Census: Rock Hill Population Has Grown 33 Percent Since 2000

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York County's population grew by 37.3 percent, or 61,459 residents, since the last census was taken in 2000, according to U.S. Census figures released Wednesday. That's just behind Dorchester County, which grew 41.6 percent. Horry County was third at 37 percent.

Overall, the state grew by 613,352 people, or 15.3 percent. Lancaster County was the state's fifth-fastest growing county, gaining 15,301 residents for a 25 percent increase.

But Chester lost 928 residents, a 3 percent decrease.

With more than 226,000 residents, York County is South Carolina's seventh largest, data from the 2010 census show. Rock Hill, which grew 32.9 percent, was again the state's fifth most populous city with 66,154 residents.

Highlighted South Carolina Counties and their current population, according the 2010 census:

• York County: 226,073

• Lancaster County: 76,652

• Chesterfield County: 46,734

• Chester County: 33,140

• Union County: 28,961

York County's growth reflects the Charlotte region's popularity during the national housing boom of the early to mid- 2000s, which ultimately crashed and sent the economy into a tailspin.

Towns and communities near the North Carolina border grew at a blistering pace. The Lake Wylie area's population nearly tripled, while Tega Cay's growth rate was 88 percent.

Rock Hill-based demographer Jerome McKibben told the Rock Hill Herald, "That's (Charlotte) suburban growth." McKibben has advised school districts nationally. "There just happens to be a state line there," he said.

McKibben, who specializes in small area population projections, doesn't think York County's growth reflects the entire decade. Growth stagnated following the recession, he said.

Mark Farris, York County's economic development director, has noticed that trend. The number of housing permits issued annually has declined in recent years, he said.

In 2007, more than 2,800 building permits were issued for single-family homes in York County. That number fell to 1,001 in 2010.

"We saw it peaking at 2007," McKibben said. "It's been pretty much flat since."

• COMPLETE SC DATA: Census Bureau Delivers SC's 2010 Census Population Totals

• INTERACTIVE MAP: Check 2010 Census Data In Your State

• NC DATA: Charlotte Population Has Grown 35 Percent Since 2000

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