Displacement and Population Growth in Charleston, SC

OURVILLAGE “STAT OF THE WEEK”: 

Between 2010 and 2020, Charleston County’s (Charleston) population shifted significantly. Charleston became younger, wealthier, and whiter across many census tracts. In other parts of the county, particularly parts of West Ashley, North Charleston, and James Island, the population added more Hispanic residents and multiracial households.

FIGURE 1. Percent change in Charleston County’s population by race and ethnicity, 2010–2020. Source: U.S. Census Bureau; Charleston County, South Carolina.

Notably, White, Asian, and Hispanic populations increased, while Charleston’s Black population declined. Between 2010 and 2020, the city added more than 46,000 white residents and over 10,000 Hispanic residents. During this same period, Charleston’s Black population fell by 11,000 residents, an 11 percent drop. 

These changes indicate a city in transition and raise important questions about affordability, dignity, and who gets to call Charleston home in the decades ahead.

FIGURE 2. Population counts in Charleston County by race and ethnicity, 2010–2020. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 Decennial Census (P1, P2) and 2020 Decennial Census (P1, P2); Charleston County, South Carolina.