Anderson, SC
Population 29,563 · South Carolina
About Anderson, SC
Anderson is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 29,563 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,321 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33 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 Anderson features a median home value of $199,600, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Anderson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $965, 17% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 13,565 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (6,212 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (5,910 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Anderson shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Anderson have an average one-way commute time of 21.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.3% of Anderson residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.0% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 2.5% Asian residents, with 5.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Anderson Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Anderson, SC
Compared to national averages, Anderson has a median household income of $44,321 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $199,600, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $965 is 17% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Anderson's income is 25% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 1% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Anderson, SC?
Anderson offers affordable housing with a median home value of $199,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $965/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,321) that falls below the national average. However, Anderson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Anderson has a population of 29,563 with a median age of 33 years. Compare Anderson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Anderson
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Mill | 28,281 | $127,537 | $457,000 | Compare |
| Bluffton | 31,323 | $105,463 | $444,500 | Compare |
| Aiken | 32,334 | $69,837 | $261,800 | Compare |
| Carolina Forest | 26,373 | $70,647 | $298,700 | Compare |
| Conway | 26,082 | $54,841 | $236,300 | Compare |
| Mauldin | 25,985 | $81,027 | $242,100 | Compare |
| Simpsonville | 25,125 | $79,233 | $267,500 | Compare |
| North Augusta | 24,928 | $90,132 | $220,500 | 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 Anderson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Anderson
What is the population of Anderson, SC?
The population of Anderson, SC is 29,563 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 Anderson?
The median household income in Anderson, SC is $44,321 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Anderson?
The median home value in Anderson, SC is $199,600, which is 18% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Anderson?
The median monthly rent in Anderson, SC is $965, which is 17% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Anderson?
The unemployment rate in Anderson, SC is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Anderson, SC a good place to live?
Anderson offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 29,563 and a median age of 33, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Anderson, SC?
27.3% of residents in Anderson 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 Anderson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Anderson, SC: median home value is $199,600 (18% below national), median rent is $965/month, and median household income is $44,321. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Anderson?
The poverty rate in Anderson, SC is 22.3%, 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 Anderson, SC?
Anderson's population is 1.0% White, 3.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 2.5% Asian, and 28.5% two or more races. 5.2% of residents are foreign-born.