RANK #667 / 996 NAT · #14 / 24 SC · POP 69,309
1YR FORECAST: +0.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +20%
Greenwood County, South Carolina, is often recognized for its historical significance, particularly the Ninety Six National Historic Site, which was the location of two Revolutionary War battles. Situated in the Upstate region, Greenwood County is about an hour's drive from larger cities like Greenville and Columbia, making commutes to these urban centers feasible. The community offers a blend of small-town atmosphere and access to natural beauty, including the 11,000-acre Lake Greenwood, which provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The county also features various parks and trails for outdoor recreation.
Life in Greenwood County is characterized by a lower cost of living compared to national and state averages, which can appeal to families and individuals seeking affordability. The county's economy has a notable manufacturing presence, with approximately 26% of the local workforce employed in this sector. Educational institutions like Lander University and Piedmont Technical College contribute to a skilled workforce and provide local higher education opportunities. Recent economic developments include investments in commercial and residential projects, as well as growth in the energy, manufacturing, and life sciences sectors.
Above national median
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.7x — home prices are low 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Old 8 Golf Course Community
Undisclosed Developer
|
$400M | Proposed |
|
ES Foundry Solar Cell Manufacturing Facility
ES Foundry
|
$150M | Operating |
|
Bradley PV1 Solar Electric Power Plant
Ecoplexus
|
$97M | Completed |
|
Pine Gate Renewables Community Solar Portfolio (13 projects)
Pine Gate Renewables
|
$26M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
At 32/100, Greenwood County faces headwinds that place it in the lower third of the 996 counties we track. Median income of $47,553 combined with job growth of +0.3% suggests the local economy is struggling to keep pace with national trends.
Housing in Greenwood County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $144,000 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.33, with rents averaging $849/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Greenwood County are both close to flat — population -0.0% YoY and jobs +0.3%. Home values shifted -2.6% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.21% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Greenwood County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.