The best reflection of the shift in South Carolina's population since the 1950s is the significant increase in urbanization and suburbanization. During this time period, there has been a major shift from rural areas to urban and suburban areas as more people have moved to cities and their surrounding areas for employment opportunities and a higher quality of life. This shift has led to the growth of cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, while rural areas have experienced population decline. Additionally, there has been an influx of retirees and people seeking a warmer climate, contributing to the population growth in coastal regions like Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head. Overall, the state's population has become more concentrated in urban and suburban areas, with rural areas experiencing slower population growth or decline.
