RANK #580 / 996 NAT · #12 / 24 SC · POP 204,592
1YR FORECAST: +0.7%
5YR OUTLOOK: +22%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 scores 41/100 on the Boom Town Index, landing in the middle of the pack among 996 U.S. counties (#580). Median household income is $62,347 and job growth is running at +1.7%. The data points to a county with mixed signals — some positive indicators alongside areas that lag faster-growing peers.
Housing in Anderson County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $189,400 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $904/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Anderson County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.2% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +1.7% clip. Home values shifted +1.1% in the past year.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.03% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Anderson County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.