The Largest Cities in South Carolina

1. Charleston

• Charleston is considered to be the largest city in South Carolina, although the estimated population of this is very close to the estimated population of the state capital, Columbia.
• An official census will therefore need to determine which city is truly the biggest in the present day, but Charleston is currently considered to be the biggest as it has an estimated population of close to 135,000 people.
• The city covers an area of 127.5 square miles and is located in Charleston County and Berkeley County.
• It was named after King Charles II of England and was founded in 1670, originally called Charles Town, on the shores of the state.
• It is the oldest city in all of South Carolina and is well-known for its unique historic architecture, long beachside promenades, and friendly locals.

2. Columbia

• As previously mentioned, Columbia may technically be the largest city in South Carolina as its population is very close to that of Charleston, but it is currently ranked as the second biggest city in the state.
• The estimated population of Columbia is a little over 134,000, but more than 810,000 people live in the city's surrounding metropolitan area.
• Columbia is the state capital of South Carolina and was named after the explorer, Christopher Columbus.
• The city is located in the central part of the state in Richland County, with a small part of it entering Lexington County too.
• Columbia is located on the confluence of the Broad River and Saluda River and is home to several key South Carolina institutions like the University of South Carolina and Fort Jackson, the biggest United States Army base used for combat training.

• Top attractions in Columbia include the Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park.
• Visit the Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden.
• Explore the Columbia Museum of Art.
• Enjoy interactive exhibits at the EdVenture Children's Museum.
• Tour the historic Hampton-Preston Mansion and Gardens.

3. North Charleston

• North Charleston is the third biggest city in South Carolina and spans three counties: Charleston, Dorchester, and Berkeley.
• The city covers an area of 76.6 square miles and has an estimated population of 108,000, with more than 744,000 in the surrounding metropolitan area, which includes Charleston.
• North Charleston serves as a key industrial hub for South Carolina.
• The city hosts a large Boeing facility, one of the largest job providers in the area.
• Many large companies have offices and factories in North Charleston, contributing to its strong economy. Map

4. Mount Pleasant

• Mount Pleasant, located in Charleston County in the southeastern part of South Carolina, is recognized as the state's fourth biggest city, despite being technically classed as a suburban town.
• The town has an estimated population of 81,000 people and spans an area of 52.6 square miles, including 7.5 square miles of water due to its marshes and location along the Wando River, Cooper River, and Shem Creek.
• Mount Pleasant maintains close connections with the city of Charleston.
• Many residents commute daily to Charleston for work via the Ravenel Bridge, which links the two areas.

5. Rock Hill

• Rock Hill is the fifth biggest city in South Carolina by population.
• This city is located in York County, in the northern part of South Carolina, close to the border with North Carolina.
• Rock Hill is part of the Charlotte metropolitan area and has an estimated population of 72,000 people.
• The city covers an area of 43.16 square miles.
• The area was settled in the 1830s, but wasn't officially founded until 1852 when key services like a post office and railroad station arrived.
• Rock Hill is located on the Catawba River and is a popular outdoor recreation spot.
• The city boasts over 30 parks and many scenic hiking trails.