SOUTH CAROLINA
Welcome to South Carolina!
South Carolina offers a lower cost of living and more affordable housing compared to many coastal states, making it especially appealing for first-time buyers and retirees alike. From charming historic cities like Charleston to the scenic beaches of Myrtle Beach and the peaceful communities of the Upstate, South Carolina provides a wide range of lifestyle options.
Top CHIPs for South Carolina
The Best Community Home Investment Programs for you.
Homes in South Carolina are generally more affordable, especially with the support of state-specific Community Home Investment Programs (CHIPs).
SC Housing Palmetto Home Advantage
The SC Housing Palmetto Home Advantage program is designed to assist first-time, move-up, and repeat buyers in South Carolina with forgivable down payment assistance of up to 4% of the loan amount. The loan is forgiven over a 10-year period with no monthly payments required.
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Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program
Gain a unique South Carolina advantage with the state’s Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program. Available in all counties, this program offers a recurring tax credit of up to $2,000 annually.
CommunityWorks Carolina Northside Development Group Spartanburg Home Buyer Assistance
Looking for a fresh start in the Northside Neighborhood? The CommunityWorks Carolina Northside Development Group Spartanburg Home Buyer Assistance program can give you up to $15,000 to help with down payment and closing costs.
CommunityWorks Carolina Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Employee Homebuyer Assistance Program
Spartanburg Regional employees, here’s your chance to own a home with the CommunityWorks Carolina Employee Homebuyer Assistance Program.
Founders Federal Credit Union Founders Military Mortgage
Your dream of homeownership is within reach with the Founders Federal Credit Union Founders Military Mortgage! Get 100% financing with no PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) and no origination fees.
SC Housing Palmetto Home Advantage
The SC Housing Palmetto Home Advantage program is designed to assist first-time, move-up, and repeat buyers in South Carolina with forgivable down payment assistance of up to 4% of the loan amount. The loan is forgiven over a 10-year period with no monthly payments required.
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program
Gain a unique South Carolina advantage with the state’s Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program. Available in all counties, this program offers a recurring tax credit of up to $2,000 annually.
CommunityWorks Carolina Northside Development Group Spartanburg Home Buyer Assistance
Looking for a fresh start in the Northside Neighborhood? The CommunityWorks Carolina Northside Development Group Spartanburg Home Buyer Assistance program can give you up to $15,000 to help with down payment and closing costs.
CommunityWorks Carolina Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Employee Homebuyer Assistance Program
Spartanburg Regional employees, here’s your chance to own a home with the CommunityWorks Carolina Employee Homebuyer Assistance Program.
Founders Federal Credit Union Founders Military Mortgage
Your dream of homeownership is within reach with the Founders Federal Credit Union Founders Military Mortgage! Get 100% financing with no PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) and no origination fees.
👥
Total Population
5,118,425
🗺️
Land area in square miles
30,064.1 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
40
📍
State Capital
Columbia
💰
Median household income
$67,804
💵
Median home sale price
$443,364
🏘️
Total Housing Units
2,177,733
👥
Total Population
5,118,425
🗺️
Land area in square miles
30,064.1 square miles
📊
Rank of State by size
40
📍
State Capital
Columbia
💰
Median household income
$67,804
💵
Median home sale price
$443,364
🏘️
Total Housing Units
2,177,733
Census Data Snapshot for South Carolina
Crucial statistics and data about South Carolina
Numbers don’t lie, which is why census data can reveal a lot about a state.
Climate Overview
What’s the weather like in South Carolina?
South Carolina enjoys a warm, humid subtropical climate with hot summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine year-round, perfect for those who enjoy outdoor living.
Major Industries and Employment
What’s driving the economy of South Carolina?
South Carolina’s economy is driven by a mix of manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, and a rapidly growing tech sector, making it one of the Southeast’s most dynamic states for economic development.
Largest Employer in State
- Employer: Walmart
- Industry: Retail
- Employer Headcount: 32,267
Total Employer Establishments
🏢 116,896
As of June 2025
Employment Type
Employee of private company workers
Self-employed in own incorporated business workers
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers
Local, state, and federal government workers
Self-employed in own not incorporated business workers and unpaid family workers
Occupation
Management, business, science and arts occupations
Sales and office occupations
Service occupations
Production, transportation, and material moving occupations
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance occupations
As of June 2025
Home Affordability
Learn if you can afford a home in South Carolina.
South Carolina has a lot to offer when it comes to housing options. Improve your chances of buying a home there by exploring which CHIPs you can qualify for.
Cities By Population
What are the biggest cities in South Carolina in terms of population?
These are the main urban areas that can be found in South Carolina. Would you navigate towards these cities if you’re going to live there?
City
Rank
Population as of 2025
Charleston
1
158,367
Columbia
2
146,563
North Charleston
3
125,414
Mount Pleasant
4
97,903
Rock Hill
5
76,289
Greenville
6
73,964
Summerville
7
52,406
Goose Creek
8
51,248
Greer
9
50,113
Sumter
10
42,330
School Rankings and
District Information
What are the best schools in South Carolina?
South Carolina is home to several top-rated schools, including academic magnet programs and highly ranked public school districts that offer strong educational opportunities for families.
Homes for Sale
Let’s find your dream home in South Carolina.
It’s possible that your dream home is somewhere in South Carolina. It’s about time you start searching through the listings.
State Fun Facts
Learn some fun trivia about South Carolina.
South Carolina is a fun place and here are some amazing facts about it.
Famous People from South Carolina
Who are the well-known personalities from South Carolina?
You might be wondering which famous celebrities are from South Carolina.
Agency
Website
South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing)
South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA)
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA)
Government Resources
Find more information about housing and real estate in South Carolina.
Here is a list of some useful resources that you can use when researching homes, schools, and other details about South Carolina.
Agency
Website
South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing)
South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs (SCDVA)
South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA)
