Aiken County, South Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Aiken County is located in South Carolina with a total population of 171,949. It is the 11th most populous county out of 46 in South Carolina.

Age Demographics

The median age in Aiken County is 41.6 years. This is 4% higher than the state median of 40.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Aiken County is $67,940. This is 2% higher than the state median of $66,818. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 13% lower. The poverty rate stands at 13.9%. This is 2% lower than the state poverty rate of 14.2%. The unemployment rate is 5.6%. This is 14% higher than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $199,500. Housing costs are 16% lower than the state median of $236,700. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.9x, Aiken County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 76.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 7% higher than the state average of 71.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Aiken County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 64.2% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 24.2%.

Education

31.1% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 1% lower than the state rate of 31.5%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 89.8%.