Berea, SC
Population 16,642 · South Carolina
About Berea, SC
Berea is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 16,642 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $48,104 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Berea features a median home value of $187,200, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Berea in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,032, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,724 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (3,808 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (2,445 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Berea shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Berea have an average one-way commute time of 25.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.2% of Berea 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 8.7% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, and 20.5% Asian residents, with 19.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Berea Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Berea, SC
Compared to national averages, Berea has a median household income of $48,104 (36% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $187,200, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,032 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Berea's income is 18% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 7% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Berea, SC?
Berea offers affordable housing with a median home value of $187,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,032/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($48,104) that falls below the national average. However, Berea’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Berea has a population of 16,642 with a median age of 36.6 years. Compare Berea with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Berea
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red Hill | 16,480 | $62,132 | $223,900 | Compare |
| Ladson | 16,261 | $83,031 | $222,100 | Compare |
| Seven Oaks | 15,990 | $64,003 | $195,900 | Compare |
| West Columbia | 17,723 | $54,152 | $186,200 | Compare |
| Clemson | 17,759 | $49,713 | $359,100 | Compare |
| Dentsville | 15,396 | $44,029 | $154,600 | Compare |
| Lake Wylie | 15,177 | $112,113 | $464,200 | Compare |
| Gantt | 15,057 | $47,265 | $156,200 | 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 Berea With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Berea
What is the population of Berea, SC?
The population of Berea, SC is 16,642 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 Berea?
The median household income in Berea, SC is $48,104 per year, which is 36% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Berea?
The median home value in Berea, SC is $187,200, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Berea?
The median monthly rent in Berea, SC is $1,032, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Berea?
The unemployment rate in Berea, SC is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Berea, SC a good place to live?
Berea offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 16,642 and a median age of 36.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Berea, SC?
18.2% of residents in Berea 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 Berea?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Berea, SC: median home value is $187,200 (24% below national), median rent is $1,032/month, and median household income is $48,104. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Berea?
The poverty rate in Berea, SC is 22.0%, 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 Berea, SC?
Berea's population is 8.7% White, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 2.8% Black or African American, 20.5% Asian, and 20.8% two or more races. 19.8% of residents are foreign-born.