List of Cities in South Carolina Alphabetically

by btobers · Published August 21, 2024 · Updated November 11, 2024

South Carolina has around 270 incorporated cities and towns. The state capital is Columbia, which is also the second-largest city. The largest city in South Carolina is Charleston, known for its rich history and tourism. Other large cities include North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Rock Hill, Greenville, Summerville, Sumter, Goose Creek, Hilton Head Island, and Florence. South Carolina’s cities vary in size and economic focus, with Charleston being a hub for tourism and shipping, while Greenville is known for manufacturing and innovation. Many smaller towns are rooted in agriculture and local industries.

1. Charleston

City Facts

Population: Approximately 156,255 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 843, 854
Zip Codes: 29401–29425, 29492
County: Charleston County (partly Berkeley and Dorchester Counties)

Geography and History

Charleston, located on the southeastern coast of South Carolina along the Atlantic Ocean, is known for its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and deep-water harbor. The city has a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Founded in 1670 as Charles Town, Charleston became one of the wealthiest and largest cities in the American South due to its prominence in trade, agriculture, and slavery. It played a critical role in the American Revolution and later became the site of the first shots of the Civil War at Fort Sumter in 1861. After the war, the city struggled economically but preserved much of its historical architecture. In recent decades, Charleston has seen a revitalization, growing as a tourist destination and cultural hub, while its port remains one of the busiest on the East Coast.

Colleges and Universities

College of Charleston: A public liberal arts college located in the heart of the city, known for programs in business, education, and the sciences.
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina: A public military college offering undergraduate and graduate programs, known for its strong leadership and engineering programs.
Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC): A leading academic health sciences center offering degrees in medicine, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy.
Charleston Southern University: A private Christian university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees, particularly in business, education, and healthcare.
Trident Technical College: A community college offering associate degrees, technical certificates, and transfer programs in various fields, including healthcare and engineering.

Major Landmarks

Charleston is famous for its historic district, featuring antebellum homes, churches, and gardens. The Battery, a seawall and promenade along the harbor, offers views of Fort Sumter, where the Civil War began. Rainbow Row, a series of colorful historic homes, is one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. The Charleston City Market, established in the 1790s, is a bustling marketplace featuring local crafts, including sweetgrass baskets. Fort Sumter National Monument, accessible by ferry, commemorates the site of the first shots of the Civil War. The Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge spans the Cooper River and provides panoramic views of the city. Middleton Place, a plantation-turned-museum, offers a glimpse into Charleston’s antebellum past, with stunning gardens and historical exhibits.

2. Columbia

City Facts

Population: Approximately 137,541 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 803, 839
Zip Codes: 29201–29250
County: Richland County (partly in Lexington County)

Geography and History

Columbia, the capital of South Carolina, is located in the central part of the state, where the Saluda and Broad rivers merge to form the Congaree River. The city experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Columbia was founded in 1786 as the state capital due to its central location. During the Civil War, Columbia played a strategic role, and much of the city was burned during General Sherman’s March to the Sea in 1865. Post-war, Columbia rebuilt and developed as a center for government, education, and commerce. Today, Columbia remains a vital political and economic hub for the state and is home to many cultural institutions and industries.

Colleges and Universities

University of South Carolina (USC): The flagship public university of the state, known for its strong programs in business, law, public health, and journalism.
Columbia College: A private liberal arts women’s college (also open to men in evening and graduate programs) known for programs in education and the arts.
Benedict College: A historically black college offering programs in the arts, sciences, business, and education.
Midlands Technical College: A public technical college offering associate degrees and certificates, with a strong focus on technical training and workforce development.
Allen University: A private historically black college offering programs in business, religion, and education.

Major Landmarks

Columbia is home to the South Carolina State House, a prominent symbol of the state’s government, with monuments commemorating key historical figures. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is a top family destination featuring exotic animals and botanical gardens. The South Carolina State Museum is the largest museum in the state, offering exhibits on art, history, and science. The Congaree National Park, located just outside Columbia, features one of the largest intact old-growth bottomland hardwood forests in the southeastern United States. Finlay Park, located downtown, is a popular spot for community events and festivals. The Columbia Museum of Art houses a wide collection of European and American works. Nearby, the historic district of Five Points is known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining.

3. North Charleston

City Facts

Population: Approximately 120,780 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 843, 854
Zip Codes: 29404–29420
County: Charleston County, Dorchester County, Berkeley County

Geography and History

North Charleston is located just north of downtown Charleston, along the Cooper and Ashley rivers. The city has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. North Charleston developed in the early 20th century as a major industrial hub, with its economy initially driven by shipbuilding, military installations, and later the aerospace industry. Incorporated in 1972, it quickly became one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing cities. The city is home to Charleston International Airport, the Charleston Air Force Base, and a major Boeing manufacturing plant. Its economy is diversified, with strong sectors in manufacturing, retail, and military defense. Over the past few decades, the city has made efforts to revitalize its downtown and improve its infrastructure.

Colleges and Universities

Charleston Southern University: A private Christian university located nearby, offering programs in business, healthcare, and education.
Trident Technical College: Offers a wide range of associate degrees and certifications, particularly in technical fields like engineering, IT, and healthcare.
Webster University (Charleston Campus): A private university offering graduate degrees in business, counseling, and education, catering to working professionals.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Charleston Campus): Focuses on aviation, aerospace, and related fields, with strong connections to the aerospace industry in the region.
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina: Though located in Charleston, it draws students from North Charleston and provides military education and leadership programs.

Major Landmarks

North Charleston’s Riverfront Park is a key landmark, offering beautiful waterfront views and a popular venue for concerts and festivals. The North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center is a major entertainment venue, hosting concerts, sporting events, and performances. The H.L. Hunley Museum showcases the Confederate submarine recovered from Charleston Harbor, offering insight into Civil War history. The Park Circle Historic District is known for its quaint neighborhoods and green spaces, including the 30-acre Park Circle park. The Tanger Outlets attract shoppers from the entire region, while the nearby Charleston International Airport serves as the main air gateway to the region. The Charleston Naval Complex, a former military base, has been transformed into a business and technology hub.

4. Mount Pleasant

City Facts

Population: Approximately 95,560 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 843, 854
Zip Codes: 29464–29466, 29429
County: Charleston County

Geography and History

Mount Pleasant is located directly east of Charleston, across the Cooper River, and is connected to downtown Charleston via the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge. The city enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Established in the 18th century, Mount Pleasant remained a small fishing and farming community until the late 20th century, when suburban growth from Charleston led to a population boom. The construction of the Ravenel Bridge in 2005 greatly improved access between Charleston and Mount Pleasant, further driving growth. Today, Mount Pleasant is a rapidly growing suburban community with a high quality of life, known for its schools, parks, and historical sites.

Colleges and Universities

College of Charleston: Though based in Charleston, it serves many students from Mount Pleasant with a variety of liberal arts and science programs.
Trident Technical College: Offers programs in technical fields like health, engineering, and business, with several campuses serving the greater Charleston area.
The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina: A military institution located nearby, offering undergraduate and graduate programs.
Charleston Southern University: Provides undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as business, education, and healthcare.
Webster University (Charleston Campus): Offers graduate degrees tailored for working professionals, particularly in business and counseling.

Major Landmarks

Mount Pleasant is home to the Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, which houses the USS Yorktown, a World War II aircraft carrier, and other historic ships. The Old Village Historic District offers a glimpse into the city’s early history, with well-preserved homes and beautiful views of the Charleston Harbor. The Ravenel Bridge itself is a landmark, offering pedestrian walkways with stunning views of the surrounding area. Boone Hall Plantation, one of America’s oldest working plantations, is open to the public and features historical tours and events. Shem Creek is a popular dining and recreational area, known for its waterfront restaurants and kayaking opportunities. The Mount Pleasant Pier offers fishing and scenic views of the harbor and Ravenel Bridge.

5. Rock Hill

City Facts

Population: Approximately 77,297 (2023 estimates)
Area Codes: 803
Zip Codes: 29730–29734
County: York County

Geography and History

Rock Hill is located in northern South Carolina, near the border with North Carolina, just south of Charlotte. The city has a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters. Founded in 1852 as a railroad town, Rock Hill quickly grew due to its position along the Charlotte and South Carolina Railroad. During the Civil War, Rock Hill became an important supply station. Post-war, the city developed into a center for cotton manufacturing. In the 20th century, Rock Hill diversified its economy and became known for its educational institutions and proximity to Charlotte, benefiting from suburban growth in the Charlotte metropolitan area.

Colleges and Universities

Winthrop University: A public university known for its strong programs in education, business, and the arts. The university plays a significant role in the city’s cultural and economic life.
York Technical College: A public community college offering associate degrees and certifications in fields like healthcare, business, and technology.
Clinton College: A private historically black college offering degrees in business, religion, and liberal arts.
University of South Carolina Lancaster (Nearby): Offers undergraduate programs and is part of the University of South Carolina system.
DeVry University (Charlotte Area): Offers online and in-person degrees in business, technology, and healthcare, drawing students from the Rock Hill area.

Major Landmarks

Rock Hill is home to the historic Glencairn Garden, a beautifully landscaped park that hosts several annual festivals. The Main Street Children’s Museum offers hands-on exhibits for young children, while the Museum of York County focuses on the region’s natural history and culture. The Catawba River runs through Rock Hill, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking. Manchester Meadows is a large sports complex used for soccer and other outdoor activities. The Rock Hill Outdoor Center, located at Riverwalk, offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including cycling and kayaking. The Winthrop University campus features the Winthrop Coliseum, which hosts sporting events, and the university’s galleries and theaters showcase art and performances throughout the year.

List of Cities in South Carolina Alphabetically

1. Charleston

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

2. Columbia

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

3. North Charleston

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

4. Mount Pleasant

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

5. Rock Hill

City Facts

Geography and History

Colleges and Universities

Major Landmarks

List of All Cities and Towns in South Carolina in Alphabetical Order

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