How Many Millionaires Live in South Carolina
The most recent public estimates indicate that South Carolina has tens of thousands of millionaire households, with the exact count varying by methodology and source. The state ranks in the middle tier nationally for millionaire concentration when measured by share of households, reflecting its mid sized population and mix of urban and rural areas. Data from research organizations and wealth reports, including analyses cited on sites like Forbes, show that millionaire households are concentrated in suburbs of major metros such as Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia Forbes.
These figures typically count households, not individuals, and define millionaires by net worth, meaning assets minus liabilities exceed one million dollars. Different surveys use different thresholds, so reported counts can differ, but the overall picture is a stable, mid level concentration of wealthy households in the state.
Where Millionaires Are Concentrated in South Carolina
Top Cities and Counties
Charleston County, Greenville County, and Richland County consistently appear among the areas with the highest number of millionaire households in South Carolina. These regions benefit from higher incomes, established neighborhoods, and proximity to business hubs, which support wealth accumulation Forbes.
Suburban communities near major employers, including companies in manufacturing, healthcare, and technology, tend to have higher concentrations of millionaire households. Coastal and mountain resort areas also attract wealthy residents, contributing to local wealth profiles that differ from inland rural counties.
How South Carolina Compares Nationally
Rankings and Benchmarks
South Carolina ranks below states with large financial centers such as New York, California, and Texas in total millionaire count, but its per capita and per household rates are closer to the national average. This reflects the state's moderate cost of living and diversified economy, which includes manufacturing, tourism, and agriculture alongside finance and technology sectors SEC.
Wealth concentration in South Carolina is influenced by factors such as retirement migration, business ownership, and proximity to major cities in the Southeast. Compared with neighboring states, the Palmetto State sits in a similar range, with growth in millionaire households tied to economic expansion in metro areas and the presence of high earning industries Forbes Advisor.