Aiken, SC
Population 32,334 · South Carolina
About Aiken, SC
Aiken is a mid-sized city in South Carolina with a population of 32,334 residents. The median household income is $69,837 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Aiken is 46.5 years.
Housing in Aiken has a median home value of $261,800 and median monthly rent of $1,199. Of the 14,683 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 9,032 owner-occupied and 3,929 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Aiken is 4.7% and the poverty rate is 16.3%. 45.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 23.5 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Aiken
What is the population of Aiken, SC?
The population of Aiken, SC is 32,334 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Aiken?
The median household income in Aiken, SC is $69,837 per year.
What is the median home value in Aiken?
The median home value in Aiken, SC is $261,800.
What is the average rent in Aiken?
The median monthly rent in Aiken, SC is $1,199.
What is the unemployment rate in Aiken?
The unemployment rate in Aiken, SC is 4.7%.