Chesnee, SC
Population 804 · South Carolina
About Chesnee, SC
Chesnee is a small community located in South Carolina with a population of 804 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,375 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.3 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 Chesnee features a median home value of $109,800, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Chesnee one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $839, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 392 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (175 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (151 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Chesnee shows an unemployment rate of 4.9%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 31.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Chesnee have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.0% of Chesnee 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 2.4% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Chesnee, SC
Compared to national averages, Chesnee has a median household income of $39,375 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $109,800, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $839 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Chesnee's income is 33% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 46% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Chesnee, SC?
Chesnee offers affordable housing with a median home value of $109,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $839/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,375) that falls below the national average. However, Chesnee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Chesnee has a population of 804 with a median age of 43.3 years. Compare Chesnee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Chesnee
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mayesville | 801 | $45,179 | $90,800 | Compare |
| Manville | 812 | $26,607 | $0 | Compare |
| The Cliffs Valley | 813 | $114,583 | $900,000 | Compare |
| Bowman | 789 | $27,500 | $80,700 | Compare |
| Scranton | 820 | $26,250 | $83,000 | Compare |
| Heath Springs | 825 | $50,500 | $113,800 | Compare |
| North | 783 | $36,250 | $86,500 | Compare |
| Lincolnville | 835 | $36,538 | $220,600 | 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 Chesnee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Chesnee
What is the population of Chesnee, SC?
The population of Chesnee, SC is 804 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Chesnee?
The median household income in Chesnee, SC is $39,375 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Chesnee?
The median home value in Chesnee, SC is $109,800, which is 55% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Chesnee?
The median monthly rent in Chesnee, SC is $839, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Chesnee?
The unemployment rate in Chesnee, SC is 4.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Chesnee, SC a good place to live?
Chesnee offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 804 and a median age of 43.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Chesnee, SC?
9.0% of residents in Chesnee 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 Chesnee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Chesnee, SC: median home value is $109,800 (55% below national), median rent is $839/month, and median household income is $39,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Chesnee?
The poverty rate in Chesnee, SC is 31.8%, 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 Chesnee, SC?
Chesnee's population is 2.4% White, 3.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 11.3% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.