South Carolina Migration Patterns: Where Are Residents Moving in 2025?

South Carolina continues to be one of America’s fastest-growing states, but where do residents go when they decide to relocate? Recent data from U-Haul’s midyear migration report provides fascinating insights into these movement patterns—and reveals some key opportunities for our business.

South Carolina: Still a Top Growth Destination

For good reason, South Carolina earned the title of America’s #1 growth state in U-Haul’s latest report, boasting an impressive 51.7% arrival rate versus a 48.3% departure rate. The state’s most popular growth markets include:

Myrtle Beach (No. 5 nationally)
Greenville (No. 10 nationally)
Spartanburg (No. 11 nationally)
Charleston-North Charleston (No. 13 nationally)

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Top Destinations for South Carolina Departures

When South Carolina residents do decide to move, here’s where they’re headed according to U-Haul’s one-way rental data from January to July 2025:

Charlotte, North Carolina – #1 Destination

Charlotte tops the list as the primary destination for South Carolina residents making the move. This makes perfect sense given Charlotte’s proximity to the South Carolina border and its status as a major economic hub in the Southeast. As a company serving the Charlotte metro area, this represents a significant opportunity for us to assist families and professionals making this transition.

Other Popular Destinations:

Atlanta, Georgia (No. 5)
Miami, Florida (No. 6)
Orlando, Florida (No. 6)
Tampa, Florida (No. 7)
Baltimore, Maryland (No. 10)
Washington, D.C. (No. 10)

The North Carolina Connection

It’s worth noting that both Charlotte (#2 nationally) and Raleigh (#7 nationally) rank among the top 10 U-Haul growth metros for 2024. This dual presence in the top tier highlights North Carolina’s appeal to relocating families and creates substantial opportunities in both markets where we operate.

The data shows a clear migration pattern along the I-85 and I-77 corridors, with many South Carolina residents choosing to stay within the broader Carolinas region while seeking new opportunities in North Carolina’s thriving metropolitan areas.

What This Means for Regional Growth

The migration patterns reveal several key trends:

Proximity Matters: Charlotte’s #1 ranking demonstrates that many people prefer to stay relatively close to their previous location while still accessing new opportunities.

Economic Opportunities: The popularity of destinations like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Atlanta suggests that job markets and career advancement opportunities are primary drivers of relocation decisions.

Regional Familiarity: The strong showing of Southeast destinations indicates that many movers prefer to stay within a familiar regional culture and climate.

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1) Know the latest landlord-tenant laws [renter/tenant rights, landlord rights, and Fair Housing]

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11) Oversee move-in day, utility transfer, inevitable new user issues

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Communication: Are your questions answer quickly, clearly, and kindly?

What do their property manager reviews have to say?

Has the rental process been explained clearly and do you agree with it?

Are their rental home listings clear and descriptive or rushed?

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Looking Ahead

As these migration trends continue, the Charlotte and Raleigh metros are well-positioned to benefit from South Carolina’s continued growth and the natural movement between these interconnected markets. For businesses serving these areas, understanding these patterns can help better serve clients making these transitions.

To read more on this topic, visit Are people moving away from SC? Here’s what 2025 U-Haul data shows.