Ward, South Carolina Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Ward, South Carolina had a total population of 260, the 392nd largest town in South Carolina. The poverty rate is 37.7%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (37.7%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Ward Quick Facts
How Ward Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 284 | 260 | -8.5% |
| Median home value | $115,600 | $164,800 | +42.6% |
How Ward Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
Moderate diversity with one or two groups making up the majority.
State average: 55 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Ward Rankings in South Carolina
Explore South Carolina Rankings
Other Cities in Saluda County
| City | Population | Median Income | Poverty | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saluda | 3,055 | $42,506 | 43.9% | $77,700 |
| Ridge Spring | 842 | $39,167 | 24.8% | $69,600 |
Cities Similar to Ward
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antreville | 260 | $126,250 | $342,000 | 20.9% | 21.9% |
| Mount Carmel | 261 | $43,504 | $93,400 | 0.0% | 33.3% |
| Ridgeway | 261 | $44,107 | $169,800 | 24.1% | 32.6% |
| Daviston | 262 | $21,917 | $87,100 | 1.1% | 48.1% |
| Starr | 258 | $75,833 | $175,000 | 29.4% | 3.1% |
A note before these figures: with a population of 260, Ward's ACS estimates come from a small number of survey responses and carry wide margins of error. Individual percentages below — particularly rates that round to 0% or 100% — are approximations, not precise measurements. See data.census.gov for the published margins of error.
Population Overview
Ward is a small community located in South Carolina, within Saluda County. The total population is 260. It ranks as the 392nd most populous out of 474 Census-designated places in South Carolina.
Age Demographics
The median age in Ward is 35.5 years. This is 12% lower than the state median of 40.2 years. With 29.6% of the population under 18, Ward has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The poverty rate stands at 37.7%. This is 168% higher than the state poverty rate of 14.1%. 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 3.7%. This is 24% lower than the state rate of 4.9%. The median home value is $164,800. Housing costs are 36% lower than the state median of $259,000. 39.7% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 45% lower than the state average of 71.9%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Ward is Black or African American, making up 59.2% of the population. White (non-Hispanic) residents account for 33.1%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (59.2% vs 24.6%).
Education
10.0% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 69% lower than the state rate of 32.1%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 64.4%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Ward, South Carolina is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against South Carolina state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 474 Census-designated places in South Carolina. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Ward, South Carolina?
Ward, South Carolina has a population of 260 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Ward, SC?
The Census Bureau does not publish a reliable median household income estimate for Ward — the community is too small for the ACS sample. The national median is $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Ward, SC?
The poverty rate in Ward is 37.7%. This means approximately 98 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Ward, South Carolina?
Ward's population is 33.1% White, 59.2% Black, 6.9% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Ward, SC?
The median home value in Ward is $164,800.
How educated is Ward, South Carolina?
10.0% of adults (25+) in Ward hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 10.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.