RANK #614 / 996 · POP 204,592 · SC
PROJECTED GROWTH: +0.3%
Anderson County, South Carolina, known as the "Electric City," earned its nickname for being one of the first cities in the Southeast powered by electricity from a hydroelectric plant in the late 19th century. Located in the state's Upstate region, it sits about 30 miles southwest of Greenville, offering a blend of small-town character with access to larger city conveniences. The county is bordered by the Savannah River and Lake Hartwell, a 55,000-acre reservoir with nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline, providing extensive opportunities for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Commuting within the county and to nearby hubs like Clemson is generally manageable, with well-maintained roads and access to Interstate 85.
Life in Anderson County offers a slower pace, attracting families, professionals, and retirees. The community emphasizes its history and local businesses, with various events and cultural experiences throughout the year. Public schools in Anderson County are highly rated, and higher education opportunities are available through Anderson University and Tri-County Technical College. The economy is experiencing growth, driven by investments in advanced manufacturing, energy, and commercial and residential development. This economic activity contributes to a job market that allows many residents to live and work within the county or commute short distances.
Above national median (4.7x)
Above national median
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.8x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
New Natural Gas Plant (1,365 MW)
Duke Energy
|
$3,200M | Planned |
|
Anderson Lake Mixed-Use Community (1,250 acres)
Dunean Capital Management
|
$500M | Proposed |
|
Techtronic Industries (TTI) Innovation Center Expansion
Techtronic Industries (TTI)
|
$75M | Completed |
|
Cypress Creek Renewables Solar Facility (50 MW)
Cypress Creek Renewables
|
$68M | Completed |
|
GDA Data Center
GDA
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Anderson Civic Center Battery Storage Project (5 MW)
Duke Energy Carolinas
|
$50M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Anderson County has a Boom Town Index score of 38/100, ranking #614 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.7% and a median household income of $62,347, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Anderson County is $189,400 with median rent at $904/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3292, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.7%. Home values changed +1.1% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.03% of Anderson County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.