Sumter city, South Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Sumter city, South Carolina has a total population of 43,065, the 9th largest city in South Carolina, with a median household income of $53,071, which is 21% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 15.8%.
Sumter city Quick Facts
How Sumter 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+)
Sumter city Rankings in South Carolina
Explore South Carolina Rankings
Cities Similar to Sumter city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florence city | 40,205 | $56,433 | $189,800 | 29.9% | 18.1% |
| Spartanburg city | 38,578 | $51,193 | $185,300 | 33.3% | 24.1% |
| Myrtle Beach city | 37,214 | $53,679 | $347,700 | 34.1% | 16.9% |
| Greer city | 39,191 | $80,030 | $264,300 | 40.8% | 9.9% |
| Goose Creek city | 46,964 | $87,437 | $279,500 | 29.4% | 6.6% |
Population Overview
Sumter city is a mid-sized community located in South Carolina. The total population is 43,065. It ranks as the 9th most populous out of 475 cities and towns in South Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Sumter city is 33.3 years. This is 17% lower than the state median of 40.1 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Sumter city is $53,071. This is 21% lower than the state median of $66,818. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% lower. The poverty rate stands at 15.8%. This is 11% higher than the state poverty rate of 14.2%. The unemployment rate is 7.8%. This is 57% higher than the state rate of 5.0%. The median home value is $188,400. Housing costs are 20% lower than the state median of $236,700. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x. 56.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 22% lower than the state average of 71.4%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Sumter city is Black or African American, making up 47.4% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 38.6%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (47.4% vs 25.1%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (2.8% vs 1.7%).
Education
28.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 9% 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 88.6%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Sumter 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 Sumter city, South Carolina?
Sumter city, South Carolina has a population of 43,065 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Sumter city, SC?
The median household income in Sumter city is $53,071, which is 32% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Sumter city, SC?
The poverty rate in Sumter city is 15.8%. This means approximately 6,515 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Sumter city, South Carolina?
Sumter city's population is 38.6% White, 47.4% Black, 6.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 2.8% Asian.
What is the median home value in Sumter city, SC?
The median home value in Sumter city is $188,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
How educated is Sumter city, South Carolina?
28.6% of adults (25+) in Sumter city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 11.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.