Horry County, South Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Horry County is located in South Carolina with a total population of 368,937. It is the 4th most populous county out of 46 in South Carolina.

Age Demographics

The median age in Horry County is 48.2 years. This is 20% higher than the state median of 40.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Horry County is $64,623. This is 3% lower than the state median of $66,818. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 18% lower. The poverty rate stands at 12.8%. This is 10% lower than the state poverty rate of 14.2%. The unemployment rate is 5.2%. This is 5% higher than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $260,500. Housing costs are 10% higher than the state median of $236,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x. 75.8% 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 Horry County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 75.9% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 11.8%. The Black or African American population (11.8%) is well below the state average of 25.1%.

Education

26.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 15% 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 91.4%.