Dorchester County, South Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Dorchester County is located in South Carolina with a total population of 164,322. It is the 12th most populous county out of 46 in South Carolina.

Age Demographics

The median age in Dorchester County is 37.9 years. This is 5% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Dorchester County is $76,896. This is 15% higher than the state median of $66,818. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 2% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.5%. This is 19% lower than the state poverty rate of 14.2%. The unemployment rate is 4.7%. This is 6% lower than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $294,400. Housing costs are 24% higher than the state median of $236,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x. 75.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 6% higher than the state average of 71.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Dorchester County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 61.4% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 24.8%.

Education

30.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 5% 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 91.3%.