South Carolina
5.6 million people live in South Carolina. Its population grew 8.8% since 2020, the 3rd fastest of 51. The typical household earns $73,672 a year, 13% below the national median, and the median home is worth $306,200, 17% below the U.S. median.
- Population
- 5.6 million
- 23rd highest of 51
- Median household income
- $73,672
- 13% lower than the U.S. ($84,780)
- Median home value
- $306,200
- 17% lower than the U.S. ($371,100)
- Poverty rate
- 13.3%
- 1.5 points above the U.S. (11.8%)
Economy
Compare all statesMedian household income
$73,672 per year
13% lower than the U.S. ($84,780). 9th lowest of 51.
Half of households earn more than this, half earn less. 2025, in 2025 dollars.
Income per person
$42,152 per year
11% lower than the U.S. ($47,171). 11th lowest of 51.
Total income divided by every resident, children included. 2025, in 2025 dollars.
Poverty rate
13.3%
1.5 points above the U.S. (11.8%). 11th highest of 51.
Share of people living below the federal poverty line. 2025.
Average commute
27.0 min one way
1% lower than the U.S. (27.4 min). 18th highest of 51.
Average travel time to work for workers 16 and older. 2025.
Housing
Compare all statesMedian home value
$306,200
17% lower than the U.S. ($371,100). 20th lowest of 51.
For homes lived in by their owners. 2025, in 2025 dollars.
Median rent
$1,395 per month
10% lower than the U.S. ($1,557). 26th lowest of 51.
Gross rent: contract rent plus utilities. 2025, in 2025 dollars.
Homeownership rate
71.8%
6.5 points above the U.S. (65.3%). 8th highest of 51.
Share of occupied homes lived in by their owners. 2025.
People
Compare all statesPopulation
5,570,274
1.6% of the U.S. total. 23rd highest of 51.
Estimated number of residents. July 1, 2025.
Population change since 2020
+8.8%
5.7 points above the U.S. (+3.1%). 3rd highest of 51.
Growth since the 2020 census. April 2020 to July 2025.
Under 18
20.6%
0.5 points below the U.S. (21.1%). 21st lowest of 51.
Share of residents younger than 18. Latest available.
65 and older
21.1%
2.2 points above the U.S. (18.9%). 10th highest of 51.
Share of residents 65 or older. Latest available.
Born abroad
6.6%
8.1 points below the U.S. (14.7%). 19th lowest of 51.
Share of residents born outside the United States. 2025.
Race and ethnicity
White largest group
White residents are the largest group in South Carolina, at 61.9%. Nationwide they are 56.1%.
White, Black, Asian and Other exclude Hispanics, who can be of any race. Other covers all remaining non-Hispanic residents, such as American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander and multiracial people. July 1, 2025.
- White 61.9% U.S. 56.1%
- Black 23.6% U.S. 12.3%
- Asian 2.1% U.S. 6.6%
- Other 3.8% U.S. 4.5%
- Hispanic 8.5% U.S. 20.5%
Education
Compare all statesBachelor's degree or higher
34.5%
2.9 points below the U.S. (37.4%). 22nd lowest of 51.
Share of adults 25 and older. 2025.
Health
Compare all statesWithout health insurance
12.8%
2.6 points above the U.S. (10.2%). 10th highest of 51.
Share of people under 65 with no health coverage. 2025.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (American Community Survey 2020–2024, Population Estimates Vintage 2025, QuickFacts, county population estimates by race and Hispanic origin CC-EST2025). How we use this data.