ROCK HILL, S.C. — While North Carolina continued to grow in population, not every county saw significant growth. 

What You Need To Know

  • North Carolina’s population continued to grow during the pandemic
  • Mecklenburg and Durham counties grew slower than the rest of the state during the pandemic, according to Carolina Demography
  • Bre’Onda Clanton left Charlotte due to cost but would like to move back if there are affordable options

According to Carolina Demography, Mecklenburg and Durham counties grew slower than the rest of the state between April 2020 and July 2021. Based on its analysis, while a large number of international migrants moved there, an even larger number of people left for other states and counties.

During the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners budget retreat last month, Strategic Planning & Evaluation Director Dr. Monica Allen shared this information with the commissioners. 

Bre’Onda Clanton used to live in Charlotte until 2020 when she moved across state lines to South Carolina. She didn’t expect to see a slow-down in growth in Mecklenburg County. 

“COVID had probably something to do with it, but looking at the market during COVID, it was one of the best times to buy. So, seeing people were leaving rather than taking the opportunity to come is very surprising,” Clanton said. 

During her presentation, Allen said the demand for housing and development reaching the edge of Mecklenburg County, likely contributed to the change. 

Clanton and her husband both work in Charlotte. For them, the move to Rock Hill, South Carolina was based on cost. 

“We were able to save $100,000 over the term of the loan based on what we were going to get in Charlotte, which was half the size of this home,” Clanton said. 

Housing insecurity, which includes affordable housing, remains on the list of budget priorities for Mecklenburg County this year. 

“I think affordable housing should be a priority for everyone in Charlotte, not just working individuals,” Clanton said. 

Clanton said she would move back to Charlotte if she found a house of similar size and within her budget. In addition, this would allow her to skip the 45-minute commute. 

“Interstate 77 is one of the biggest reasons because the traffic is horrible,” Clanton said. 

Another perk for the family would be being closer to their current doctors and church. 

“With the amount of time we spend in Charlotte, just makes sense to be there,” Clanton said. 

Mecklenburg County officials said they are waiting on more data to determine if this downward growth trend was isolated to the pandemic. 

On the other hand, other North Carolina counties grew above the state rate, including Wake, Hanover and Madison counties.