The Southeast

The Southeast

Tired of that snow shovel and gray skies? Join the crowd and trade them in for a glass of iced tea—sweet tea, that is—amidst rows of Palmetto trees.

How sweet it is
The Southeast is currently one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, with South Carolina one of the top 10 destinations in percent-change of population. Known for hospitality and grace, the Southeast also offers scenic mountain views, majestic lakes, endless miles of sandy beaches, and thousands of golf courses.

Southern exposure on the rise
A March 2008 U.S. Census Bureau report shows that 70 of the top 100 fast-growing counties in the nation are from the South. The region now accounts for 36 percent of the nation’s total population, according to a December 2006 Census report. The South grew by more than 1.5 million people between July 1, 2005, and July 1, 2006—some 515,000 more than the West during the same period. Those numbers will only grow in the next 20-plus years, projections show.

The affordability and beauty of the region draw many individuals and businesses to the area. In a February 2007 report by Forbes magazine, 12 of the top 22 “Best Cities for Jobs” were located in the Southeast. Columbia was ranked No. 50 of the 100 listed cities, up 13 spots from the previous ranking. In cost of living, it was No. 37.

Cha-ching is the thing
By almost any measure—at least those from the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics—the South is by far the healthiest region economically. The civilian labor force in March 2007 was 54,802,700, fully 19 million more than the West region.

The unemployment rate was lower. The consumer price index—a measure akin to cost of living—is from 13 to 21 points lower than the West and Northeast. Total compensation and wages—and 12-month growth in both—is higher in the South.

More fore! your money
Housing is the most affordable in the South and Southeast. South Carolina, Tennessee, Louisiana, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas are among the 12-lowest states in terms of median monthly housing costs, according to Census data.

With more disposable income, residents might find their way to one of the region’s many golf courses—Golf.com shows nearly 2,300 in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida alone.

Golf Digest’s “America’s 100 Greatest Courses” lists 17 from those states, including South Carolina’s Ocean Course on Kiawah Island (No. 38), Long Cove Club (No. 78) in Hilton Head, Sage Valley Golf Club (No. 91) near Aiken, Harbour Town Golf Links (No. 93) in Hilton Head, and the Kiawah Island Club (No. 98).

GOLF Magazine offers a slightly different take with three "best of" lists. Among the top 100 U.S. courses are five from South Carolina: Ocean Course (No. 28), Harbour Town (No. 40), Yeamans Hall in Hanahan (No. 60), Long Cove (No. 88), and Briar's Creek (No. 90) on John's Island. The Ocean Course is also ranked No. 48 in the list of the top 100 courses in the world, with Harbour Town at No. 70.

And, rankings aside, what may be most important is that many of the state's top courses are not private. Golf.com's list of "Top 100 Courses You Can Play" includes five from South Carolina, most notably the aforementioned Ocean Course (No. 3) on Kiawah Island and Harbour Town (No. 15).

 

Southeast Links

Statistics + Rankings
“Best Cities for Jobs,” including cost-of-living ranking
Forbes magazine, February 2007

Fastest-growing U.S. counties
U.S. Census, March 2008

South Carolina Population Data
U.S. Census, December 2006

Workforce, unemployment, consumer price index, total compensation and wages
Bureau of Labor Statistics, through March 2007

Regional population changes, July 1, 2005-July 1, 2006
U.S. Census, December 2006

Population projections for 2030
U.S. Census, April 2005

Median monthly housing costs
U.S. Census Bureau, American FactFinder, 2005

Recreation
S.C. golf course listings
Golf.com

Top 100 Courses in U.S / Top 100 Courses in the World / Top 100 Courses You Can Play
Golf.com/GOLF Magazine

America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses, 2007-2008
Golf Digest

Organizations
Southern Growth Policies Board
Develops and advances economic development policies working with region’s governors, legislators, business, and academic leaders

Southern Economic Development Council
Largest regional economic development association in North America, offering innovative, professional economic development

Growing Population in the Southeast

The Southeast grew by more than 1.5 million people between July, 2005, and July, 2006—some 515,000 more than the West during the same period.