Cities in South Carolina
472 cities and towns · Population 2,605,919
About South Carolina
South Carolina is home to 472 cities and towns with a combined population of 2,605,919 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. The largest city is Charleston, and the median household income across the state is $58,738 per year. Browse the table below to compare cities by population and income, or explore the full South Carolina city rankings. See how cities compare on housing costs in our South Carolina cost of living guide.
Economy & Income
The economic landscape of South Carolina features a median household income of $58,738. The wealthiest community by income is Kiawah Island at $236,607 per year. The state's average unemployment rate is 7.6% and the poverty rate averages 21.2% across all communities. 23.2% of residents statewide hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Housing & Cost of Living
The typical home in South Carolina is valued at $202,187, with median monthly rent at $982. The home-value-to-income ratio is approximately 3.4x the median income, suggesting relatively affordable housing conditions for residents. For city-by-city housing data, see our South Carolina cost of living breakdown.
Demographics
The population of South Carolina is distributed across 472 communities, ranging from Live Oak (21 residents) to Charleston (152,014 residents). The median age across South Carolina is 42.9 years. Explore individual city pages for detailed demographic breakdowns including race, ethnicity, education, and employment data.
Largest Cities in South Carolina
| City | Population | Median Income |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 152,014 | $90,038 |
| Columbia | 138,019 | $55,653 |
| North Charleston | 117,460 | $62,789 |
| Mount Pleasant | 92,662 | $121,364 |
| Rock Hill | 74,769 | $64,770 |
| Greenville | 71,755 | $68,460 |
| Summerville | 51,262 | $78,621 |
| Goose Creek | 46,964 | $87,437 |
| Sumter | 43,065 | $53,071 |
| Florence | 40,205 | $56,433 |
| Greer | 39,191 | $80,030 |
| Spartanburg | 38,578 | $51,193 |
| Hilton Head Island | 37,805 | $96,715 |
| Myrtle Beach | 37,214 | $53,679 |
| Aiken | 32,334 | $69,837 |
| Bluffton | 31,323 | $105,463 |
| Anderson | 29,563 | $44,321 |
| Fort Mill | 28,281 | $127,537 |
| Carolina Forest | 26,373 | $70,647 |
| Conway | 26,082 | $54,841 |
All Cities in South Carolina
South Carolina City Rankings
Frequently Asked Questions about South Carolina
How many cities are in South Carolina?
South Carolina has 472 cities and towns with a combined population of 2,605,919 residents according to US Census Bureau data.
What is the largest city in South Carolina?
The largest city in South Carolina is Charleston by population. It has 152,014 residents and a median household income of $90,038.
What is the median household income in South Carolina?
The median household income across South Carolina is $58,738 per year. The highest-income city is Kiawah Island at $236,607.
What is the most popular city in South Carolina?
Charleston is the most populated city in South Carolina with 152,014 residents and a median income of $90,038.
What are the top 5 cities in South Carolina by population?
The five largest cities in South Carolina are: 1. Charleston (152,014), 2. Columbia (138,019), 3. North Charleston (117,460), 4. Mount Pleasant (92,662), 5. Rock Hill (74,769).
What is the smallest city in South Carolina?
The smallest city in South Carolina by population is Live Oak with 21 residents.
What is the cost of living in South Carolina?
The median household income in South Carolina is $58,738. The median home value across the state is $202,187 and median rent is $982/month. See our detailed cost of living guide for South Carolina for city-level breakdowns.