Central, SC
Population 5,299 · South Carolina
About Central, SC
Central is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 5,299 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,262 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 22.7 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 Central features a median home value of $228,500, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Central in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $973, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,162 total housing units, 23% are owner-occupied (435 units) and 77% are renter-occupied (1,457 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Central shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 31.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Central have an average one-way commute time of 19.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
48.6% of Central residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 3.4% Asian residents, with 10.6% of the population being foreign-born.
How Central Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Central, SC
Compared to national averages, Central has a median household income of $58,262 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $228,500, which is 7% below the national median. Monthly rent at $973 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Central's income is 1% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 13% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Central, SC?
Central offers affordable housing with a median home value of $228,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $973/month, and a well-educated community where 48.6% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,262) that falls below the national average. However, Central’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Central has a population of 5,299 with a median age of 22.7 years. Compare Central with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Central
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blythewood | 5,309 | $105,583 | $368,300 | Compare |
| Hollywood | 5,330 | $77,415 | $450,400 | Compare |
| Chester | 5,241 | $41,231 | $106,400 | Compare |
| Belvedere | 5,458 | $57,933 | $120,400 | Compare |
| Walterboro | 5,490 | $48,366 | $170,500 | Compare |
| Cheraw | 5,024 | $27,275 | $113,400 | Compare |
| Laurel Bay | 5,627 | $52,094 | $221,300 | Compare |
| Batesburg-Leesville | 4,935 | $53,102 | $130,500 | 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 Central With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Central
What is the population of Central, SC?
The population of Central, SC is 5,299 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 Central?
The median household income in Central, SC is $58,262 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Central?
The median home value in Central, SC is $228,500, which is 7% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Central?
The median monthly rent in Central, SC is $973, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Central?
The unemployment rate in Central, SC is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Central, SC a good place to live?
Central offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,299 and a median age of 22.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Central, SC?
48.6% of residents in Central 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 Central?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Central, SC: median home value is $228,500 (7% below national), median rent is $973/month, and median household income is $58,262. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Central?
The poverty rate in Central, SC is 31.4%, 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 Central, SC?
Central's population is 3.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 3.4% Asian, and 7.3% two or more races. 10.6% of residents are foreign-born.