Population- Considers historic trends and projections, household numbers and sizes, educational levels, and income characteristics. Economic Development- Looks at labor force and labor force characteristics, employment by place of work and residence, and analysis of the economic base. Natural Resources- Focuses on coastal resources, slope characteristics, prime agricultural and forest land, plant and animal habitats, parks and recreation areas, scenic views and sites, wetlands, and soil types. Cultural Resources- Historic buildings and structures, commercial districts, residential districts, unique, natural, or scenic resources, archaeological, and other cultural resources. Community Facilities- Water supply, treatment, and distribution; sewage system and wastewater treatment; solid waste collection and disposal, fire protection, emergency medical services, and general government facilities (educational and library buildings). Housing- Considers location, types, age, and condition of housing, owner and renter occupancy, and affordability of housing. Land Use- Focuses on existing and future land use by categories, including residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, forestry, mining, public and quasi-public, recreation, parks, open space, and vacant or undeveloped. Transportation- Transportation facilities, including major road improvements, new road construction, transit projects, pedestrian and bicycle projects, and other elements of a transportation network. Priority Investment- A priority investment element that analyzes the likely federal, state, and local funds available for public infrastructure and facilities during the next ten years. Resilience- Considers the impacts of flooding, high water, and natural hazards on individuals, communities, institutions, businesses, economic development, public infrastructure and facilities, and public health, safety and welfare. Agriculture & Food Security- Considers key strategies for safeguarding rural areas, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring local food security.

Population Growth: The 2018 projections estimated Greenville County will add an additional 222,000 residents, focusing growth within both urbanized and some rural areas. Employment Projections: 108,000 additional jobs were projected to occur primarily in urban centers and along key transportation corridors. Housing Needs: An additional 88,325 housing units will be required.

Population Growth: Based on 2020 Census Data, by 2040, Greenville County will add an additional 243,500 residents focused primarily within unzoned and zoned areas served by public water and sewer. However, a larger share of population growth will occur within the municipalities: Greer, Greenville, Fountain Inn, Mauldin, Travelers Rest and Simpsonville. By 2040, 32 percent of the population will live within the incorporated areas as compared to 26 percent in 2020. Employment Projections: 108,000 additional jobs are expected to occur primarily in urban centers and along key transportation corridors. Housing Needs: An additional 99,800 housing units will be required.

The FLU Map in the 2020 Plan Greenville County comprehensive plan adopted in 2019 was based on 2018 population and employment estimates as the 2020 Census Data was not available. Additionally, the FLU map was based on the assumption that the majority of growth and development would occur within and expand from urbanized areas with available public sewer and water service. In January 2024, County Council adopted an amendment to the Greenville County Land Development Regulations to implement the Plan’s policy to reduce the use of septic systems in future developments and in response to an increase of subdivision applications in the unzoned areas of the County served by septic systems. Consequently, the five year review of the Plan seeks to evaluate whether:

• The original projection of additional housing units and jobs within character areas on the FLU map comports with the updated population and employment projections based on 2020 Census Data.
• The recommended density on the FLU map in character areas with existing infrastructure aligns with: projected growth and development density during the 2020-2040 planning period.
• The average density permitted in character areas based on existing zoning districts.