RANK #835 / 1001 NAT · #21 / 24 SC · POP 210,478
1YR FORECAST: +0.2%
5YR OUTLOOK: +14%
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.
Anderson County is one of 35 U.S. counties in this market profile — weaker than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +1.6% matches the profile's typical +1.4%.
See all 35 Secondary Market Surge counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below national median
Moderate climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 12.4x — home prices are high 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.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Anderson County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties.
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 1001 counties.
The data is not encouraging — Anderson County scores just 16/100 on the Boom Town Index, ranking #835 of 1001 counties. median household income of $66,651 reflect an economy that has been contracting or stagnating relative to the rest of the country.
Housing in Anderson County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $231,900 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $989/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Anderson County's population is growing — up +1.6% YoY — while the job market is roughly flat (employment change of 0.0%). Home values shifted +1.6% over the past year. In-migration is outpacing local hiring, which often points to remote workers or retirees driving the headcount.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 2.75% 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.