Page 16 - Florence County, SC Florence County 2032: Connecting Our Past, Defining Our Future

Existing County | Population

POPULATION

A review of key population indicators revealed a population boom in the 1970s and steady population growth in
Florence County since. Continued growth, and both the opportunities and challenges it brings to Florence County,
was a consistent theme heard during early engagement efforts for this Comprehensive Plan update. A common
sentiment expressed was the need to address growth challenges such as traffic impacts while ensuring that growth
is a positive for the residents both old and new. It was also expressed that not all areas of the County are
appropriate for continued growth, and indicated a strong desire to preserve the natural resource and quality of
life enjoyed in Florence County enjoyed by its citizens.

2020 Census Population
137,059

The 2020 US Census population of Florence County was 137,059, representing a slower growth rate than that of
the State of South Carolina since 2010. However, with 1,419 new housing starts between 2012 and 2020, Florence
County is certainly growing. In fact, Florence County has grown 9% since 2000 when Florence County's population
was 125,761 persons. Growth has slightly slowed in recent years in terms of new residents, but during leadership
meetings, it was noted that the “daytime population” of Florence County is even higher due to the presence of
many employees who work in Florence County but live elsewhere in the Pee Dee region. Being the economic
engine of the region not only impacts growth in Florence County, but also across the other Pee Dee counties. The
major employers in Florence County draw from the region at large with many employees traveling from nearby
counties to work.

Florence County, SC | Comprehensive Plan pg. 15