Pickens County, South Carolina Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Pickens County is located in South Carolina with a total population of 132,604. It is the 14th most populous county out of 46 in South Carolina.

Age Demographics

The median age in Pickens County is 36.2 years. This is 10% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Pickens County is $59,411. This is 11% lower than the state median of $66,818. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 24% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.2%. This is 21% higher than the state poverty rate of 14.2%. The unemployment rate is 3.5%. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $216,000. Housing costs are 9% lower than the state median of $236,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x. 70.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 1% lower than the state average of 71.4%.

Race & Ethnicity

The largest racial or ethnic group in Pickens County is White (non-Hispanic), making up 83.4% of the population. Black or African American residents account for 6.1%. The Black or African American population (6.1%) is well below the state average of 25.1%.

Education

27.3% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 13% 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 87.3%.