Carolina Forest, SC
Population 26,373 · South Carolina
About Carolina Forest, SC
Carolina Forest is a mid-sized city in South Carolina with a population of 26,373 residents. The median household income is $70,647 per year, which is above the national average. The median age in Carolina Forest is 37.6 years.
Housing in Carolina Forest has a median home value of $298,700 and median monthly rent of $1,567. Of the 10,656 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 6,709 owner-occupied and 2,965 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Carolina Forest is 8.4% and the poverty rate is 14.0%. 34.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 22 minutes.
How Carolina Forest Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Carolina Forest, SC
Compared to national averages, Carolina Forest has a median household income of $70,647 (6% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $298,700, which is 22% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,567 is 35% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Carolina Forest's income is 20% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 48% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Carolina Forest, SC?
Carolina Forest offers a well-educated community where 34.2% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 22 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($70,647) that falls below the national average. However, Carolina Forest’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Carolina Forest has a population of 26,373 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Carolina Forest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Carolina Forest
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Socastee | 24,629 | $59,826 | $218,200 | Compare |
| Fort Mill | 28,281 | $127,537 | $457,000 | Compare |
| Lexington | 24,132 | $83,263 | $271,200 | Compare |
| Easley | 23,942 | $65,330 | $243,100 | 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 Carolina Forest
What is the population of Carolina Forest, SC?
The population of Carolina Forest, SC is 26,373 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Carolina Forest?
The median household income in Carolina Forest, SC is $70,647 per year.
What is the median home value in Carolina Forest?
The median home value in Carolina Forest, SC is $298,700.
What is the average rent in Carolina Forest?
The median monthly rent in Carolina Forest, SC is $1,567.
What is the unemployment rate in Carolina Forest?
The unemployment rate in Carolina Forest, SC is 8.4%.