 20,000 to 40,000 students since the pandemic. Enrollment in charter and private schools is also on the rise, posing new challenges for funding and resource allocation. Joliff explained that with growth concentrating in charter school districts, the state's financial obligations will increase as it supports these educational models.
Lawmakers seek to understand not only the demographic shifts but also the motivations behind the influx of new residents. Bennett pointed out that the reasons behind the state's appeal—be it tax policy changes over the past five years, economic growth efforts, or simply seniors seeking a warmer climate—remain unclear. Gaining clarity on these factors could inform future policies aimed at addressing related challenges in transportation, infrastructure, and services for an aging population.