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Dorchester County, SC growth snapshot

Dorchester County had an estimated 178,397 residents in 2025, up 10.1% (16,341 more people) since 2020. That is faster than South Carolina as a whole (+8.5%), and the 23rd 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 added 2,906 people in 2025: more people moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out.

Employers counted 41,814 jobs in 2025, +21.2% since 2020 (15th of 146 Carolinas counties for job growth); the average weekly wage was $1,070.

Unemployment averaged 3.9% in 2025, 1.5 points higher than in 2019 (before the pandemic).

Builders were authorized to start 1,596 new homes in 2025, or 8.9 per 1,000 residents.

Median household income was $78,198 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey, +23.1% since 2016–20.

Across the 3,107 U.S. counties with a comparable estimate, its population growth ranks 194th.

Part of the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro area.

Dorchester County population by year

Resident population, July 1 estimate (Census Bureau)
YearPopulationChange
2025178,397+3,558
2024174,839+4,957
2023169,882+3,757
2022166,125+2,597
2021163,528+1,472
2020162,056–

Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year.

What drove the change in Dorchester County

Dorchester County grew by 16,341 people since 2020; the largest part came from domestic migration (+11,843).

Components of population change, people (Census Bureau)
Component20252020–25Share
Natural changebirths minus deaths+431+2,157
International migrationfrom and to other countries+227+2,160
Domestic migrationfrom and to other U.S. counties+2,906+11,843
Census adjustmentbalancing residual−6+181
Total change+3,558+16,341

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 growth9th of 46194th of 3,107
Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents11th of 46208th of 3,108
Private-sector job growth14th of 46754th of 3,092
Median household income6th of 46659th of 3,107
Average weekly wage19th of 46–
Lowest unemployment rate3rd of 461,472nd of 3,108
New homes permitted per 1,000 residents11th of 46193rd 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, Dorchester County's population change (+10.1%) was ahead of 3 of its 4 neighbouring counties and behind 1 (Berkeley County).

2 of its 4 neighbouring counties had a higher median household income than Dorchester County's $78,198 (2020–24).

Dorchester County, SC and its 4 neighbouring counties: public federal figures
CountyPopulation2025Population change2020–25Net domestic migration per 1,000 residents2025Homes permitted per 1,000 residents2025Median household income2020–24
Dorchester County, SC This county178,397+10.1%16.38.9$78,198
Colleton County, SC39,382+2.2%0.01.9$51,114
Charleston County, SC436,200+6.4%0.47.8$88,494
Orangeburg County, SC83,177−0.9%4.21.3$45,675
Berkeley County, SC274,666+18.7%24.98.4$84,358

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 Dorchester County?

About 178,397 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's population estimate for July 1, 2025.

Is Dorchester County growing?

Yes. Its population grew 10.1% between 2020 and 2025, about 16,341 more people (Census Bureau population estimates). South Carolina as a whole changed +8.5% over the same years. That ranks 23rd of 146 Carolinas counties for population growth.

How many people moved to Dorchester County?

On net, about 2,906 people in 2025: that many more moved in from other U.S. counties than moved out (Census Bureau net domestic migration estimate).

How many jobs are in Dorchester County?

Employers there reported 41,814 jobs covered by unemployment insurance in 2025, +21.2% since 2020 (BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages). The average weekly wage was $1,070 in 2025.

What is the unemployment rate in Dorchester County?

It averaged 3.9% in 2025 (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, annual average).

How many new homes are being built in Dorchester County?

Building permits authorized 1,596 new housing units in 2025, 8.9 per 1,000 residents (Census Bureau Building Permits Survey). Permits count homes authorized, not finished.

What is the median household income in Dorchester County?

$78,198 in the 2020–24 American Community Survey 5-year estimates.

How does Dorchester County compare with other South Carolina counties?

Among South Carolina counties it ranks 9th of 46 for population growth; 11th of 46 for net domestic migration per 1,000 residents; 14th of 46 for private-sector job growth; 6th of 46 for median household income. Nationally it ranks 194th 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.