10 Largest Cities in South Carolina [2026]

South Carolina’s ten largest cities include: Charleston, Columbia, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill, Greenville, Summerville, Goose Creek, Sumter, and Florence.

At A Glance: The 10 Largest Cities in South Carolina by Population (2025 U.S. Census Estimates)

The Palmetto State is growing fast, and its cities are stepping up with job opportunities, walkable downtowns, and neighborhoods that fit every renter’s lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to historic charm, a low-key suburban pace, or a booming food scene, you’ll find it all here.

This guide breaks down the largest cities in South Carolina by population, complete with rent data, lifestyle insights, and local perks. Think of it as your shortcut to figuring out where you’d actually want to live in South Carolina so you can start your apartment search.

All of the rental data included here comes from Apartment List’s internal database of rent estimates, which is available for download. Transit scores come from Walk Score, and census information comes directly from the U.S. Census Bureau website.

What Are the Top 10 Largest Cities In South Carolina?

1. Charleston: South Carolina’s Coastal Crown Jewel

Best for: Renters who want coastal history, a walkable food scene, and don’t mind paying a premium for it.

• Population (as of July 2025): 159,423
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $2,195
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $2,607
• Median household income: $92,414
• Walk score: 40
• Transit score: 24
• Bike score: 50
• Map of Charleston

Charleston is South Carolina’s largest city by population, and one of its most recognizable. Think pastel-colored row houses, waterfront views, and a food scene that rivals cities twice its size. Renters here get the best of both worlds: historic neighborhoods with character-packed apartments and modern buildings with luxury perks. Weekends can mean hopping between Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island, exploring Fort Sumter, or simply indulging in she-crab soup at one of the city’s iconic restaurants.

The flip side? Charleston’s popularity comes at a price. Rents are among the highest in the state, and traffic across the peninsula can be a headache. But for many, the charm outweighs the challenges. Whether you’re looking for a rental tucked into a centuries-old home or a sleek apartment near King Street nightlife, Charleston delivers—if your budget can handle it.

2. Columbia: State Capital with College Town Energy

Best for: Renters who want big-city amenities at mid-range prices, especially those connected to state government or the university.

• Population (as of July 2025): 147,035
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $1,459
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $1,609
• Median household income: $55,529
• Walk score: 35
• Transit score: 0
• Bike score: 35
• Map of Columbia

Columbia, also known as Soda City, blends the energy of a college town with the gravitas of a state capital. With the University of South Carolina anchoring downtown, renters can expect lively Saturdays in the fall (yes, football dominates) and a steady demand for student housing. Beyond campus, Columbia is building out its cultural footprint with indie theaters, art galleries, and a thriving restaurant scene that’s steadily catching up to Charleston’s.

Rent prices here stay reasonable compared to coastal cities, which means more space for your money. Popular neighborhoods like Five Points and The Vista offer plenty of dining and nightlife, while Lake Murray just outside town gives residents an easy escape from the summer heat. Columbia may not have the beaches, but its central location means both the mountains and the coastline are a weekend drive away.

3. North Charleston: Affordable Alternative to Charleston

Best for: Renters who want Charleston access at a decent monthly discount

• Population (as of July 2025): 129,245
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $1,560
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $1,620
• Median household income: $62,956
• Walk score: 26
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 38
• Map of North Charleston

North Charleston may sit in Charleston’s shadow, but it’s carving out its own identity. Boeing and Joint Base Charleston keep the local economy strong, while Park Circle’s emerging arts and food scene is drawing renters who want culture without Charleston’s price tag. Apartments range from brand-new complexes with modern amenities to single-family rentals in established neighborhoods.

The city has been pouring resources into parks, green spaces, and family-friendly activities, making it a popular pick for renters who want affordability without losing access to Charleston’s perks. It’s not as walkable as downtown Charleston, but if you’re looking for value and convenience, North Charleston makes a solid case.

4. Mount Pleasant: Coastal Suburbs, Top-Tier Schools

Best for: Renters prioritizing schools, safety, and coastal access—and who have the budget to match.

• Population (as of July 2025): 95,469
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $2,071
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $2,462
• Median household income: $124,755
• Walk score: 22
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 38
• Map of Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant delivers coastal living with suburban polish. Known for its top-rated schools, new apartment communities, and proximity to beaches like Isle of Palms, it’s one of the most sought-after areas in the Charleston metro. Renters can expect modern units, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy access to waterfront dining along Shem Creek.

The biggest drawback? Traffic. The Ravenel Bridge may connect Mount Pleasant to downtown Charleston in minutes on paper, but rush hour tells another story. Still, for renters willing to pay higher rent for safety, schools, and beach proximity, Mount Pleasant is worth the commute.

5. Rock Hill: Charlotte’s Budget-Friendly Neighbor

Best for: Charlotte commuters and outdoor enthusiasts who’d rather not pay Charlotte prices.

• Population (as of July 2025): 75,911
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $1,286
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $1,576
• Median household income: $68,711
• Walk score: 28
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 31
• Map of Rock Hill

Rock Hill is a fast-growing city in South Carolina’s northwest corner, just a half-hour from Charlotte, NC. That close proximity means many renters enjoy Charlotte’s job market while paying less for housing back home. With Winthrop University fueling a younger crowd and employers like 3D Systems and Atlas Copco growing the local economy, Rock Hill has more going on than its “suburb of Charlotte” reputation suggests.

The rental market here includes everything from budget-friendly apartments to newer suburban communities with extra space. Outdoor lovers (and their dogs) get easy access to the Catawba River for kayaking, hiking, and biking. While rent prices are climbing, Rock Hill remains an affordable alternative for renters who want city access without the big-city sticker shock.

6. Greenville: Mountain Views Meet Main Street Energy

Best for: Renters who want a walkable downtown, outdoor access, and a job market that doesn’t require a big-city commute.

• Population (as of July 2025): 75,310
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $1,496
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $1,770
• Median household income: $71,142
• Walk score: 43
• Transit score: 19
• Bike score: 39
• Map of Greenville

Greenville has gone from hidden gem to hot ticket in the past decade, and it’s easy to see why. Downtown’s Main Street is lined with restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques, while Falls Park on the Reedy River makes the city feel like an outdoor retreat. Major employers like BMW, Michelin, and Prisma Health keep jobs steady, and renters love that the Blue Ridge Mountains are right next door.

Apartments here range from modern lofts in converted mills to suburban complexes with resort-style amenities. Rent is rising quickly, but Greenville’s combination of culture, careers, and nature continues to attract newcomers. If you want a city that blends mountain air with city energy, Greenville is tough to beat.

7. Summerville: Small-Town Charm With Charleston Access

Best for: Renters who want a tight-knit community feel and Charleston access, without the higher price tag.

• Population (as of July 2025): 53,177
• Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $1,595
• Average rent for a two-bedroom apartment (as of May 2026): $1,862
• Median household income: $81,046
• Walk score: 21
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 36
• Map of Summerville

Summerville, known as the “Flowertown in the Pines,” offers a slower-paced lifestyle just 30 minutes from Charleston. Its oak-lined streets, historic homes, and spring azalea blooms give the town a storybook feel. Every April, the Flowertown Festival takes over downtown, drawing thousands for art, food, and flowers—it’s the largest arts and crafts festival in the state and a snapshot of the community spirit that keeps residents hooked.

For renters, Summerville offers options across the board: charming historic rentals downtown, family-sized houses for lease, and new apartments with modern amenities. It’s a favorite for commuters who want Charleston’s job market without Charleston’s rent—and it’s proof you don’t have to give up the small-town charm to get convenience.

8. Goose Creek: Military-Friendly and Budget-Conscious

Best for: Military families and value-focused renters who want space over scene.

• Population (as of July 2025): 52,010
• Average rent for a one-bedroom place (as of May 2026): $1,593
• Average rent for a two-bedroom place (as of May 2026): $1,677
• Median household income: $88,178
• Walk score: 14
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 35
• Map of Goose Creek

Goose Creek is a growing city with deep ties to Joint Base Charleston, which keeps the rental market steady and military-friendly. It’s less flashy than Charleston or Mount Pleasant, but what it lacks in nightlife, it makes up for in affordability. Families are drawn to its schools, parks, and quieter neighborhoods, while the city continues to expand shopping and dining options.

Renters here can expect newer apartment communities and townhomes at lower rates than Charleston’s peninsula or Mount Pleasant. With an easy commute to both downtown and the base, Goose Creek is a practical choice for anyone prioritizing space and value.

9. Sumter: Ultra-Affordable With Swan Lake Views

Best for: Renters on tight budgets, or those connected to Shaw Air Force Base, who want a quiet, stable community.

• Population (as of July 2025): 43,094
• Average rent for a one-bedroom place (as of May 2026): $933
• Average rent for a two-bedroom place (as of May 2026): $1,085
• Median household income: $55,592
• Walk score: 25
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 37
• Map of Sumter

Sumter blends affordability with small-city living. Shaw Air Force Base anchors the local economy, giving the city stability and diversity. Rent prices here are some of the lowest in South Carolina, making it an appealing choice for renters who want space without the financial strain of larger metros.

Lifestyle perks include Swan Lake Iris Gardens (with real swans) along with golf courses, lakes, and local history museums. The entertainment scene is quieter compared to Charleston or Greenville, but if you’re looking for calm, community, and savings, Sumter delivers.

10. Florence: Small City, Big Opportunity

Best for: Healthcare and education workers, and renters who want affordability with a revitalized downtown to explore.

• Population (as of July 2025): 41,231
• Average rent for a one-bedroom place (as of May 2026): $1,478
• Average rent for a two-bedroom place (as of May 2026): $1,857
• Median household income: $56,143
• Walk score: 27
• Transit score: N/A
• Bike score: 39
• Map of Florence

Florence may be small, but it packs in opportunity thanks to its medical and educational anchors: McLeod Health and Francis Marion University. Downtown has been revitalized in recent years with breweries, live music venues, and a growing food scene—giving renters a surprising amount of nightlife for a city its size.

Apartments here remain affordable, and renters can also find duplexes and single-family homes at rates well below Charleston or Greenville. With Amtrak access and I-95 running straight through, Florence also serves as a convenient center for those who need regional connectivity.

City By City Comparison: 10 Largest Cities In South Carolina

Here's a quick glance at South Carolina’s ten largest cities:

Need Help Finding An Apartment In South Carolina?

South Carolina’s largest cities have something to offer for every kind of renter. Whether it’s Charleston’s history, Greenville’s mountain views, or Sumter’s affordability that you’re drawn to, there’s a perfect place for you here.

Start your South Carolina apartment search with the Apartment List quiz. Tell us what matters for your next place, and we’ll match you with apartments that fit your lifestyle, commute, and more.

Methodology and Sources

How we define “largest”: Cities are ranked by total population within city limits, based on the 2025 estimates from the U.S. Census. Metro-area or county-level populations are not used in this ranking.

Population data: U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts. These figures reflect population estimates and are updated annually.

Income data: Median household income figures are drawn from the U.S. Census Bureau Quick Facts, based on 2024 dollars.

Rent data: All of the rental data included here comes from Apartment List’s internal database of rent estimates, which is updated monthly and available for download.

Walk, Transit, and Bike Scores: Sourced from Walk Score. Scores range from 0-100 and reflect walkability, transit access, and bikeability at the city level. N/A indicates insufficient transit data for a score.

FAQs about the Largest Cities in South Carolina

What are the three largest cities in South Carolina?

Charleston, Columbia, and North Charleston are the three largest cities in South Carolina by population, based on July 2025 data. Charleston takes the crown as the largest, Columbia runs the state as the capital, and North Charleston is the fast-growing industrial hub.

What is the nicest city to live in South Carolina?

The nicest South Carolina city depends on your priorities. If you want history, food, and coastal living, Charleston is hard to top. For affordability and a central location, Columbia wins. If you’re chasing mountain views with a buzzing downtown, Greenville might be your match.

Is Greenville bigger than Charleston?

Charleston is bigger than Greenville in population, based on July 2025 data. But Greenville’s metro area is larger, meaning the city punches above its size when it comes to jobs, culture, and overall growth.

Is Columbia bigger than Charleston?

Charleston is bigger than Columbia by population, according to July 2025 data. That said, Columbia spreads wider, so it feels less compact than Charleston’s walkable historic core.

Is Greenville bigger than Columbia?

Columbia is larger in population if you look within city limits. However, if you incorporate the greater metropolitan area for both cities, Greenville is slightly larger.

What is the smallest city in South Carolina?

That honor goes to Smyrna, with 55 residents. But if you’re sticking to this list, Florence is the smallest of the top 10 cities.