South Carolina's minority population changed least in the country

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — New data revealed by the U.S. Census Bureau shows South Carolina's population is growing rapidly, but that growth is mainly White, non-Hispanic people.

In fact, the data shows the Palmetto State's racial makeup has changed the least over the last decade compared to every other state.

While Census data shows the country is getting more and more diverse, with that growth driven by Asians and Hispanics, new data reveals minorities aren't moving to South Carolina.

Sadiyah Davis visits Myrtle Beach often and says, "They don't make people feel welcome here so nobody wants to come here so until they start opening their arms and start diversity then we will be better people."

Sadiyah David visits South Carolina often but says she'd never move her, and that data suggests she's not alone.

In 1970, the U.S. Census reported South Carolina's population was about two-thirds white.

Even though the amount of people in the Palmetto State has doubled since then, the population is still two-thirds white, but not everyone understands why.

Susan Whitehead says she's been coming to Myrtle Beach since she was a child, and says "Myrtle Beach welcomes everybody, you know, it's just like one big family down here."

Awara Poormiroki is visiting the Grand Strand from overseas and says he also sees that hospitality.

"They are so nice they are so kind, and me coming from having a background from Middle Eastern to traveling from Europe, it's been perfect the perfect experience."

With that hospitality, he's surprised minorities aren't moving to the Palmetto State more.

"I thought it would be more my minority people here so I hope they move over here because it's a really nice city to live in."

The data shows South Carolina's black population dropped by 1 % to 27% in 2018, and for that number to rise, Davis says the Palmetto state needs some work.

"Actions speak louder than words," she says, "When they start showing we'll start believing them until then we gonna walk unbothered."