U.S. homebuyers flock to Greenville South Carolina as population grows 4.1%

U.S. homebuyers are flocking to a fast-growing city nestled within South Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, according to data from the Census Bureau.

The population of Greenville, which has become a regional business and manufacturing center, has risen from about 70,720 in the 2020 census to an estimated 74,371 in 2024, representing a roughly 4.1% increase in four years, according to Census Bureau estimates.

This rise comes despite the lack of movement in the housing market due to high borrowing costs and limited inventory in many areas. Also, because of the so-called “lock-in” effect, which refers to homeowners staying put because current mortgage rates are much lower than current market rates.

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But according to the Greenville Area Development Corporation, the area has become home to major employers in manufacturing, technology and aerospace over the years, making it even more attractive to potential homeowners and businesses.

For example, BMW has automotive operations in nearby Spartanburg County. Michelin North America’s headquarters are located in Greenville along with a major aviation operations center for Lockheed Martin. GE Aerospace facilities are also located in the area, enhancing the economic appeal.

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“For the better part of four decades, Greenville County has exerted significant effort in strengthening external and internal relationships resulting in continued economic growth,” according to the Greenville Area Development Corporation website.

Buildings in Greenville, South Carolina. (Getty Images)

Realtor.com Chief Economist Joel Berner emphasized how Greenville’s “strong economic growth has led to a housing market that looks much different than much of the rest of the South, with prices falling in many metro areas.”

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Due to strong demand for homes in Greenville, listing prices rose 5.4% year-over-year in November, according to Berner.

However, even with that high and a median price of $369,000, Berner noted, “the Greenville metro area is still affordable for buyers on a budget.” He also noted that the number of homes for sale increased by 22.4% year-on-year.

A flag waves in the breeze outside Michelin’s North American headquarters in Greenville, South Carolina on Thursday, November 29, 2007. South Carolina has embraced foreign investment, with companies from BMW to Hitachi Ltd. transforming the state by simply doing so. (Chris Kane/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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About 8.2% more properties sold in September 2025 than in September 2024, according to Realtor.com data.

“So there are a lot of options available to buyers in the resale and new construction sectors,” Berner added.