April 28, 2022
By Jacki Renegar

Whoa! Reality check: More than 73% of the United States’ 3,000+ counties experienced more deaths than births in 2021, up from 45% in 2019 and 55% in 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s population estimates released in March 2022.

This factor is part of a combination of trends in our nation that global labor analytics firm, EMSI, is calling The Demographic Drought: “By 2030, the last baby boomers will have turned 65, and by 2034, older adults will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history.”

The aging workforce issue is not unique to the United States. It is a global issue.

Fortunately, all three of the Charleston Metro Area’s counties continue to experience more births than deaths.  And when combined with a continuous positive net migration rate, the Charleston Metro Area’s population grew by about 10,000 people last year, a 1.3% growth rate—compared to 0.1% growth nationwide. Our region’s official population estimate for 2021 is 813,052.

Our workforce growth and labor force participation rates are also higher than the U.S.’s, a positive trend that makes our region competitive in retaining, attracting and growing employers. Find out more details here.

Charleston is a destination for business, talent, investors, and entrepreneurs. Our region’s long-term steady and stable growth indicates the market can attract and retain the workforce businesses need to succeed. When the time is right for you, come be part of a community on the rise.

Contact us:

Jacki Renegar
Director, Research & Business Intelligence
843.212.8456 | Jacki Renegar