Where are Charlestonians from?

We’re diving into the data behind migration patterns in the Holy City.

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Have you ever thought about migration patterns in the Holy City?

Photo by @kimgrahamphoto

Be honest, are you from Charleston?

According to Migration Patterns — using data from the United States Census Bureau53% of Charleston residents were born and raised in the Holy City.

We poked around on the map, which shows where people moved between the ages 16 and 26, and found a few interesting facts:

  • Young transplants: 71% of residents who moved to Charleston by age 16 elected to stay through young adulthood.
    • Approximately 9% stayed in SC, with 3.1% moving to Columbia, 1.7% moving to the Charlotte Metro area on the border of the Carolinas, and 1.4% moving to Greenville.
    • Before age 26, approximately 20% left the state. Top destinations included Atlanta, Washington, DC, New York City, and Jacksonville.
  • Paradise found: 47% of Charleston residents came from outside of the city.
    • Approximately 12% moved from other areas of SC, with 2.9% relocating from Columbia, 2.1% from Greenville, and 1.9% from Florence.
    • Out-of-state relocation accounted for 35%, with the most common areas including Atlanta, Washington, DC, and New York City.

    View the Charleston map — or any other US city — for yourself.

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    Lexa is based in Charleston, SC where she began her work with 6AM City as CHStoday’s intern and City Editor before transitioning to Branded Copywriter. She recieved her B.S. in public relations from Syracuse University and has returned to pursue her Master’s degree. When she’s not writing, she’s at the beach, on the boat, or enjoying a local restaurant.