|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
by WILL FOLKS
***
South Carolina is forecast to see significant population growth over the next quarter century – putting additional strain on the state’s outdated infrastructure and its antiquated, dysfunctional state government.
The Palmetto State is bracing for an influx of 690,000 new citizens over the coming twenty-five years, according to recent data from the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia. Should that projection hold, South Carolina would rank No. 15 nationally in terms of its overall population growth over that period.
On a percentage basis, the Palmetto State’s population is forecast to grow by 13% – which would rank it No. 13 nationally.
Here’s a visualization of the data courtesy of Dorothy Neufeld…
***
***
If the numbers pan out, South Carolina’s projected population growth would narrowly outpace that of neighboring North Carolina on a percentage basis, although the Tar Heel State is expected to see 1.2 million new citizens between now and 2050 (an 11% increase over its current population).
Neighboring Georgia is in line to welcome 1.7 million new citizens – a 15% increase – while Florida is expecting a whopping 5.1 million new residents (a 22% surge). Florida’s projected population growth ranks second nationally to Texas, which is forecast to add a staggering 8.6 million new residents over the next quarter century – a 27% growth rate.
On a percentage basis, Utah leads the nation with a projected 35% surge in its population between now and the mid-point of the century.
***
Most states (33) are projected to add residents prior to 2050 – contributing to an overall 32 million (9%) uptick in America’s population. However, a total of 18 states are in line to experience varying degrees of shrinkage.
Leading the nation in projected population loss is Illinois, which is forecast to lose 1.1 million residents (or 8% of its current citizenry) over the next twenty-five years. The Land of Lincoln is followed closely by Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania, which are in line to lose more than 400,000 residents apiece over that time frame. Assuming those numbers are accurate, Michigan and Ohio would shed 4% of their current population while Pennsylvania would lose 3% of its population.
On a percentage basis, West Virginia is forecast to see the steepest population decline over the coming half-century (-15%), followed by Mississippi (9%).
Is South Carolina poised to handle its upcoming influx of new people? In a word, “no.” Thanks to decades of corruption, cronyism and inefficiency at the municipal, county and state level, the Palmetto State has been stuck behind the eight ball in addressing core infrastructure challenges – with its “leaders” just now working to unclog key bottlenecks that should have been dealt with decades ago.
That means politicians are likely to continue playing catch-up as the next wave of growth arrives…
Speaking of politics, it also remains to be seen whether South Carolina’s anticipated population uptick will translate into expanded clout in Washington, D.C. Recent population growth – while robust – has not been sufficiently strong to qualify the Palmetto State for a new congressional district. According to the latest projections from the American Redistricting Project, Texas and Florida are currently expected to add four (4) seats apiece in the U.S. Congress following the 2030 decennial census – with Arizona, Idaho and Utah expected to add one (1) seat apiece. Conversely, California (-3), New York (-2), Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Illinois, Oregon and Wisconsin (-1 apiece) are all projected to lose congressional representation following the next census.
***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR…
Will Folks is the founding editor of the news outlet you are currently reading. Prior to founding FITSNews, he served as press secretary to the governor of South Carolina. He lives in the Midlands region of the state with his wife and eight children.
***
WANNA SOUND OFF?
Got something you’d like to say in response to one of our articles? Or an issue you’d like to address proactively? We have an open microphone policy! Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. Got a tip for a story? CLICK HERE. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? CLICK HERE.
6 comments
There won’t be a surge if they read this blahg which repeatedly describes South Carolinians as dirt poor, dumb as a bag of hair, unhealthy, with corrupt judges, lousy schools, terrible labor participation, and high taxes. Who would want to move there with this rosy portrayal?
Another reason we don’t need Alan (never had an original thought) Wilson for Governor.
Let’s get Nancy Mace in there who will (a) understand the numbers (b) be bold enough to do what is needed and (c) keep costs in check.
All of ya’ll that don’t like her can’t deny her ability to multitask and get things done.
NANCY MACE FOR GOVERNOR
Nancy Maces Dad taught my best friends dad at the citadel, his Dad ended up becoming a very successful commanding officer and helicopter pilot who was attache’ in Mexico city, helped me write political speeches in my county commissioner campaign (unsuccessful) and he ended up writing legislation for the Dictator of equatorial of new Guinea. Very prominent military officer. He has expressed huge respect for Nancy Maces father and her.
So theres that.
Thank you.
Welp, get ready for an influx of more Boomers from the NE who spent their whole lives in Blue states to get the high pensions they offer and then retire here to bitch about “That is not the way we did it where I come from!”
Stop the import of Yankees, liberals and other carpetbaggers. SC is full and state leaders wont be happy until we are packed in like rats in a cage