While the early days of the state were mired in the exploits of pirates like Blackbeard, South Carolina today represents one of the Atlantic states and dates back to being among the original 13 colonies at the beginning of the United States. The coastal side of South Carolina has a greater portion of the state's population and development than inland, which tends to be more rural and forested. South Carolina also has famous Atlantic beaches which regularly draw tourists through the summer and warm months. The largest developed areas of the state include Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant and Rock Hill. In terms of tourism, one of the most vivid coastal sights is the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge which spans across Charleston Harbor. In terms of industry, the state sees economic activity from tourism, aerospace and automobile manufacturing, advanced materials, chemical and paper production, heavy machinery, agriculture, and a growing healthcare and education sector.
As of 2025, the Palmetto State is home to roughly 5.4 million people and has been one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with most of that growth driven by people relocating from other states. Its economy is broad-based, anchored by services such as healthcare and education alongside a substantial manufacturing base. South Carolina is generally regarded as a relatively business-friendly state, which has helped attract both domestic and foreign companies.
Top Cities in South Carolina
Home values in South Carolina have risen sharply over the past decade. As of 2025, the typical home in the state is worth around $300,000 according to Zillow, though prices vary widely by market. The most expensive areas tend to be located on the Atlantic coast, where communities like the Isle of Palms and Hilton Head Island command some of the highest median prices in the state, while many inland towns remain considerably more affordable. If you're weighing a move to South Carolina, it's worth researching individual metros closely, since local conditions differ significantly from one part of the state to another.
Charleston
Population: roughly 160,000 (2025 estimate)
Founded in 1670, Charleston is one of the historic American cities and, as of the mid-2020s, the largest city in South Carolina. The city is famous for its southern hospitality and is regularly ranked among the best cities to visit in the United States. Charleston has done a great job maintaining its historic buildings, and its economy is driven by tourism, port activity, aerospace and a growing technology sector. The area's steady growth can make it an appealing choice for people getting ready to start or advance a career.
Columbia
Population: roughly 147,000 (2025 estimate)
Columbia is SC's capital and the home of the University of South Carolina, the state's flagship university. Hundreds of thousands of people live in the broader Columbia metro area. Major local employers include the university, state government, the military presence at Fort Jackson, and various healthcare companies. A number of banks and insurance companies are also headquartered in or around Columbia.
Banks, Credit Unions, and Today's Interest Rates
Charlotte, NC, is one of America's banking hubs, so it should come as no surprise that its southern neighbor enjoys a strong banking sector as well. This strength trickles down into increased consumer choice for South Carolinians. There are a number of community lenders with long track records of serving local businesses and consumers, including AgFirst Farm Credit Bank, which is headquartered in Columbia.
That said, the local option is not for everyone, especially those who rely heavily on online banking or travel across the United States frequently and need a bank with a bigger national footprint. Fortunately, SC has branches of numerous regional and national banks, a few of which are listed below.
Community / local banks:
- Bank of Clarendon
- The Conway National Bank
Some of SC's largest credit unions:
- Founders Federal Credit Union
- South Carolina Federal Credit Union
- SAFE Federal Credit Union
- Sharonview Federal Credit Union
- AllSouth Federal Credit Union
- SRP Federal Credit Union
Regional and national banks with local branches:
- SouthState Bank
- Truist (formerly BB&T)
- Bank of America
- Wells Fargo
- Regions Bank
- TD Bank
- Ameris Bank
Whether you're looking for a checking account, a CD, or a money market account, RateZip.com's financial search engine can help you compare current interest rates. Our database includes offers from all sorts of institutions, from SC banks & credit unions to online banks that compete solely on rate.
SC Home Buying Tips
If a move to the coast or relocation to South Carolina's inland area is in order, RateZip.com is a good place to start comparing mortgage rates from lenders in the area. We can also help current homeowners explore options for refinancing a home loan. First-time buyers in particular should look into the programs offered by South Carolina Housing (the South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority), which include fixed-rate mortgage options and down payment assistance for eligible borrowers across the state. Read on for further information.
If you're looking at one of the more expensive areas in SC — generally places located on the water — you may need to look into a jumbo mortgage. These loans come into play when the amount borrowed exceeds the conforming loan limits set each year by the Federal Housing Finance Agency for loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The baseline limit is adjusted annually to reflect home prices; for 2026 it is $832,750 in most of the country, with higher ceilings in designated high-cost areas. Because these limits change every year, it's worth confirming the current figure for your county before you shop.