Anderson, South Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Anderson, South Carolina had a total population of 30,051, the 18th largest city in South Carolina, with a median household income of $46,933, which is 32% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 21.0%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 32% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
Anderson Quick Facts
How Anderson Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,563 | 30,051 | +1.7% |
| Median household income | $44,321 | $46,933 | +5.9% |
| Median home value | $199,600 | $218,200 | +9.3% |
How Anderson Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 55 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Anderson Rankings in South Carolina
Explore South Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Anderson County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easley | 24,841 | $66,299 | 13.9% | $263,500 |
| Clemson | 18,072 | $49,520 | 36.0% | $398,400 |
| Powdersville | 10,771 | $84,910 | 9.3% | $334,900 |
| Centerville | 7,049 | $64,380 | 8.8% | $229,700 |
| Homeland Park | 6,632 | $40,218 | 36.2% | $103,700 |
| Belton | 4,458 | $49,107 | 19.6% | $133,500 |
| Northlake | 4,390 | $89,635 | 8.8% | $277,700 |
| Williamston | 4,170 | $64,389 | 13.5% | $162,800 |
| Honea Path | 3,739 | $32,900 | 33.6% | $155,400 |
| Pendleton | 3,594 | $61,901 | 21.8% | $250,500 |
Cities Similar to Anderson
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conway | 27,263 | $56,650 | $260,900 | 19.6% | 21.0% |
| Spartanburg | 38,910 | $51,964 | $203,700 | 32.6% | 23.8% |
| Aiken | 32,521 | $76,746 | $286,800 | 47.7% | 17.0% |
| Greenwood | 22,536 | $41,150 | $136,300 | 17.6% | 21.6% |
| Easley | 24,841 | $66,299 | $263,500 | 31.9% | 13.9% |
Population Overview
Anderson is a mid-sized community located in South Carolina, within Anderson County. The total population is 30,051. It ranks as the 18th most populous out of 474 Census-designated places in South Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Anderson is 32.7 years. This is 19% lower than the state median of 40.2 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Anderson is $46,933. This is 32% lower than the state median of $69,324. It is also 42% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 21.0%. This is 49% higher than the state poverty rate of 14.1%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 6.8%. This is 39% higher than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $218,200. Housing costs are 16% lower than the state median of $259,000. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x. 51.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 29% lower than the state average of 71.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Anderson is White (non-Hispanic), making up 59.9% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 27.0%.
Education
28.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 12% lower than the state rate of 32.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Anderson, South Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against South Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 474 Census-designated places in South Carolina. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Anderson, South Carolina?
Anderson, South Carolina has a population of 30,051 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Anderson, SC?
The median household income in Anderson is $46,933, which is 42% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Anderson, SC?
The poverty rate in Anderson is 21.0%. This means approximately 5,827 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Anderson, South Carolina?
Anderson's population is 59.9% White, 27.0% Black, 5.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Anderson, SC?
The median home value in Anderson is $218,200. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.6x.
How educated is Anderson, South Carolina?
28.3% of adults (25+) in Anderson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.