RANK #315 / 996 · POP 137,015 · SC
PROJECTED GROWTH: +1.5%
Florence County, South Carolina, is often recognized for its central location in the Pee Dee region and its historical ties to the railroad, which established the city of Florence as a transportation hub in the 1800s. Situated in east-central South Carolina, it's about an hour's drive from the beaches of Myrtle Beach and the state capital, Columbia, making it accessible for both coastal recreation and city amenities. The county offers a mix of urban and rural settings, with the Lynches River and Great Pee Dee River providing opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking, fishing, and hiking in parks such as Lynches River County Park.
Life in Florence County is characterized by a balance of affordability and access to necessary services. The public school system is generally rated as above average, with four school districts serving the county. Commute options include local bus services provided by the Pee Dee Regional Transportation Authority, though personal vehicles are common. The economy is experiencing growth, attracting new residents with its lower cost of living. Major investments are flowing into sectors such as industrial, logistics, and manufacturing, contributing to job creation and a growing labor market. Healthcare and education also represent significant employment sectors in the county.
Above national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing looks undervalued at 2.8x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
AESC EV Battery Gigafactory
AESC
|
$3,120M | Under Construction |
|
Cheney Brothers Distribution Facility
Cheney Brothers
|
$66M | Under Construction |
|
Florence County Solar Portfolio (multiple projects)
Various (Cypress Creek Renewables, Coronal Energy, NARENCO, SolRiver Capital LLC)
|
$50M | Operating |
|
Pamplico Natural Gas Pipeline (River Neck to Kingsburg)
Dominion Energy
|
$50M | Under Construction |
|
Innovative Construction Group Facility
Innovative Construction Group (ICG), a subsidiary of PulteGroup, Inc.
|
$36M | Completed |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Florence County has a Boom Town Index score of 68/100, ranking #315 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +1.5% and a median household income of $56,088, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Florence County is $157,400 with median rent at $871/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3563, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.2% year-over-year. Job growth: +1.5%. Home values changed +3.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 2.7% of Florence County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.