New Research Highlights Region’s Strengths, Identifies Opportunities for Long-Term Prosperity

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. — A new national report ranks Myrtle Beach as the No. 5 Best Small City in America, including a No. 2 ranking for Lovability and a No. 7 ranking for Livability, reinforcing the region’s growing reputation as one of the nation’s most desirable places to live and visit.

The findings come from the 2026 America’s Best Small Cities report by Resonance, an international advisory firm specializing in tourism, real estate and economic development. The report evaluates communities based on both measurable performance and public perception, analyzing factors related to livability, prosperity and destination appeal.

The rankings arrive as the Collaborate2031 Steering Committee, a group of 42 community leaders representing organizations across Horry County, continues to develop a countywide strategic plan designed to guide the region’s future growth and prosperity. Members of the committee are currently reviewing findings from the Collaborate2031 Benchmark Analysis Report, Resident Sentiment Survey as well as key themes that have emerged from community focus groups.

Together, the research paints a consistent picture: the Myrtle Beach region remains highly desirable and continues to attract residents, visitors and investment, while opportunities exist to strengthen economic competitiveness and quality of life.

“These reports and surveys are validating what so many of us already know, people love Myrtle Beach, but our region can be even stronger,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Greater Myrtle Beach Collaborative, which includes the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Visit Myrtle Beach and Partnership Grand Strand, the foundation supporting Collaborate2031.

“The Collaborate2031 research tells us our next chapter must focus on strengthening livability and prosperity so that our community becomes an even better place to live, work, raise a family and build a career,” Pivarnik said. 

Region’s Strengths Continue to Attract Residents & Visitors

According to Resonance, the places Americans most want to visit are increasingly the same places they most want to live, underscoring the growing connection between a strong visitor economy and a strong community.

Community feedback gathered through the Resident Sentiment Survey echoed those findings. Of the nearly 1,900 Horry County residents who participated, 67 percent support efforts to market the region to visitors.

The Benchmark Analysis Report, which compared the Myrtle Beach region’s metrics to five comparable cities as well as to state and U.S. standings, reinforced the region’s appeal as a place to live and invest with Horry County ranking No. 1 in population growth and domestic migration, with more people choosing to move to the region than any peer community studied.

Research Identifies Opportunities for Continued Improvement

While the findings highlight significant momentum, they also identify areas where continued focus is needed, including improving roads and traffic, public safety, higher-wage employment opportunities, attracting and retaining talent, and attainable housing.

In the Resident Sentiment Survey, results show broad support for initiatives that create economic opportunity and strengthen long-term vitality.

Similarly, when compared to the comparable cities, the Benchmark Analysis Report ranked Horry County:

Horry County also ranked lower in additional prosperity-related indicators such as household income, wage levels and labor force participation. The Myrtle Beach region also had one of the oldest populations among benchmark communities, with a median age of 49.7 years, trailing peer markets in the share of working-age residents.

“The data shows that we have an opportunity to build on our momentum by addressing issues that matter to residents, including infrastructure, workforce development, talent attraction, economic opportunity and quality of life,” said BJ Beaver, Executive Director of Partnership Grand Strand. “Collaborate2031 is about creating a roadmap that positions our region to focus on these opportunities for improvement so that our communities thrive for years to come.”

Over the coming months, the Collaborate2031 Steering Committee will continue reviewing community input, stakeholder feedback and research findings as it develops a comprehensive strategy focused on economic vitality, talent attraction and retention, quality of place and long-term prosperity.

“As a Steering Committee, our responsibility is to listen to residents, study the data and develop a strategy that helps Horry County remain a place where people want to live, work, raise families and build businesses,” said Clay Brittain of Brittain Resorts & Hotels and Chair of the Collaborate2031 Steering Committee. “Collaborate2031 is about creating a shared vision and a practical roadmap that positions our community for long-term success.”

The completed Collaborate2031 countywide strategy is expected to be released this fall. For more information and to view additional data, visit Collaborate2031.com.

Resources & Reports

About Collaborate2031:

Collaborate2031 is a countywide community strategy initiative launched in 2026 to align priorities and build a shared roadmap for the future of Horry County and the Myrtle Beach region. Guided by resident input and a 42-member Steering Committee with assistance from Aha! Advisors strategy firm, the full initiative is set to roll out in fall 2026. Collaborate2031.com

About Partnership Grand Strand:

Partnership Grand Strand is a 501(c)(3) foundation launched in 2022 by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce to expand community development initiatives. Through investments from local businesses and partnerships with community organizations, the foundation leads and supports efforts related to economic prosperity, talent, place and infrastructure to enhance quality of life across Horry and Georgetown counties. PartnershipGrandStrand.com

Residents Encouraged to Take Survey to Guide Plan

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.—Partnership Grand Strand (PGS), the nonprofit foundation of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Visit Myrtle Beach, announces the launch of Collaborate2031, a comprehensive community strategy initiative designed to strengthen economic vitality, community pride and quality of life across Horry County and the Myrtle Beach region.

“Collaborate2031 will be a holistic countywide effort that aligns priorities to drive economic prosperity, talent and place throughout our community,” said Matt Pivarnik, CEO of MBACC, Visit Myrtle Beach and PGS. “Powered by strong partnerships and a commitment to work together, this initiative unites communities, residents, leaders and businesses to turn shared goals into a clear roadmap to guide the region toward lasting opportunity for the future.”

Informed by community input and guided by local leadership, the initiative is led by a 41-member Steering Committee, representing a diverse cross-section of professionals with Clay Brittain of Brittain Resorts & Hotels serving as chair.

The full Steering Committee for Collaborate2031 is as follows:

“The Collaborate2031 Steering Committee brings together leaders who represent the full breadth of our community,” said Clay Brittain of Brittain Resorts & Hotels and Chair of the Collaborate2031 Steering Committee. “Our responsibility is to listen, evaluate and help set a clear course of action that reflects real needs and positions the Grand Strand for sustained success.”

To support the Steering Committee’s work, Amy Holloway of Aha! Advisors has been selected to guide the process. A nationally recognized community and economic development strategist, Holloway has partnered with more than 200 communities nationwide to use research and engagement to turn ambition into action.

“Across the country, we’ve seen how comprehensive community strategy efforts can unite stakeholders, clarify priorities and spark meaningful, measurable progress,” Holloway said. “When communities commit to a shared vision, they build long-term resilience.”

Community Input Sought

As part of the effort, members of the community will have multiple opportunities to provide input, including participation in listening sessions and an online survey available at Collaborate2031.com.

“This is a strategy for the entire community, not just one organization or area,” emphasized PGS Executive Director BJ Beaver. “We encourage all residents of Horry County to take the survey and share their perspectives on our growing region.”

After taking input from community leaders, stakeholders and residents, the Steering Committee will work with Aha! to analyze how Horry County benchmarks against sister communities within the state and across the country. A complete Collaborate2031 community strategy will be released this fall.

For more information and to take the resident survey, visit Collaborate2031.com.

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Editor’s Note: Logos available HERE. Contact Marlane White for media availability.

Media Contact:

Marlane White
Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce
O: (843) 916-7295, C: (843) 256-6373
[email protected]

About Collaborate2031:

Collaborate2031 is a countywide community strategy initiative launched in 2026 to align priorities and build a shared roadmap for the future of Horry County and the Myrtle Beach region. Guided by resident input and a 41-member Steering Committee with assistance from Aha! Advisors strategy firm, the full initiative is set to roll out in fall 2026. Collaborate2031.com

About Partnership Grand Strand:

Partnership Grand Strand is a 501(c)(3) foundation launched in 2022 by the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce to expand community development initiatives. Through investments from local businesses and partnerships with community organizations, the foundation leads and supports efforts related to economic prosperity, talent, place and infrastructure to enhance quality of life across Horry and Georgetown counties. PartnershipGrandStrand.com