RANK #709 / 996 · POP 162,139 · SC
PROJECTED GROWTH: -0.0%
Summerville, often called "Flowertown in the Pines," stands out in Dorchester County, South Carolina, known for its historic charm and abundant azaleas. Located about 25 miles from Charleston, the county offers a quieter pace of life while maintaining access to urban amenities. Commuting to Charleston is common, and public transportation options like TriCounty Link serve the area. The county's natural beauty includes the Ashley River, a State Scenic River, and numerous parks like Ashley River Park and Givhans Ferry State Park, providing opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching.
Dorchester County appeals to families and professionals seeking a balance of community and economic opportunity. The public school districts in Dorchester County are recognized, with Dorchester School District Two being particularly highly rated. The local economy sees growth in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, industrial logistics, and technology, attracting investment and creating jobs. This economic activity, combined with a focus on preserving natural spaces, shapes the lifestyle for residents.
Overvalued relative to economy
Prices declining
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (13x)
Housing looks overvalued at 8.4x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Data Center Campuses (Pine Hill Business Campus & Winding Woods Commerce Park)
Google
|
$2,000M | Under Construction |
|
Electric Motor Production Expansion (Bosch)
Robert Bosch, LLC
|
$260M | Operating |
|
Cold Storage & Logistics Facility
Arcadia Cold Storage & Logistics
|
$70M | Operating |
|
Same-Day Delivery Facility (Jedburg Logistics Park)
Amazon
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Forklift Manufacturing Expansion
KION North America
|
$40M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Dorchester County has a Boom Town Index score of 29/100, ranking #709 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +5.2% and a median household income of $73,686, it faces some economic headwinds compared to faster-growing counties.
The median home value in Dorchester County is $273,000 with median rent at $1,259/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.2699, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +1.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +5.2%. Home values changed -0.8% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 5.25% of Dorchester County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.