New Census Estimates Show Movers Swelling Population in Small Southeast Counties

Why It Matters

Population shifts across North Carolina and the broader Southeast are reshaping local infrastructure, housing markets, and economic development priorities. New U.S. Census Bureau estimates released this week reveal that small counties in the region are experiencing dramatic growth driven primarily by domestic migration—people relocating from larger metropolitan areas and distant states. These demographic changes carry immediate implications for water systems, transportation networks, and housing availability in counties unprepared for rapid expansion.

The data underscores a nationwide trend of population decentralization, with Americans increasingly choosing smaller counties and communities over traditional urban centers. North Carolina’s Brunswick County exemplifies this shift, gaining nearly 5% of its population in a single year almost entirely through in-migration.

What Happened

The U.S. Census Bureau released population estimates for mid-2024 through mid-2025 showing explosive growth in small Southeast counties. Jasper County, South Carolina, emerged as the nation’s fastest-growing county by percentage, expanding 6% to reach 38,533 residents. The surge follows an even faster growth rate of 6.9% the previous year.

Jasper County’s boom reflects multiple economic drivers. A building boom near Hilton Head, the arrival of new residents from New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and other states, and targeted development for retirees and factory workers are fueling the expansion. The Latitude Margaritaville retirement community in Hardeeville, designed for residents 55 and older, has become a major draw. Manufacturing facilities like TICO, which produces specialized trucks for nearby ports, are also attracting workers seeking affordable living costs and recreational opportunities.

North Carolina’s Brunswick County, located at the state’s southeastern tip below Wilmington, experienced similar dynamics. The county would have experienced population decline—driven by more deaths than births—without substantial in-migration. Instead, it gained nearly 5%, reversing what would have been a negative natural growth trend.

Across the 12 counties nationwide that grew 4% or more during this period, domestic migration accounted for the overwhelming majority of population gains. These counties cluster at the outer edges of major metropolitan areas, including Kaufman County near Dallas, Jackson County near Athens, Georgia, and Elbert County near Denver and Colorado Springs.

By the Numbers

Jasper County, South Carolina: 6% population growth in one year, reaching 38,533 residents. The county grew 6.9% the previous year, maintaining status as the nation’s fastest-growing county by percentage.

Brunswick County, North Carolina: Nearly 5% population growth driven almost entirely by in-migration, offsetting natural population decline caused by excess deaths over births.

12 fastest-growing counties: All counties expanding 4% or more between mid-2024 and mid-2025 were driven predominantly by domestic migration rather than natural population increase.

Harris County, Texas: The highest numeric population growth in the nation at 48,795 residents in one year, though this growth was partly driven by immigration rather than solely domestic relocation.

Previous year comparison: Mellette County in South Dakota slightly outpaced Jasper County’s growth rate in 2023-2024, demonstrating the competitive nature of county-level growth rankings.

Zoom Out

The census data reflects a broader national pattern of population decentralization accelerated by remote work adoption, rising urban housing costs, and quality-of-life preferences. The Southeast, with its lower cost of living, recreational amenities, and expanding economic opportunities, has become a primary destination for domestic migrants.

Retirement communities like Latitude Margaritaville represent a growing nationwide trend of age-restricted developments marketed to affluent Baby Boomers seeking affordable warm-weather locations. These communities are expanding in multiple states as aging populations seek alternatives to expensive coastal metros.

Harris County’s inclusion in the fastest-growing counties list, however, shows that immigration—both legal and undocumented—continues to drive growth in major metropolitan areas, particularly in Texas. This distinguishes large urban counties from smaller, outer-suburban counties where domestic relocation dominates.

What’s Next

Jasper County officials acknowledge that continued rapid growth demands immediate infrastructure investment. County Development Services Director Eric Larson noted that expansion requires enhanced transportation capacity, water systems, and sewer infrastructure. Local governments must balance welcoming new residents with ensuring adequate public services.

Brunswick County and other fast-growing North Carolina counties will likely face similar pressures. Planning departments will need to accelerate housing development approvals while managing environmental and infrastructure concerns. State and local leaders may pursue funding for transportation and utility upgrades to accommodate sustained migration.

The Census Bureau will continue releasing detailed migration data throughout the year, providing additional insights into which counties are gaining and losing residents. This information will shape regional economic development strategies and infrastructure planning for years ahead.