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Economic Development

The City of West Columbia has a forward-thinking approach to business that has led to a surge in creative and innovative businesses moving to the 129-year-old Lexington County city just across the river from the capital of South Carolina. Key elements contributing to West Columbia’s success in the influx of new businesses are the city’s emphasis on collaboration and reliability. The city has created an energetic environment that promotes relationships between businesses, creatives, and residents, allowing for the exchange of ideas and the exploration of new and exciting development.

Staying hungry for growth and development, demonstrated by removing red tape and bureaucracy whenever possible, and looking for ways to say “yes” while holding standards high has opened the City of West Columbia to innovation, collaboration, and sustainable progress. HEAD WEST and
join the energy building along the banks of the Congaree River.

Invest in the West
Here's Why:

19
Population Growth between 2016 - 2021
17,416
Population
38.9
Median Age
1,069
Total Businesses (2021)
11,856
Total Employees (2021)

Business Friendly

West Columbia is open for business! We work with developers and businesses to bring new projects into our city and to remove bureaucracy and red tape while holding our standards high.

Lower Cost To Do Business

Property Taxes are 30% less than surrounding cities and water/sewer rates are as much as 38% less! Of the 215 water/sewer providers in the state, West Columbia’s water/sewer rates are second from the lowest, ranking 214th.

One-Stop-Shop

Our Planning and Zoning Department, Building Department, Permitting Department, and Water Department are all located on the first floor for easy access and customer convenience.

In the Path of Development

West Columbia is one of the fastest-growing cities in Lexington County, with a population growth of over 19% in the last five years. (Esri) Business licenses are up by 26%.

The City of West Columbia is actively investing in public spaces in the Opportunity Zones located in the highest growth and activity areas of the city. New parks including the world-class Carraway Park at the Riverwalk, across from the Riverwalk Amphitheater, and the Interactive Art Park and Mural Alleyway on Meeting and State Streets have been constructed breathing youthfulness and art into the area.

Not only is its central location within the state advantageous for doing business within the state, but its proximity to other major cities can add to the ease of transporting goods:

Augusta, GA – 65 miles Charlotte, NC – 81 miles
Greenville, SC – 96 miles Savannah, GA – 133 miles
Atlanta, GA – 191 miles Jacksonville, FL – 285 miles

Low taxes, as well as low water and sewer rates, only enhance the quality of life for living or doing business in West Columbia. Whether you’re looking for a place to live, start a business or just visit, West Columbia welcomes you to this jewel on the river.

For more information, contact BJ Unthank, Director of Economic Development.

BJ Unthank, Director of Economic Development
Office: 803-939-8614
Mobile: 803-497-6528
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