Catawba, SC
Population 1,225 · South Carolina
About Catawba, SC
Catawba is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 1,225 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,385 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Catawba features a median home value of $198,100, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Catawba in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,525, 31% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 588 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (379 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (141 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Catawba shows an unemployment rate of 11.4%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Catawba have an average one-way commute time of 38.2 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
25.0% of Catawba 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Catawba, SC
Compared to national averages, Catawba has a median household income of $55,385 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $198,100, which is 19% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,525 is 31% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Catawba's income is 6% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 2% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Catawba, SC?
Catawba offers affordable housing with a median home value of $198,100, below the US average of $244,900.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,385) that falls below the national average. However, Catawba’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Catawba has a population of 1,225 with a median age of 37.9 years. Compare Catawba with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Catawba
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buffalo | 1,232 | $21,831 | $44,400 | Compare |
| Lake Secession | 1,209 | $46,933 | $335,500 | Compare |
| Whitmire | 1,241 | $32,188 | $51,900 | Compare |
| Prosperity | 1,198 | $58,276 | $138,400 | Compare |
| Murphys Estates | 1,187 | $90,357 | $185,100 | Compare |
| Due West | 1,185 | $52,059 | $178,500 | Compare |
| Santee | 1,179 | $36,856 | $163,800 | Compare |
| Edmund | 1,274 | $35,750 | $100,200 | 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 Catawba With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Catawba
What is the population of Catawba, SC?
The population of Catawba, SC is 1,225 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Catawba?
The median household income in Catawba, SC is $55,385 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Catawba?
The median home value in Catawba, SC is $198,100, which is 19% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Catawba?
The median monthly rent in Catawba, SC is $1,525, which is 31% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Catawba?
The unemployment rate in Catawba, SC is 11.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Catawba, SC a good place to live?
Catawba offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,225 and a median age of 37.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Catawba, SC?
25.0% of residents in Catawba 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 Catawba?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Catawba, SC: median home value is $198,100 (19% below national), median rent is $1,525/month, and median household income is $55,385. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Catawba?
The poverty rate in Catawba, SC is 17.3%, 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 Catawba, SC?
Catawba's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 14.0% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.