JOHNS ISLAND — As the island continues to grow, the city of Charleston is shifting its focus to catch up on much-needed infrastructure to accommodate more residents.

Charleston Mayor William Cogswell acknowledged that some parts of the city are "struggling to keep up" with the explosive growth Charleston has experienced in the past two decades in his State of the City address at an April 8 City Council meeting, where he also noted successes in his first year of office.

Cogswell named Johns Island as a prime example of growth outpacing infrastructure. Within city limits, Johns Island is home to almost 15,000 people in 2025, a 181 percent increase from about 5,200 in 2010, according to city officials.

Census data shows the population of Johns Island as a whole has risen from around 15,100 people in 2010 to almost 22,900 in 2024. More than 25,000 people are estimated to live on the island today.

Several housing developments on Johns Island are now under construction or just finishing up, like The Sanderling, which will have 56 townhomes for rent. Jason Esposito, CEO of Center Park Group, the general contractors for The Sanderling, said he's seen a huge demand for housing on Johns Island due to the growth.

And more housing is on the way. Esposito said some clients have already brought residential projects on Johns Island to the contracting group while they navigate the permitting process with the city.

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