Mount Pleasant, September 3, 2025
News Summary
Mount Pleasant has been recognized as having the best economy among coastal cities in a recent survey by ConsumerAffairs, ranking 19th overall. The city’s economic success is attributed to strong job growth, low unemployment, and a low poverty rate. In addition to its top economy score, Mount Pleasant ranks 22nd for affordability, but it faces challenges with livability and safety rankings. New initiatives to boost tourism and community engagement are underway, aiming to enhance the city’s economic vitality.
Mount Pleasant, SC Recognized for Best Economy Among U.S. Coastal Cities
Mount Pleasant has been identified as having the best economy among coastal cities in a recent report published by ConsumerAffairs. The report analyzed a total of 143 metropolitan areas across the United States, utilizing data collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, and FEMA.
In this new ranking, Mount Pleasant secured the 19th overall position among the best coastal cities. The city stood out for its impressive economic indicators, which include a strong job growth rate, low unemployment figures, and a significantly lower percentage of residents living below the poverty line, contributing to its top ranking for economic performance.
ConsumerAffairs’ report rated Mount Pleasant with a total score of 67.17 based on several key aspects. In addition to its high economy ranking, Mount Pleasant received a 22nd place rank for affordability, but it ranked lower at 134th for livability and 26th for safety. In comparison, Pensacola, FL was named the overall best coastal city to live in, receiving a score of 73.02.
Out of the top 50 cities evaluated in the survey, 21 are located on the East Coast, 16 on the Gulf Coast, and 13 on the West Coast. Other nearby coastal cities such as Hilton Head and Myrtle Beach ranked at 55th and 107th, respectively, with varying rankings in different categories.
New initiatives have been recently launched in the city to capitalize on its favorable economy, particularly in tourism. Published on May 1, 2025, a strategic tourism plan indicates that Mount Pleasant aims to reinvent its tourist appeal through new regional partnerships, inclusive public events, impactful legal reforms, and municipal grants.
Public events are becoming a cornerstone of Mount Pleasant’s tourism strategy, helping to unify local culture and enhance community engagement. Upcoming major events include “Sounds at Sunset” and “Pickin’ in the Park” at Campus Park, designed to attract visitors and stimulate economic activity.
Furthermore, financial support for local tourism initiatives has seen an increase, with funding for Visit Racine County (VRC) rising from $500,000 in 2024 to $625,000 for 2025. These initiatives are intended to not only promote tourism but also to collect data on visitor attendance and the associated economic impacts of public events.
A new special event grant program was also introduced to fund community-centered events with the goal of enhancing visitation and stimulating economic growth within Mount Pleasant. This strategic focus on tourism is part of a broader mission to ensure collaboration among various stakeholders and to strengthen the community’s image as a desirable destination in Racine County.
Historical challenges, including a legal dispute over the use of hotel tax revenues, have necessitated a reevaluation of tourism governance. The recent structural changes in tourism management aim to rectify these issues for improved efficiency in tourism investments, supported by accurate economic and occupancy data.
Summary of Key Rankings for Mount Pleasant
| Category | Rank |
|---|---|
| Overall Coastal City Ranking | 19 |
| Economic Ranking | 1 |
| Affordability Ranking | 22 |
| Livability Ranking | 134 |
| Safety Ranking | 26 |
FAQ
What is the ranking of Mount Pleasant among coastal cities?
Mount Pleasant is ranked as the best economy among coastal cities and 19th overall for its coastal city ranking.
What are the main economic factors contributing to this ranking?
Key factors include strong job growth, low unemployment rates, and a lower percentage of residents living in poverty.
What initiatives are being implemented to promote tourism in Mount Pleasant?
The city is focusing on regional partnerships, hosting major public events, and has increased funding for tourism initiatives while launching a special event grant program.
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Additional Resources
- WPDE: Mount Pleasant’s Economy Ranks Best
- ABC News 4: Mount Pleasant’s Economic Ranking
- Travel and Tour World: Mount Pleasant’s Tourism Reinvention
- Investopedia: Manufacturing Survey Impact
- KLTV: Growth in Mount Pleasant Amid Challenges
- Wikipedia: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
- Google Search: Mount Pleasant economy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mount Pleasant
- Google News: Mount Pleasant
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