There is a wide variety of communities in South Carolina, and they all have their own distinct personalities. Even though the state’s population and economy are on the rise, certain communities are seeing population declines due to major problems. This article delves into five communities that are currently facing a mass migration, illuminating the root causes and the consequences for the local population.
Orangeburg
Locals and visitors alike flock to Orangeburg—dubbed “The Garden City”—to see the stunning Edisto Memorial Gardens and thriving South Carolina State University. In spite of all these great things about Orangeburg, a disturbing trend of people moving out has been seen.
The population of Orangeburg fell by 6%, from 13,964 in 2010 to 13,196 in 2020. The general upward tendency in South Carolina is at odds with this downturn.
Among Orangeburg’s many economic problems is a significantly higher than normal unemployment rate of 8.2%, as compared to 3.6% nationally. Compared to the national median of $68,703, the city’s median household income is $30,847.
With 8.5 violent crimes per 1,000 people compared to 4.0 nationally, Orangeburg has an alarmingly high crime rate. Also, just 79% of high school seniors get their diplomas on time, thus clearly something is wrong with the educational system.
Bennettsville
Marlboro County’s county seat, Bennettsville, is a historic and charming southern town. Having said that, its numbers have been falling for some time.
Bennettsville had a 10% decline in population between 2010 and 2020, going from 9,069 to 8,072. The overall population expansion of the state makes this decline all the more concerning.
With a median family income of $27,830 and an unemployment rate of 7.5%, Bennettsville faces a tough economic landscape. The town’s economic troubles are reflected in these data, which are substantially lower than the national averages.
There is a serious problem with the high crime rate in Bennettsville. The violent crime rate is 7.2% for every 1,000 people living there. Only 72% of the population has completed high school, indicating a similarly low level of educational attainment.
Marion
Despite its reputation for historic architecture and a charming downtown, Marion, South Carolina, has experienced many of the same problems as other small towns in the state.
Marion had a decline of 8% in population, from 6,939 in 2010 to 6,377 in 2020. A larger trend is impacting rural towns in the state, and this reduction is just one component of it.
With a median household income of $26,570 and an unemployment rate of 9.1%, Marion’s economic indicators are somewhat concerning. New enterprises and industries are hard to come by in this town.
With 7.8 violent crimes per 1,000 people, Marion has a high crime rate. Only 75% of high school seniors manage to graduate on time, indicating that there are problems with the education system as a whole.
Gaffney
Notwithstanding its many attractions, the town of Gaffney, which includes the world-famous Peachoid water tower, is seeing a decrease in its population.
There was a 5% decline in the population of Gaffney between 2010 and 2020, from 12,414 to 11,422. Given the town’s historical importance, this deterioration is cause for concern.
Gaffney has a median household income of $32,384 and a 7.9% unemployment rate. The town’s population is falling because of these economic difficulties.
With 7.0 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, Gaffney has a higher crime rate than the rest of the country. A high school graduation rate of 76% is another indicator of the challenges faced by the education system.
Allendale
The population of Allendale decreased from 3,482 in 2010 to 3,058 in 2020, a decline of 12%. Among the steepest drops in the state, this one stands out.
With 11.2% unemployment and $23,250 as the median household income, Allendale’s economic status is terrible. These numbers show how hard it is for the town to make ends meet.
With 9.0 violent crimes per 1,000 persons, Allendale’s crime rates are quite concerning. Another problem is the education system; just 68% of the population has completed high school.
Summary
Economic hardship, high crime rates, and a lack of educational opportunities are all contributing factors to the population reduction in these South Carolina cities. Local governments, businesses, and communities must work together to solve these problems.
Despite the many challenges small communities encounter, they can be reborn with the help of focused economic development, crime reduction initiatives, and educational reforms. These municipalities have an opportunity to reverse the trend and attract new people by identifying the root problems and putting effective remedies into action.