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Dillon County, SC growth snapshot

Dillon County had an estimated 27,458 residents in 2025, down 2.9% (816 fewer people) since 2020. That is slower than South Carolina as a whole (+8.5%), and the 135th fastest growth of 146 counties in the Carolinas.

Data as of 2025 · updated

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Headline numbers

What the numbers say

Net domestic migration was negative in 2025: 30 more people moved out to other U.S. counties than moved in.

Employers counted 9,422 jobs in 2025, +3.1% since 2020 (95th of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $850.

Unemployment averaged 6.0% in 2025, 1.8 points higher than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 41 new homes in 2025, or 1.5 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $46,605 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +27.9% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 2,660th.

Dillon County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
202527,458−123
202427,581−127
202327,708−55
202227,763−218
202127,981−293
202028,274–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Dillon County

Dillon County lost 816 people since 2020; the biggest drag was natural change (−587).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths−117−587
International migrationfrom and to other countries+23+148
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties−30−369
Census adjustmentbalancing residual+1−8
Total change−123−816

Census Bureau population estimates, components of change, each year July 1 to June 30. The components add up to the change in the estimate; the Census adjustment is the small balancing figure the Bureau publishes.

How it ranks

MeasureIn South CarolinaAmong U.S. counties
Population growth40th of 462,660th of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents43rd of 462,092nd of 3,108
Private-sector job growth16th of 46833rd of 3,092
Median household income37th of 462,883rd of 3,107
Average weekly wage44th of 46–
Lowest unemployment rate40th of 462,894th of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents40th of 461,803rd of 3,005

1st = highest (lowest for unemployment). Counties are ranked only against others with a figure for the same period.

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Neighbouring counties

Over 2020–25, Dillon County's population change (−2.9%) was ahead of 1 of its 6 neighbouring counties, behind 4 and level with Marion County.

3 of its 6 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Dillon County's $46,605 (2020–24).

Dillon County, SC and its 6 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Dillon County, SC This county27,458−2.9%−1.11.5$46,605
Marlboro County, SC25,488−3.8%1.60.2$34,301
Robeson County, NC119,941+3.4%−1.43.3$41,978
Marion County, SC28,242−2.9%−4.02.5$36,301
Florence County, SC138,504+1.2%1.35.0$58,305
Horry County, SC427,551+20.9%33.315.2$66,880
Columbus County, NC50,487+0.0%5.31.1$49,442

Census Bureau population estimates and building permits, American Community Survey 5-year income. Rates per 1,000 residents. – means no figure, or a base too small for a change or rate (it would swing on a few people). A figure from another period shows its year and is left out of the comparison.

All 46 South Carolina counties · All Carolinas counties and metros

Questions

What is the population of Dillon County?

About 27,458 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Dillon County growing?

No. Its population fell 2.9% between 2020 and 2025, about 816 fewer people (Census Bureau population estimates). South Carolina as a whole changed +8.5% over the same years. That ranks 135th of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Dillon County?

On net, none in 2025: about 30 more people moved out to other U.S. counties than moved in (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Dillon County?

Employers there reported 9,422 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +3.1% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $850 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Dillon County?

It averaged 6.0% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Dillon County?

Building permits authorized 41 new housing units in 2025, 1.5 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Dillon County?

$46,605 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Dillon County compare with other South Carolina counties?

Among South Carolina counties it ranks 40th of 46 for population growth; 43rd of 46 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 16th of 46 for private-sector job growth; 37th of 46 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 2,660th of 3,107 counties for population growth.

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Sources and method

Each number shows its own period. Changes compare the latest period with five years earlier (or the earliest period available). Beacon CRE last refreshed these figures on 2026-11-05. Figures come from public federal statistics and are informational only, not investment advice. Check the source before relying on a number. Methodology: how we compute every number. More on every layer: data sources and licences.