RANK #17 / 1001 NAT · #1 / 24 SC · POP 69,489
1YR FORECAST: +3.8%
5YR OUTLOOK: +8%
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.
Greenwood County's data profile doesn't fit any single market profile cleanly — its housing, labor, and demographic signals pull in different directions (home prices -0.5% YoY, population +0.2%, wages +3.2%). About 414 U.S. counties show this kind of mixed-signal pattern.
See all 414 Idiosyncratic Markets counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.1x — 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: 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 1001 counties.
Greenwood County ranks #17 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 98/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +1.7% and a median household income of $52,830 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Greenwood County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $180,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.29, with rents averaging $898/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Employers in Greenwood County are hiring — job growth of +1.7% — but the population is close to flat (+0.2% YoY). Home values moved -0.5% over the past year. Labor demand is outpacing local population growth, which tends to tighten wages and housing.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.15% 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.