The state of South Carolina boasts a stunning scenery, a varied culture, and a rich history. Not every one of its communities is prosperous or desirable to live in, though. Certain towns are becoming less appealing locations to reside because of issues with the environment, declining population, or difficult economic situations. Based on data from the most recent census, residents are leaving these seven South Carolina towns as quickly as possible.
Allendale
The county seat of Allendale County, which has the highest percentage of poverty in the state and the lowest population, is Allendale. Between 2000 and 2010, the town’s population has decreased by 33.9% and 16.7%, respectively. The town has a high crime rate in addition to a dearth of jobs, healthcare, and educational opportunities. A study by the Economic Innovation Group ranked Allendale as one of the most economically troubled areas in the country.
Bamberg
Bamberg serves as the county seat and is the poorest and most sparsely populated county in the state. Between 2000 and 2010, the town’s population has decreased by 23.6% and 16.7%, respectively. The town has low levels of educational attainment, a high unemployment rate, and a low median income. Hurricanes and floods are two other natural disasters that could harm Bamberg’s economy and infrastructure.
Lee
Lee is a town in Lee County, another county with low population growth and a high rate of poverty. Since 2000, the town’s population has decreased by 20.8%, or 14%, from 2000. The town’s poverty rate is high, its median income is poor, and its level of education is low. Environmental problems that endanger the health of Lee’s citizens include contaminated water and poor air quality.
Dillon
Dillon is the county seat of Dillon County, which has a low pace of population growth and a high rate of poverty. Since 2000, the town’s population has decreased by 15.4%, and since 2010, by 11.1%. The town’s poverty rate is high, its median income is poor, and its level of education is low. In addition, Dillon is well-known for its run-down public schools, which have been the focus of an ongoing legal dispute due to a lack of resources and infrastructure.
Marion
The county seat of Marion County, which has a high percentage of poverty and slow population growth, is Marion. Between 2000 and 2010, the town’s population has decreased by 16.9% and 10.6%, respectively. The town’s poverty rate is high, its median income is poor, and its level of education is low. Marion is also prone to flooding, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Florence (2018), which resulted in significant destruction and forced relocation.
Mullins
Marion County, where Mullins is located, has a low pace of population growth and a high rate of poverty. Between 2000 and 2010, the town’s population has decreased by 18.6% and 10.3%, respectively. The town’s poverty rate is high, its median income is poor, and its level of education is low. The collapse of the tobacco business, which formerly provided Mullins with the majority of its jobs and revenue, has an impact on the company as well.
Union
Union serves as the county seat of Union County, a county characterised by moderate population growth and a high percentage of poverty. Between 2000 and 2010, the town’s population has decreased by 15.8% and 9.6%, respectively. The town’s poverty rate is high, its median income is poor, and its level of education is low. The loss of manufacturing employment that have been automated or outsourced over time has also affected Union.
Conclusion
The difficulties that some rural and small-town communities in South Carolina and around the country encounter are exemplified by these seven places. They are having difficulty drawing and keeping citizens, offering sufficient opportunities and services, and adapting to the ever-changing environmental and economic landscape. Some towns might be resilient or have room to grow, while others might experience further decline or abandonment. These communities serve as a reminder of the problems facing rural and small-town America, which demand greater focus and funding from the federal, state, and nonprofit sectors.
