Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics

In 2010, the population of SC was 4,625,364. According to the US Census Bureau, 51.3% of South Carolina’s population was female.

In 2007, women owned 27.6% of business firms in South Carolina.

Whites made up 66.2% of South Carolina’s population, blacks made up 27.9% and Latinos made up 5.1% in 2010. The state has the fastest-growing Latino population in the country.

Gallup polls revealed as of January 2011, 37% of SC's population considered themselves as Democratic, or leaning Democratic, while 47% was Republican, or leaning Republican. Polls from 2009 also reveal that women are more likely to be Democrats than Republicans. Citizens aged 33-44 are more likely to be Republican, while Baby Boomers (age 45-63) and citizens aged 18-32 are more likely to be Democrats. Married couples are more likely to be Republican, while couples that are separated but not divorced, single, or are living with a domestic partner are more likely to be Democrats.

Research and statistics on the number of South Carolina women who have held state and federal office is also available in PDF format.