Carolina Forest, SC
Population 26,373 · South Carolina
About Carolina Forest, SC
Carolina Forest is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 26,373 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $70,647 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Carolina Forest features a median home value of $298,700, which is 22% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Carolina Forest in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,567, 35% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 10,656 total housing units, 69% are owner-occupied (6,709 units) and 31% are renter-occupied (2,965 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Carolina Forest shows an unemployment rate of 8.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Carolina Forest have an average one-way commute time of 22 minutes.
Education & Demographics
34.2% of Carolina Forest 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 2.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 11.8% of the population being foreign-born.
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.
Compare Carolina Forest With Other Cities
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 US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Carolina Forest?
The median household income in Carolina Forest, SC is $70,647 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Carolina Forest?
The median home value in Carolina Forest, SC is $298,700, which is 22% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Carolina Forest?
The median monthly rent in Carolina Forest, SC is $1,567, which is 35% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Carolina Forest?
The unemployment rate in Carolina Forest, SC is 8.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Carolina Forest, SC a good place to live?
Carolina Forest offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 26,373 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Carolina Forest, SC?
34.2% of residents in Carolina Forest aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Carolina Forest?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Carolina Forest, SC: median home value is $298,700 (22% above national), median rent is $1,567/month, and median household income is $70,647. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Carolina Forest?
The poverty rate in Carolina Forest, SC is 14.0%, 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 Carolina Forest, SC?
Carolina Forest's population is 2.2% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 8.8% two or more races. 11.8% of residents are foreign-born.