How Big Is South Carolina?
South Carolina is the 40th largest state in the United States, covering approximately 77,983 square kilometers (30,109 square miles). It is home to approximately 5.6 million people. That's about 78% the size of South Korea.
South Carolina
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South Carolina on the Map
South Carolina's Geography
Within the United States, South Carolina is the 40th largest state. Its capital is Columbia. It has a population density of about 71 people per km².
How Long and Wide Is South Carolina?
South Carolina spans about 444 km (276 mi) from east to west — roughly the distance from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and 352 km (219 mi) from north to south — roughly the distance from Boston to Philadelphia. At highway speeds, driving 276 miles takes roughly 5 hours.
How Many Times Does South Carolina Fit?
Similar in Size
How Big Is South Carolina Compared to Well-Known Places?
| Place | Area | vs South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 2,706 km² (1,045 sq mi) | 29× smaller |
| Belgium | 30,528 km² (11,787 sq mi) | 2.6× smaller |
| Switzerland | 41,277 km² (15,937 sq mi) | 47% smaller |
| Netherlands | 41,543 km² (16,040 sq mi) | 47% smaller |
| South Carolina | 77,983 km² (30,109 sq mi) | — |
| South Korea | 99,720 km² (38,502 sq mi) | 28% larger |
| New York | 122,283 km² (47,214 sq mi) | 57% larger |
| Florida | 139,670 km² (53,927 sq mi) | 79% larger |
| United Kingdom | 243,610 km² (94,058 sq mi) | 3.1× larger |
Length and width are measured from the outline on the map. Sources: US Census Bureau (2025). How we calculate this
Explore South Carolina
South Carolina at a Glance
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 77,983 km² (30,109 sq mi) |
| US Size Rank | #40 of 51 |
| Capital | Columbia |
| Population | 5,570,274 |
| Population Density | 71 per km² |