News Summary
Myrtle Beach, S.C., has become a prime retirement destination, witnessing a 6.3% increase in its senior population. With a 22% surge over the decade, seniors now represent over 25% of the city’s residents. The area’s changes focus on attracting retirees with its favorable climate and recreational opportunities, contrasting with national trends that show a slower growth of the senior population. Myrtle Beach’s rapid growth positions it as an exciting option for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle, making it a top choice for retirees.
Myrtle Beach Emerges as a Top Retirement Destination with Record Growth in Senior Population
Myrtle Beach, S.C., has recently emerged as a leading destination for retirees, experiencing remarkable growth in its senior population. Last year, the metropolitan area saw a 6.3% increase in residents aged 65 years and older, making it the fastest-growing metro area for seniors in the United States.
Over the course of the 2020s, the senior population in Myrtle Beach has surged by over 22%, marking the highest rate of growth for older adults in the country during this decade. Currently, seniors account for more than 25% of the approximately 413,000 residents in the Myrtle Beach metro area, which indicates a significant demographic shift in the region.
This transformation from what was once a bustling beach destination known for its budget-friendly attractions and biker rallies has been significant. Local officials aimed to address noise and traffic concerns associated with those events, pivoting the area towards becoming a haven for retirees seeking a more peaceful lifestyle.
Factors Driving Senior Relocation
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has driven many older individuals from northeastern states, including Ohio and New York, to consider moving to Myrtle Beach for an improved retirement experience. The favorable climate, low tax rates, and abundant recreational opportunities in the area contribute to this shift, attracting seniors seeking a relaxed lifestyle by the beach.
In contrast to Myrtle Beach’s growth, the overall population of the U.S. aged 65 years and older grew by 3.1% last year, while populations under 18 years decreased by 0.2%. This reflects a broader trend where the proportion of seniors in the U.S. has increased from 12.4% two decades ago to 18% today, alongside a decline in the share of children from 25% to 21.5%.
Wider Demographic Trends
As of 2020, only three states—Maine, Vermont, and Florida—had more older adults than children. However, recent demographic estimates indicate that several other states, including Delaware, Hawaii, and Montana, have also started to reflect this trend, highlighting a shift in population dynamics across the country.
In additional demographic insights, the Hispanic population in the U.S. reached 20% last year, significantly bolstered by migration. Growth rates for Black and Asian populations also continued, with notable increases observed in metropolitan areas like Houston, New York, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Meanwhile, the non-Hispanic white population saw a slight decline for the first time, a shift primarily attributed to deaths outpacing births.
Myrtle Beach’s Ranking and Future Outlook
According to a MarketBeat survey, Myrtle Beach ranks No. 2 out of 175 locations for active retirees, trailing only Lihue, Hawaii. Additionally, the Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach area has been identified as the fastest-growing population center for older adults in the U.S., with a remarkable 23.1% increase in senior residents from April 2020 to July 2023.
As Myrtle Beach continues to develop its identity as a premier retirement location, the trends suggest that the influx of seniors will likely persist. The combination of a desirable climate, favorable tax conditions, and an abundance of recreational opportunities positions the area as an attractive choice for retirees seeking a vibrant and engaging lifestyle.
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Additional Resources
- Live Now Fox: Myrtle Beach Senior Population Growth
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local Senior Population News
- Post and Courier: Charleston Region Population Growth
- Wikipedia: Demographics of the United States
- Google Search: Myrtle Beach Retirement Destination
