Aiken, SC
Population 32,334 · South Carolina
About Aiken, SC
Aiken is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 32,334 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $69,837 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Aiken features a median home value of $261,800, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Aiken in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,199, 3% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 14,683 total housing units, 70% are owner-occupied (9,032 units) and 30% are renter-occupied (3,929 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Aiken shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Aiken have an average one-way commute time of 23.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
45.1% of Aiken residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.9% Asian residents, with 3.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Aiken Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Aiken, SC
Compared to national averages, Aiken has a median household income of $69,837 (7% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $261,800, which is 7% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,199 is 3% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Aiken's income is 19% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 29% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Aiken, SC?
Aiken offers a well-educated community where 45.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 23.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($69,837) that falls below the national average. However, Aiken’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Aiken has a population of 32,334 with a median age of 46.5 years. Compare Aiken with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Aiken
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluffton | 31,323 | $105,463 | $444,500 | Compare |
| Anderson | 29,563 | $44,321 | $199,600 | Compare |
| Fort Mill | 28,281 | $127,537 | $457,000 | Compare |
| Myrtle Beach | 37,214 | $53,679 | $347,700 | Compare |
| Hilton Head Island | 37,805 | $96,715 | $652,100 | Compare |
| Carolina Forest | 26,373 | $70,647 | $298,700 | Compare |
| Spartanburg | 38,578 | $51,193 | $185,300 | Compare |
| Conway | 26,082 | $54,841 | $236,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in South Carolina
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Aiken With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Aiken
What is the population of Aiken, SC?
The population of Aiken, SC is 32,334 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Aiken?
The median household income in Aiken, SC is $69,837 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Aiken?
The median home value in Aiken, SC is $261,800, which is 7% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Aiken?
The median monthly rent in Aiken, SC is $1,199, which is 3% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Aiken?
The unemployment rate in Aiken, SC is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Aiken, SC a good place to live?
Aiken offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 32,334 and a median age of 46.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Aiken, SC?
45.1% of residents in Aiken aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Aiken?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Aiken, SC: median home value is $261,800 (7% above national), median rent is $1,199/month, and median household income is $69,837. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Aiken?
The poverty rate in Aiken, SC is 16.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Aiken, SC?
Aiken's population is 0.4% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, and 32.0% two or more races. 3.7% of residents are foreign-born.