South Carolina: elevation, cities and highest point
South Carolina has 5,570,274 people (2025) and 46 counties. Its highest point is Sassafras Mountain, at 3,560 ft, and its lowest, the Atlantic Ocean, at sea level. Here you’ll find the elevation of its capital and its summit, with a map of its counties.
By the Mapsfera Team
- Population (2025)
- 5,570,274
- The 23rd most populous of the 50 states
- Land area
- 30,064 sq mi
- The 40th largest state
- Counties
- 46
- According to the Census (2025)
- Lowest point
- Sea level
- Atlantic Ocean
Map of South Carolina’s counties
- Capital’s county
- County with a city page
- City, by elevation
- Highest point
Elevation
The capital, Columbia, sits at 299 ft (91 m): the 31st highest of the 50 state capitals. South Carolina’s highest point, Sassafras Mountain, is 123 mi away in a straight line and 3,261 ft higher.
Between its highest point (3,560 ft) and its lowest (sea level) there’s 3,560 ft of relief, according to the USGS table. Of the 50 state high points, South Carolina’s is the 29th highest.
South Carolina borders 2 states. Their highest points are Brasstown Bald, in Georgia (4,784 ft) and Mount Mitchell, in North Carolina (6,684 ft): South Carolina’s is the 3rd highest of the 3. Their capitals: Atlanta (1,050 ft) and Raleigh (315 ft).
- Sassafras Mountain 3,560 ft
- Columbia 299 ft
Population
South Carolina had 5,570,274 residents on July 1, 2025, according to Census Bureau estimates, 8.8% more than in April 2020 (5,118,250). Across 30,064 sq mi of land, that’s 185 people/sq mi.
Its most populous place is Charleston, with 159,423 people. The Census counts 475 cities, towns and census-designated places (CDPs) in South Carolina.
| Place | Population | Land area | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 159,423 | 115 sq mi | — |
| Columbia | 147,035 | 139 sq mi | 299 ft |
| North Charleston | 129,245 | 78.0 sq mi | — |
| Mount Pleasant | 95,469 | 49.8 sq mi | — |
| Rock Hill | 75,911 | 44.9 sq mi | — |
| Greenville | 75,310 | 30.9 sq mi | — |
| Summerville | 53,177 | 22.6 sq mi | — |
| Goose Creek | 52,010 | 43.5 sq mi | — |
| Greer | 50,007 | 24.5 sq mi | — |
| Sumter | 43,094 | 33.2 sq mi | — |
Neighboring states
Tools
Frequently asked questions
What is the highest point in South Carolina?
Sassafras Mountain, at 3,560 ft, according to the USGS table. It’s the 29th highest of the 50 state high points.
What is the lowest point in South Carolina?
The Atlantic Ocean, at sea level, according to the same USGS table.
What is the elevation of Columbia, the capital?
299 ft above sea level, at its reference point in the USGS gazetteer. It’s the 31st highest state capital.
How many counties does South Carolina have?
46, according to the Census Bureau in 2025.
Sources
- Population, land area and counties: U.S. Census Bureau (Vintage 2025 estimates and 2025 Gazetteer), public domain.
- Highest and lowest points: USGS, “Elevations and Distances in the United States” (and, for Denali, the 2015 survey), public domain.
- City elevations: USGS 3DEP at each city’s GNIS point, public domain.
- County map: U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 Cartographic Boundary Files (1:500,000).
Methodology and sources · Spotted a mistake? Let us know