Talking Points

Lexington County is growing by an estimated 1,000 newcomers a month.

A usa.com survey found that the county has the 8th most rapid growth in SC.

At a 25% growth annually, usa.com reported the current county population at 270,262 residents.

However, the US Census Bureau’s latest estimate July 1, 2017, put the population at 290,642.

With an estimated growth of 1,000 newcomers a month, the population over the last 20 months could have pushed that by another 20,000 residents.

The Town of Lexington grew 94%, Chapin 32% and Irmo 4%.

The rest of South Carolina is growing, too.

The Hireahelper.com moving company ranks SC 7th in the nation for growth.

A United Van Lines study showed that 36% of inbound movement comes from retirement, 32% from jobs and 21% moving closer to family.

Those moving due to job changes make up 54% of the moves out of state, and 27% move out for family reasons.

Retirees age 55 or older make up 66% of those moving to SC and ages 18-54 make 34%.

Usa.com found Bluffton with the highest growth from 13,149 residents in 2011 to more than 21,085 in 2017.

Blythewood grew from 2,034 in 2010 to 3,429 in 2019.

The fastest growing counties are Dorchester, Horry, York, and Beaufort, according to usa.com.

Growth’s darkside

Dangerous increases in traffic, overcrowded schools and more strain on county services are just a few hardships from high growth.

York County near Charlotte imposed an $18,158 impact fee per new home to pay for the impact on schools.

Alarmed Chapin residents, concerned about growth, worked closely with Council woman Erin Long-Bergeson, and successfully rezoned the area to lower density.

Lexington County Council man Darrell Hudson recently proposed changes which will slow residential development in his district and several adjoining council districts.

Hudson described the action as a pending ordinance doctrine which effectively slows residential development in the council districts designated with a limitation to only 4 houses per acre, rather than the current 12 units per acre.

Hudson said, “what was done... will stop the out of control development until the permanent ordinance can make it through the council.”

“What was done... will stop the out of control development...”
— lexington county council man Darrell Hudson