Our state offers more than a job—it offers a place to call home. With welcoming communities, diverse landscapes, and a strong network of EMS agencies, South Carolina is a destination where providers are valued and supported. This page is here to help you explore what life and work could look like in each of our 46 counties. From cost of living and commute times to local EMS services and healthcare access, you’ll find the information you need to start planning your move—or your future. Whether you’re just beginning your EMS journey or bringing years of experience, there’s a place for you here. |
Certified Elsewhere? South Carolina Welcomes You.If you're already certified as an EMT, AEMT, or Paramedic in another state, South Carolina makes it easy to transfer your certification and get to work. We recognize both National Registry (NREMT) and state-issued credentials, and many EMS professionals qualify for reciprocity — meaning you can receive your SC certification without repeating training. Not Nationally Registered? Learn how to apply for SC certification via reciprocity. Why EMS Professionals Choose South CarolinaSouth Carolina is a destination for EMS professionals who want a strong sense of purpose, a welcoming community, and a place to grow their careers. Many of our agencies offer:
Want to talk with someone about moving to South Carolina for an EMS career? Discover Life Beyond the CallWhen you’re not responding to emergencies, South Carolina gives you plenty of reasons to stay. Enjoy beaches, lakes, hiking trails, festivals, food scenes, and a strong sense of community—wherever you choose to live. Visit the official South Carolina Tourism website to explore statewide attractions and experiences. |
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Abbeville County Located in the Upstate region, Abbeville County spans over 500 square miles and is home to about 24,000 residents. The area offers a mix of rural living, access to Lake Russell, and proximity to Greenwood and Anderson. At a Glance:
| Aiken County Located in the Central Savannah River Area, Aiken County spans approximately 1,080 sq mi and is home to around 168,800 residents. The county combines suburban‑urban communities—like the city of Aiken—with rural landscapes, offering recreational amenities, equestrian culture, and proximity to Augusta, GA. At a Glance:
| Allendale County Located in the southern Midlands of South Carolina, Allendale County is a sparsely populated rural area covering approximately 412 square miles. With a population under 9,000, it offers low-cost living and a peaceful, agricultural setting with access to Lake Allendale and regional towns like Barnwell and Hampton. At a Glance:
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Anderson County Located in the Upstate region, Anderson County is home to more than 200,000 residents. The area blends rural landscapes and suburban communities with a strong presence in healthcare and manufacturing. It includes Lake Hartwell and is within easy reach of Greenville and Clemson. At a Glance:
| Bamberg County Located in the Midlands region, Bamberg County is a small, rural area with agricultural roots and a population of just over 13,000. It offers a quiet lifestyle with easy access to larger regional centers. At a Glance:
| Barnwell County Barnwell County lies in the southwestern Midlands and includes towns such as Barnwell and Williston. Known for its agricultural base and small-town charm, it offers affordable living and proximity to the Savannah River Site. At a Glance:
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Beaufort County Located along the Atlantic coast, Beaufort County includes Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and the historic town of Beaufort. With over 190,000 residents, the county is known for its tourism, coastal lifestyle, and robust healthcare and education sectors. At a Glance:
| Berkeley County Berkeley County is part of the Charleston metropolitan area and is one of the fastest-growing counties in South Carolina. With a blend of rural communities, suburban developments, and industrial hubs, the area supports a population of over 245,000. At a Glance:
| Calhoun County Calhoun County is located in the Midlands region and is one of the smallest counties in South Carolina by population. It offers rural living with easy access to Columbia and Charleston via I-26. At a Glance:
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Charleston County Charleston County is a coastal hub with more than 400,000 residents, historic urban centers, island communities, and a major healthcare and tourism sector. It includes Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, and several barrier islands. At a Glance:
| Cherokee County Located in the northwestern Piedmont region, Cherokee County is home to about 57,000 residents and includes the city of Gaffney. The area offers a mix of small-town charm and industrial growth along the I-85 corridor. At a Glance:
| Chester County Located in the northern Midlands region, Chester County is home to just over 32,000 residents. With close proximity to Rock Hill and Charlotte, the county blends small-town living with access to urban job markets and regional healthcare. At a Glance:
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Chesterfield County Located along the North Carolina border in the Pee Dee region, Chesterfield County spans over 800 square miles and has a population of about 43,000. The area includes the towns of Cheraw, Pageland, and Chesterfield, with a mix of agriculture, light manufacturing, and outdoor recreation. At a Glance:
| Clarendon County Located in the Midlands region, Clarendon County includes the city of Manning and borders Lake Marion, one of South Carolina’s largest lakes. With a population of just over 30,000, it offers rural living, outdoor recreation, and convenient access to Columbia and Florence. At a Glance:
| Colleton County Colleton County is located along the I-95 corridor in the Lowcountry. Known for its natural beauty, the area includes the ACE Basin and Edisto River regions and is home to around 37,000 residents. Walterboro serves as the county seat. At a Glance:
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Darlington County Part of the Pee Dee region, Darlington County is known for the Darlington Raceway and a blend of small towns, agriculture, and industry. The county has a population of just over 60,000 and includes the city of Darlington and town of Hartsville. At a Glance:
| Dillon County Located in the northeastern Pee Dee region near the North Carolina border, Dillon County covers about 405 square miles and has a population of just over 28,000. The area is known for its agricultural economy and access to I-95. At a Glance:
| Dorchester County Dorchester County is located in the Lowcountry and is part of the Charleston metro area. It includes the city of Summerville and offers a mix of rural, suburban, and rapidly developing communities with strong job growth. At a Glance:
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Edgefield County Edgefield County is a quiet, rural area located in western South Carolina along the Georgia border. With a population of about 25,000, the county is known for its agricultural heritage and historic town center. At a Glance:
| Fairfield County Fairfield County is located just north of Columbia in the Midlands. Known for its rolling hills and lakes, it is one of the smaller counties by population, offering rural living with access to urban amenities. At a Glance:
| Florence County Florence County is a regional hub in the Pee Dee area with a population of over 130,000. The city of Florence is known for its strong healthcare sector, transportation networks, and growing business community. At a Glance:
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Georgetown County Located on the Atlantic coast between Charleston and Myrtle Beach, Georgetown County blends historic charm, maritime industry, and natural beauty. The area includes coastal towns, rivers, forests, and access to beaches. At a Glance:
| Greenville County Greenville County is the most populous in South Carolina, anchored by the city of Greenville. It’s known for its growing economy, cultural amenities, advanced manufacturing, and access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. At a Glance:
| Greenwood County Greenwood County is located in the western part of the state and is home to about 70,000 residents. It includes Lake Greenwood and is known for its strong healthcare system, small-town feel, and higher education institutions. At a Glance:
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Hampton County Hampton County is a rural area in the Lowcountry with a population of around 18,000. Known for its farmland and pine forests, the county offers small-town living and access to nearby urban centers. At a Glance:
| Horry County Horry County is one of South Carolina’s largest and fastest-growing counties, anchored by Myrtle Beach. It’s a major tourism destination with coastal access, entertainment, and a large seasonal population. At a Glance:
| Jasper County Located in the southern Lowcountry, Jasper County borders Georgia and includes the towns of Ridgeland and Hardeeville. With rapid development along the I-95 corridor and proximity to Hilton Head and Savannah, the area is experiencing both residential and industrial growth while maintaining its rural charm. At a Glance:
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Kershaw County Located in the Midlands, Kershaw County includes the historic city of Camden and offers a mix of equestrian culture, rural charm, and growing suburban development. The area is served by I-20 and has seen steady residential growth. At a Glance:
| Lancaster County Lancaster County lies just south of Charlotte and is among the fastest-growing counties in South Carolina. It offers a combination of suburban communities, rural areas, and proximity to major job markets in North Carolina. At a Glance:
| Laurens County Located in the Piedmont region, Laurens County includes the cities of Laurens and Clinton. The area offers a blend of industry, agriculture, and small-town life with easy access to Upstate job markets. At a Glance:
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Lee County Lee County is a small, rural county in the eastern Midlands known for agriculture and historic towns like Bishopville. The area maintains a quiet lifestyle and close community feel. At a Glance:
| Lexington County Lexington County is one of the largest and most rapidly developing counties in South Carolina. Located just west of Columbia, it features strong schools, suburban communities, and commercial growth. At a Glance:
| Marion County Located in the northeastern Pee Dee region, Marion County includes the towns of Marion, Mullins, and Nichols. The area is known for its agricultural roots, historical architecture, and proximity to the coast. At a Glance:
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Marlboro County Bordering North Carolina, Marlboro County is part of the Pee Dee region and includes the city of Bennettsville. The area is rural and agriculturally driven, with a rich history and close-knit communities. At a Glance:
| McCormick County McCormick County is located in the western part of the state near the Georgia border. It is one of the least populated counties in South Carolina and is popular for outdoor recreation and retirement living. At a Glance:
| Newberry County Newberry County lies between Columbia and Greenville and includes the city of Newberry. Known for its historic downtown and performing arts scene, the area blends small-town charm with regional accessibility. At a Glance:
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Oconee County Located in the far northwest corner of the state, Oconee County offers scenic mountain views, waterfalls, and lake access. The area includes the cities of Seneca and Walhalla and is known for outdoor recreation and a growing retirement community. At a Glance:
| Orangeburg County Located in the Midlands, Orangeburg County is one of the largest counties in South Carolina by land area. It includes the city of Orangeburg and South Carolina State University, with a mix of agriculture, education, and industry. At a Glance:
| Pickens County Located in the Upstate, Pickens County is home to Clemson University and includes a mix of college town life, rural communities, and access to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The county has a strong educational and economic presence. At a Glance:
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Richland County Richland County includes the state capital, Columbia, and is one of the most populous counties in South Carolina. It serves as a major center for government, military, healthcare, and higher education. At a Glance:
| Saluda County Saluda County is a rural county in the western Midlands known for its agricultural heritage and close-knit communities. The town of Saluda serves as the county seat. At a Glance:
| Spartanburg County Located in the Upstate, Spartanburg County is part of the Greenville-Spartanburg metro area. With over 330,000 residents, it is a hub for manufacturing, healthcare, and higher education. At a Glance:
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Sumter County Located in the eastern Midlands, Sumter County includes the city of Sumter and Shaw Air Force Base. The area has a strong military presence, growing healthcare infrastructure, and a blend of urban and rural communities. At a Glance:
| Union County Union County is a small, rural county in the Piedmont region with a population of around 26,000. Historically rooted in textiles, the area now offers quiet living and access to regional hubs. At a Glance:
| Williamsburg County Williamsburg County is located in the Pee Dee region and includes the town of Kingstree. It is one of the more rural counties in South Carolina with a strong agricultural presence and historical significance. At a Glance:
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York County York County borders North Carolina and includes the cities of Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and Clover. It is one of the fastest-growing counties in the state and is known for its strong economy, public safety infrastructure, and suburban appeal. At a Glance:
| Want to talk with someone about moving to South Carolina for an EMS career? |