Who’s Moving To and From South Carolina?
In the latest Census data (2022), South Carolina gained about 49,379 more residents from other states than it lost — a net inflow. The most people arrive from North Carolina, and the largest number leaving head to North Carolina.
Top states moving into South Carolina
- North Carolina 32,527
- Georgia 15,788
- Florida 14,773
- New York 12,388
- California 10,863
Where South Carolina residents move
- North Carolina 27,316
- Georgia 17,245
- Florida 13,699
- Texas 8,295
- Virginia 8,019
Net interstate migration: +49,379 more people moved in than out (vs. the other 49 states).
Source: US Census Bureau, ACS State-to-State Migration Flows · as of 2022 · methodology
Where South Carolina residents go: the biggest destinations are North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. The single largest stream runs to North Carolina — about 27,316 people in a year. In total, roughly 133,605 residents left South Carolina for another state, versus about 182,984 who moved in.
Who moves to South Carolina: the largest inbound flows come from North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, led by North Carolina with about 32,527 arrivals. These corridors tend to reflect geography, job markets, and — increasingly — the gap in taxes and cost of living between the two states.
Why people come: South Carolina is a net magnet, and its profile explains why — a modest tax burden (2.0%–5.2%) and a below-average cost of living let a paycheck stretch further than in the pricier states that feed it. Arrivals from North Carolina and other high-cost states are a large part of the story.
Thinking about joining one of these moves? The honest comparison is your full tax-and-cost picture, not one line of it. A move between South Carolina and North Carolina can change your take-home pay and monthly costs by more than people expect — worth running the numbers before you decide.
Compare South Carolina with any state in the comparison tool, check your take-home pay and cost of living, or see the national picture in the states Americans are fleeing and the state rankings.
Frequently asked questions
- Are people leaving South Carolina?
- On net, no — South Carolina gains more residents from other states than it loses, with a net inflow of about 49,379 in 2022. The most people arrive from North Carolina.
- Which state do most people move to from South Carolina?
- North Carolina is the top destination for people leaving South Carolina, with about 27,316 moves in the latest year, followed by Georgia and Florida.
- Which states do people move to South Carolina from?
- The largest inbound flows to South Carolina come from North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, led by North Carolina with about 32,527 arrivals.