County Profiles

County-level workforce and labor statistics for the Charleston Region are available through CRDA’s Data Center, which provides detailed information on employment, labor force size, industry composition, demographics, and growth trends. These insights allow businesses to evaluate each county individually while understanding how they function within a shared regional labor market.

Across the region, businesses gain access to a labor force that has grown three times faster than the U.S. average since 2010, with a notably young talent base and 41% of residents holding at least a bachelor’s degree — outpacing the national average and supporting sustained business growth.

The Charleston metro area brings together distinct communities that collectively shape one of South Carolina’s most dynamic population centers.

• Charleston County anchors the region with roughly 430,000 residents. The City of Charleston has a population of roughly 150,000 residents, making it the largest city in South Carolina, with the county’s cities of North Charleston and Mount Pleasant also making the top five. Nearly half of the population falls between ages 20 and 60, supporting a deep, prime-age workforce with strong representation across healthcare, business, and technology professions.
• Berkeley County is the region’s second-largest county, with a population nearing 260,000 and one of South Carolina’s most diverse demographic profiles. It is also the state’s fourth fastest-growing county as of 2026 — adding nearly 50,000 residents since 2020. Goose Creek, SC, the fifth-largest city in the region, is home to approximately 50,000 residents and continues to attract young families and working professionals.
• The largest town in Dorchester County is Summerville, SC, with a population of approximately 52,000. Summerville sits just 24 miles from downtown Charleston and is known as a Tree City USA community. The town also supports major employers like automotive component manufacturer Robert Bosch LLC, which employs nearly 2,000 people locally.

Our three growing counties continue to build the South Carolina economy with strategic direction and sustainable infrastructure.

Affordable suburbs and towns around Charleston, SC offer real value for families and professionals seeking space, lower housing costs, and easy access to jobs and amenities. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly neighborhood with great schools or a small-town atmosphere for the budget-conscious, you can find it in the Charleston region.

Communities also benefit from practical advantages: lower property prices and rents, more single-family availability, and easier parking and transit access. For relocating employees and growing families, suburbs throughout the Charleston region balance affordability with quality-of-life features like parks, local dining, and community events — all while keeping the region’s economic opportunities within reach.