Grand Strand listed as 2nd fastest growing area in nation, US Census says

WASHINGTON, DC (WBTW) – The United States Census Bureau listed the Grand Strand as the second-fastest growing metro area in the nation.

According to a press release, the Carolinas were home to four of the nation’s 20 fastest-growing metro areas between 2013 and 2014: Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, S.C.-N.C. (second); Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, S.C. (13th); Raleigh, N.C. (15th); and Charleston-North Charleston, S.C. (17th).

The Villages, located to the west of the Orlando metro area, was listed #1 and grew by 5.4 percent between July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2014, to reach a population of about 114,000.

Horry County Planning Director Janet Carter said the ranking is not a surprise.

“We’re seeing quite a bit of commercial development to service the population,” she said.

Residential development is also on the rise. According to Carter, the two most popular areas are Carolina Forest and the Burgess community. 

The steady growth could be due largely to the increasing number of retirees. The 2013 U.S. Census reports 19.6% of residents in Horry County are over 65 years old.

“Most of my clients are late 50’s, early 60’s. They’re looking to downsize and live in a nice climate,” said Gary Falconer with Watermark Real Estate Group.

Carter said Horry County tries to plan ahead and the three major areas of improvement being roads, bike and pedestrian safety, and recreation. However, development comes at a price.

“We’ve had 1% growth in revenues, but 2% growth in expenses, so finding money to pay for all of this growth is some that is a constant challenge,” said Carter.

 The 20 Fastest-Growing Metro Areas from July 1, 2013, to July 1, 2014