Job seekers move to major growth areas of the state, Charleston, Lexington and Greenville.

The 3 tend to have the strongest job growth and lowest unemployment rates.

In reviewing the latest US Census Bureau annual population estimates, University of South Carolina Research Economist Joey Von Nessen said these trends mirror economic growth in the counties.

Von Nessen said the research division at USC’s Darla Moore School of Business and other economists look at 2 primary sources for population growth: job seekers and retirees. Those sources tend to explain the differences in population totals across counties in the state.

According to Von Nessen, job seekers - both in-state and from out-of-state - typically move to Charleston, Lexington and Greenville.

He noted Lexington grew by 32,603 residents, or 12.4%.

Charleston grew by 55,755 residents, or 15.9%, in the last 8 years. Berkeley County, a Charleston suburb, grew by 42,775 residents, or 24%.

“Because there is such a strong labor market there, we see people migrating to those regions,” Von Nessen said. “Conversely, we see the more rural areas of South Carolina that have not experienced as much job growth; so, job seekers clearly aren’t going to be seeking those regions.”

Most retirees move into metropolitan and coastal areas - such as Myrtle Beach, Charleston and Lake Murray.

Home of Myrtle Beach, Horry County is the fastest-growing county in the state in 8 years, increasing by 27.9%, or 75,021 residents.

Von Nessen noted that the state has grown by 458,753 residents, or 9.9%, during the 8 years.

A total of 21 of the state’s 46 counties have shown a population decline since the census in 2010. Conversely, 25 counties, or 54.3%, have gained population since 2010.

Editor’s note: The Chronicle will publish its 3rd annual Explore Lexington County Guide in July with the latest information on living here.