Alcolu, SC
Population 426 · South Carolina
About Alcolu, SC
Alcolu is a small community located in South Carolina with a population of 426 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,917 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.8 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alcolu features a median home value of $166,400, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Alcolu in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $685, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 134 total housing units, 62% are owner-occupied (78 units) and 38% are renter-occupied (47 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alcolu shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 44.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Alcolu have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.3% of Alcolu residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 24.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Alcolu Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Alcolu, SC
Compared to national averages, Alcolu has a median household income of $41,917 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $166,400, which is 32% below the national median. Monthly rent at $685 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Alcolu's income is 29% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 18% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Alcolu, SC?
Alcolu offers affordable housing with a median home value of $166,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $685/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,917) that falls below the national average. However, Alcolu’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alcolu has a population of 426 with a median age of 21.8 years. Compare Alcolu with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
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Demographics
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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 Alcolu
What is the population of Alcolu, SC?
The population of Alcolu, SC is 426 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Alcolu?
The median household income in Alcolu, SC is $41,917 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alcolu?
The median home value in Alcolu, SC is $166,400, which is 32% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alcolu?
The median monthly rent in Alcolu, SC is $685, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alcolu?
The unemployment rate in Alcolu, SC is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Alcolu, SC a good place to live?
Alcolu offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 426 and a median age of 21.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Alcolu, SC?
20.3% of residents in Alcolu aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Alcolu?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alcolu, SC: median home value is $166,400 (32% below national), median rent is $685/month, and median household income is $41,917. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.0x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Alcolu?
The poverty rate in Alcolu, SC is 44.4%, 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 Alcolu, SC?
Alcolu's population is 24.9% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 56.8% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.