Hispanics on the rise
The Upstate as a whole will be much more culturally diverse in 15 years. Growth in business will bring more employees from international companies, and Hispanics will continue on their trajectory of rapid growth in numbers. The U.S. Census Bureau projects 36 percent growth in the Hispanic population by 2030, and local experts expect the Upstate to reflect that trend.
Gustavo Nieves, CFO of UniComm Media, which specializes in marketing to Hispanic audiences, predicts the Upstate’s Hispanic community will resemble Charlotte’s in 15 years: more participatory in the mainstream community and more economically stable and powerful.
Wiser about getting older
The Upstate population is skewing older, also in line with national trends. An older population will mean, among many things, more disposable income for housing, services and products that contribute to an active and social lifestyle.
Many retirees will come from outside of the state, said Kevin Parker, executive director of Woodlands at Furman. About 40 of Woodlands residents are from other states, he said.
Russell Stall with Greenville Forward said an aging population will also impact the health care system and require the community to address the rising cost of living.
The population of younger adults will also grow, but in much smaller numbers, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Their tastes for less fuss might drive a trend toward more urban-style housing development with small footprints, however, Stall said.
