Cheraw, SC
Population 5,024 · South Carolina
About Cheraw, SC
Cheraw is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 5,024 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $27,275 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.1 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Cheraw features a median home value of $113,400, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Cheraw one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $806, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,516 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (964 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (1,190 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 Cheraw shows an unemployment rate of 14.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 35.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cheraw have an average one-way commute time of 15.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.0% of Cheraw 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 3.4% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 2.7% Asian residents, with 6.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Cheraw, SC
Compared to national averages, Cheraw has a median household income of $27,275 (64% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $113,400, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $806 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Cheraw's income is 54% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 44% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Cheraw, SC?
Cheraw offers affordable housing with a median home value of $113,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $806/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($27,275) that falls below the national average. However, Cheraw’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cheraw has a population of 5,024 with a median age of 45.1 years. Compare Cheraw with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Cheraw
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batesburg-Leesville | 4,935 | $53,102 | $130,500 | Compare |
| Abbeville | 4,863 | $38,983 | $108,500 | Compare |
| Chester | 5,241 | $41,231 | $106,400 | Compare |
| Central | 5,299 | $58,262 | $228,500 | Compare |
| Blythewood | 5,309 | $105,583 | $368,300 | Compare |
| Hollywood | 5,330 | $77,415 | $450,400 | Compare |
| Barnwell | 4,616 | $43,239 | $137,300 | Compare |
| Belvedere | 5,458 | $57,933 | $120,400 | 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 Cheraw With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheraw
What is the population of Cheraw, SC?
The population of Cheraw, SC is 5,024 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 Cheraw?
The median household income in Cheraw, SC is $27,275 per year, which is 64% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cheraw?
The median home value in Cheraw, SC is $113,400, which is 54% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Cheraw?
The median monthly rent in Cheraw, SC is $806, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cheraw?
The unemployment rate in Cheraw, SC is 14.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Cheraw, SC a good place to live?
Cheraw offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,024 and a median age of 45.1, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Cheraw, SC?
21.0% of residents in Cheraw 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 Cheraw?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cheraw, SC: median home value is $113,400 (54% below national), median rent is $806/month, and median household income is $27,275. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.2x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Cheraw?
The poverty rate in Cheraw, SC is 35.4%, 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 Cheraw, SC?
Cheraw's population is 3.4% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, and 53.4% two or more races. 6.0% of residents are foreign-born.