News Summary

Spartanburg, SC, shows a modest 2% population growth from 2020 to 2024, significantly trailing the 10% increase experienced by 12 neighboring municipalities. Greer leads with a remarkable 31% growth during the same period, reflecting challenges in attracting new residents. Factors like limited available land, annexation difficulties, and rising development costs hinder Spartanburg’s growth. Despite ongoing development projects, community leaders advocate for sustainable growth while many residents express positive sentiments about current trends, highlighting a collective optimism for the city’s future.

Spartanburg’s Population Growth Trails Behind Neighboring Municipalities Despite Regional Surge

Spartanburg, South Carolina has experienced a modest 2% population growth from 2020 to 2024, far below the 10% increase seen in all 12 neighboring municipalities within Spartanburg County during the same period. In contrast, the overall population of Spartanburg County has increased by 13%, highlighting a notable disparity in growth rates.

Among the neighboring cities, Greer has led the population surge, growing by an impressive 31% in just four years, which adds over 10,000 new residents. With close to 1,000 new residents gained by Spartanburg, the city now has almost 7,000 fewer residents than Greer, reflecting the challenges it faces in attracting new inhabitants.

Comparative Growth Rates of Nearby Cities

Spartanburg’s growth is notably lower than that of other nearby municipalities. For example, Anderson and Greenville have seen increases of 5% since 2020, while Charleston and Columbia report growth rates of 5% and 6%, respectively. Despite these slower growth rates, Spartanburg’s metro area ranks as the 10th fastest-growing metro area in the nation from July 2023 to July 2024, showing a 2.7% growth rate.

Factors Hindering Population Growth

Several factors contribute to Spartanburg’s sluggish population growth. A key issue is the lack of undeveloped space around the city, which limits new housing developments. Additionally, the city faces limited annexation capabilities following the transfer of its sewer system control to the Spartanburg Sanitary Sewer District in 2008. The city does not own its water system, further complicating annexation efforts.

Real estate professionals note that there are few lots available for development or subdivision, making it challenging to respond to housing needs effectively. Rising costs for existing land also deter new construction, leading to a competitive market for developers.

Future Development Plans

In anticipation of future growth, the city is currently overseeing the construction of a 174-unit apartment complex near Union Street. Plans are also underway to fill downtown Spartanburg with dense apartments, offices, and hotels to attract more residents. Community and business leaders stress the importance of a thriving downtown, which relies on an increased residential population to support local businesses.

Community Perspectives on Growth

While some community members express frustration over the slow growth, advocating for rapid population increases to bolster the local economy and tax base, city leadership has committed to a vision of smart, sustainable growth. City Manager Chris Story emphasizes that the focus will remain on serving existing residents and stakeholders, rather than pursuing aggressive expansion.

Even in the face of slower growth, many residents view Spartanburg’s current increase in population positively. Local businesses have experienced heightened traffic and support, especially among restaurants and retail establishments, suggesting that the growth being achieved is supportive of the community’s needs.

Conclusion

As Spartanburg continues to navigate its population dynamics, city leadership remains optimistic about fostering a vibrant urban community reminiscent of its historical past. With ongoing development projects and a focused approach to sustainability, Spartanburg aims to enhance both its appeal and its growth trajectory in the years to come.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Slower Population Growth in Spartanburg
• WSPA: Spartanburg Among Fastest Growing Metro Areas
• Go Upstate: Spartanburg and Population Growth
• WYFF: Census Data Shows Upstate Counties Lead in Growth
• Greenville Online: South Carolina Population Growth
• Wikipedia: Population Growth
• Google Search: Spartanburg Population Growth News
• Google Scholar: Spartanburg Population Growth
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Population Growth
• Google News: Spartanburg Population Growth

Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG

The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.