navigation logo navigation logo
THERE'S STRENGTH IN OUR NUMBERS.

Demographics

Race and Ethnicity

Race and ethnicity help identify diversity within the population. It is important to recognize the diversity of values, beliefs, and attitudes of different groups, and the potential impacts of policy decisions on local populations. The Lowcountry region has had significant changes in the population’s race and ethnicity. Between 2000 and 2010, there was an influx of Hispanics to the region, with the largest increases in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. The Hispanic population continued to grow in the region from 2010 to 2022, with a significantly lower rate.

Note: While the 2000, 2010, and 2020 data are based on decennial census, the 2022 data is based on 5-year estimates (2018-2022). Users should exercise caution when comparing this data.

Data Notes
Definition Race:  A social definition of race recognized in this country and not an attempt to define race biologically, anthropologically, or genetically. The categories of the race include White, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN), Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (NHPI), Other Race, and Two or More Race.

  • Some Other Race: This category does not include White, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN), Asian, and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (NHPI). It also includes multiracial, mixed, interracial, or a Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish group (for example, Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or Spanish).
  • Two or More Races: This category refers to combinations of two or more of the following race categories: White, Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native (AIAN), Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander (NHPI), and Some Other Race
Ethnicity:  There are two minimum categories for ethnicity: Hispanic or Latino and Not Hispanic or Latino. Race and Hispanic origin are two separate and distinct concepts. Hispanic or Latino refers to a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.
Data Source U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census and American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Last Updated April 2024