Summerville
RANK #727 / 996 NAT · #17 / 24 SC · POP 162,139
1YR FORECAST: -0.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +18%
Summerville, often called "Flowertown in the Pines," stands out in Dorchester County, South Carolina, known for its historic charm and abundant azaleas. Located about 25 miles from Charleston, the county offers a quieter pace of life while maintaining access to urban amenities. Commuting to Charleston is common, and public transportation options like TriCounty Link serve the area. The county's natural beauty includes the Ashley River, a State Scenic River, and numerous parks like Ashley River Park and Givhans Ferry State Park, providing opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching.
Dorchester County appeals to families and professionals seeking a balance of community and economic opportunity. The public school districts in Dorchester County are recognized, with Dorchester School District Two being particularly highly rated. The local economy sees growth in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, industrial logistics, and technology, attracting investment and creating jobs. This economic activity, combined with a focus on preserving natural spaces, shapes the lifestyle for residents.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.4x — 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.
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 →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Center Campuses (Pine Hill Business Campus & Winding Woods Commerce Park)
Google
|
$2,000M | Under Construction |
|
Electric Motor Production Expansion (Bosch)
Robert Bosch, LLC
|
$260M | Operating |
|
Cold Storage & Logistics Facility
Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics
|
$70M | Operating |
|
Same-Day Delivery Facility (Jedburg Logistics Park)
Amazon
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Forklift Manufacturing Expansion
KION North America
|
$40M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 26/100, Dorchester County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $73,686 combined with job growth of +5.2% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Dorchester County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $273,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.27, with rents averaging $1,259/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Dorchester County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.2% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +5.2% clip. Home values shifted -0.8% in the past year.
In significant numbers — 5.25% of Dorchester County's current population relocated from another state, well above the national norm. That level of in-migration usually signals a county where jobs, affordability, or quality of life are pulling people in from elsewhere.