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Which counties in South Carolina are people leaving?

4 of the 46 counties in South Carolina had more residents move away to other U.S. counties than move in during 2025. Allendale County had the largest net outflow for its size: 17.5 per 1,000 residents (−129 people).

Data as of 2025 · updated

See the listAll South Carolina counties

All 4 South Carolina counties with net out-migration

Counties with the most out-migration in South Carolina
RankCountyPer 1,000 residents, 2025Net movers 2025ResidentsPopulation change 2020–25
1Allendale County−17.5−1297,355−7.4%
2Lee County−5.7−9015,730−5.0%
3Marion County−4.0−11228,242−2.9%
4Dillon County−1.1−3027,458−2.9%

How this is ranked

Counties where more residents moved away to other U.S. counties than moved in (negative net domestic migration in the Census Bureau's population estimates for 2025), per 1,000 residents, largest net outflow first. Moves from and to other countries, births and deaths are not counted. Counties with fewer than 1,000 residents, or without a figure for the same period as the others, are left out, as on every ranking.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates Program (Vintage 2025). Figures come from public federal statistics and are informational only, not investment advice. Check the source before relying on a number. Methodology: how ranks and figures are built. More on every layer: data sources and licences.

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Questions

Which county in South Carolina are the most people leaving?

For its size, Allendale County: net domestic migration of −17.5 per 1,000 residents in 2025 (−129 people; Census Bureau population estimates). Next: Lee County (−5.7) and Marion County (−4.0).

How many counties in South Carolina have more people moving out than in?

4 of the 46 counties in South Carolina had more residents move away to other U.S. counties than move in during 2025.

Does net out-migration mean a county is losing population?

Not always. Net domestic migration counts moves between U.S. counties only; births, deaths and international migration also change the total.

More county rankings for South Carolina

Counties with the most out-migration in other states

Across the U.S.