Gaffney city, South Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Gaffney city, South Carolina has a total population of 12,612, the 49th largest city in South Carolina, with a median household income of $41,214, which is 38% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 24.8%.
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 38% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- Unemployment rate of 11.3% is notably above the national average.
Gaffney city Quick Facts
How Gaffney city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
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: 54 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Gaffney city Rankings in South Carolina
Explore South Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to Gaffney city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parker CDP | 12,564 | $38,607 | $121,800 | 15.0% | 29.2% |
| Orangeburg city | 13,189 | $33,066 | $145,000 | 27.2% | 31.5% |
| Dentsville CDP | 15,396 | $44,029 | $154,600 | 22.8% | 17.1% |
| Newberry city | 10,733 | $47,885 | $124,600 | 22.7% | 27.0% |
| Gantt CDP | 15,057 | $47,265 | $156,200 | 18.9% | 25.5% |
Population Overview
Gaffney city is a small city located in South Carolina. The total population is 12,612. It ranks as the 49th most populous out of 475 cities and towns in South Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Gaffney city is 32.8 years. This is 18% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Gaffney city is $41,214. This is 38% lower than the state median of $66,818. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 48% lower. The poverty rate stands at 24.8%. This is 75% higher than the state poverty rate of 14.2%. 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 11.3%. This is 128% higher than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $141,100. Housing costs are 40% lower than the state median of $236,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x. 54.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 24% lower than the state average of 71.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
Gaffney city is a highly diverse community where no single racial or ethnic group constitutes a majority of the population. Black or African American residents account for 40.9%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (40.9% vs 25.1%). The Asian population (0.7%) is well below the state average of 1.7%.
Education
21.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 31% 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 84.8%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Gaffney city, South Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against South Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 475 Census-designated places in South Carolina. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Gaffney city, South Carolina?
Gaffney city, South Carolina has a population of 12,612 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Gaffney city, SC?
The median household income in Gaffney city is $41,214, which is 48% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Gaffney city, SC?
The poverty rate in Gaffney city is 24.8%. This means approximately 2,880 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Gaffney city, South Carolina?
Gaffney city's population is 42.3% White, 40.9% Black, 6.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.7% Asian.
What is the median home value in Gaffney city, SC?
The median home value in Gaffney city is $141,100. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x.
How educated is Gaffney city, South Carolina?
21.8% of adults (25+) in Gaffney city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 9.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.