News Summary
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is witnessing a demographic shift with a 6.3% rise in its senior population over the past year, making it the fastest-growing area for retirees in the U.S. The city now accommodates over 25% seniors among its 413,000 residents, reflecting a growing trend of retirees relocating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Factors like low taxes and a favorable climate have contributed to its appeal as a retirement haven. As the senior population increases, Myrtle Beach evolves into a more tranquil, family-friendly environment, solidifying its status as a retirement hotspot.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is experiencing a significant demographic shift as its senior population (aged 65 and older) has increased by 6.3% over the past year, marking it as the fastest-growing metropolitan area for retirees in the United States, according to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. This growth reflects a broader national trend where the population of seniors is on the rise while the number of children is declining.
As of last year, seniors account for more than 25% of the total population in the Myrtle Beach metro area, which boasts approximately 413,000 residents. Over the past two decades, the area’s senior population has surged by more than 22%, shifting its image from a destination known for its nightlife to one increasingly favored by retirees seeking a peaceful environment.
The shift in demographics has been expedited by the COVID-19 pandemic, which encouraged retirees from states such as Ohio and New York to realize their ability to work remotely while enjoying a more favorable climate in Myrtle Beach. The city now is home to a quieter atmosphere with more family-friendly cafes, dining options, and recreational activities, including new facilities like pickleball courts.
Mark Kruea, a public information officer for Myrtle Beach, notes that factors such as low taxes, an agreeable climate, and a wide array of recreational opportunities make the area particularly attractive to retirees. In contrast, the national growth rate for seniors aged 65 and older increased by just 3.1% last year, indicating a notable trend toward retirement hotspots like Myrtle Beach.
National demographics have shown that in the past twenty years, the percentage of seniors in the U.S. has risen from 12.4% to 18%, while the share of the child population decreased from 25% to 21.5%. This trend is evidenced in several states, including Maine, Vermont, and Florida, where older populations have begun to outnumber children. Recently, states like Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia have also joined this group.
The median age in Maine is currently 44.8 years, the highest in the nation, while Utah maintains the youngest median age at 32.4 years. Moreover, the Hispanic population in the U.S. reached 20%, driven primarily by migration, contributing to the overall demographic changes within the country. Meanwhile, the non-Hispanic white population has seen a slight decline, though Myrtle Beach ranks among regions experiencing high growth in this demographic.
Migration trends indicate that both North Carolina and South Carolina continue to draw in retirees and individuals seeking a combination of affordable living, pleasant climates, and a variety of amenities. The Myrtle Beach area features numerous active adult communities, such as Myrtle Beach Golf & Yacht Club and Del Webb at Grande Dunes, catering to the increasing demand from senior citizens looking for suitable retirement options.
Other regions in South Carolina, like Georgetown, Spartanburg, and Hilton Head Island, as well as North Carolina towns such as Brevard and Asheville, also house many retirement communities, broadening the choices available to retirees seeking a new place to call home. Myrtle Beach’s continued appeal as a retirement destination highlights the evolving landscape of American demographics, emphasizing the increasing importance of age-friendly environments.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Insurance Journal
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Live Now Fox
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach senior population growth
- Ottumwa Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Myrtle Beach
- Kiplinger
- Google News: retiring to the Carolinas
- MSN
- Finance Buzz
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
