Myrtle Beach Leads US Metro Senior Population Growth

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, known formerly for its rowdy nightlife, has transformed into the fastest-growing U.S. metropolitan area for senior citizens, with a 6.3% increase in residents aged 65 and older last year and a 22% growth over the decade. This demographic shift is attributed to retirees and remote workers relocating from states like Ohio and New York, drawn by the area's favorable climate, low taxes, and recreational opportunities. Seniors now constitute more than a quarter of Myrtle Beach's approximately 413,000 residents, changing the local culture from one centered on loud entertainment to quieter activities such as dining and pickleball. The U.S. overall is aging, with the senior population rising by 3.1% last year and now making up 18% of the total population, while the proportion of children has declined. Myrtle Beach has also experienced recent violent incidents, including a deadly shooting at a restaurant involving a 17-year-old charged as an adult. Despite these challenges, community initiatives like building tiny homes for veterans are underway to support local residents.