South Carolina Market Intelligence Report (2025)

Top Businesses to Start in South Carolina (2025)

We analyzed 235K+ verified business records to help you separate the hype from the hard numbers.

Top 5 Opportunities

#1
FASTEST GROWTH SECTOR

Miscellaneous Intermediation

Growth: +300.0% • Saturation: 0.66 LQ
#2
HIGH DEMAND SIGNAL

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities

Growth: +200.0% • Saturation: 0.12 LQ
#3
LOW COMPETITION GAP

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers

Growth: +171.4% • Saturation: 0.51 LQ
#4
HIGH DEMAND SIGNAL

General Freight Trucking, Long-Distance, Truckload

Growth: +160.0% • Saturation: 0.27 LQ
#5
LOW COMPETITION GAP

Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

Growth: +152.6% • Saturation: 0.43 LQ

Census Records

Official Source

Volume Filtered

10+ Est. Minimum

100% Objective

No Pay-to-Play

Validate Your Idea Locally

SELECT METRO AREA

Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia

#1 VOL

The state's largest economic engine.

Population

2.7M

Active Biz

93K

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Fastest Growth

Greenville-Anderson-Greer

945K Residents

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Columbia

Population

840K

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Charleston-North Charleston

Population

818K

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Augusta-Richmond County

Population

618K

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Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach

Population

369K

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Spartanburg

Population

365K

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Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal

Population

223K

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Florence

Population

200K

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Sumter

Population

105K

ANALYZE

More States in the South

Explore business opportunities in other South states

AL
Alabama
AR
Arkansas
DE
Delaware
DC
District of Columbia
FL
Florida
GA
Georgia
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Common Questions

What is the fastest growing business in South Carolina?+

Currently, the Miscellaneous Intermediation sector is leading the state with a +300.0% 5-year growth rate across multiple metro markets.

What is the most profitable solo business?+

Based on Non-Employer Statistics, solo founders in the Offices of Podiatrists sector report the highest average annual receipts at $373k.

What does the data say about South Carolina's economy?+

The state is home to 235K active establishments across 10 major metro areas. The market shows strong growth in emerging sectors with opportunities in high-demand, low-saturation niches.