Clearwater, SC
Population 3,124 · South Carolina
About Clearwater, SC
Clearwater is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 3,124 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,669 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.3 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Clearwater features a median home value of $156,500, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Clearwater in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $835, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,559 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (785 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (508 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Clearwater shows an unemployment rate of 8.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 14.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clearwater have an average one-way commute time of 26.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.1% of Clearwater 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 8.4% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.7% Black or African American, and 7.8% Asian residents, with 9.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Clearwater, SC
Compared to national averages, Clearwater has a median household income of $50,669 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $156,500, which is 36% below the national median. Monthly rent at $835 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Clearwater's income is 14% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 23% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Clearwater, SC?
Clearwater offers affordable housing with a median home value of $156,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $835/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,669) that falls below the national average. However, Clearwater’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clearwater has a population of 3,124 with a median age of 41.3 years. Compare Clearwater with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Clearwater
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherryvale | 3,136 | $41,563 | $91,000 | Compare |
| Denmark | 3,141 | $33,100 | $73,000 | Compare |
| Saluda | 3,095 | $40,567 | $81,500 | Compare |
| Lakewood | 3,154 | $49,255 | $260,900 | Compare |
| Burnettown | 3,090 | $38,371 | $189,200 | Compare |
| Kingstree | 3,161 | $28,776 | $127,300 | Compare |
| Inman | 3,085 | $55,156 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Golden Grove | 3,084 | $71,694 | $161,600 | 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 Clearwater With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clearwater
What is the population of Clearwater, SC?
The population of Clearwater, SC is 3,124 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 Clearwater?
The median household income in Clearwater, SC is $50,669 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clearwater?
The median home value in Clearwater, SC is $156,500, which is 36% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Clearwater?
The median monthly rent in Clearwater, SC is $835, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clearwater?
The unemployment rate in Clearwater, SC is 8.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clearwater, SC a good place to live?
Clearwater offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 3,124 and a median age of 41.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Clearwater, SC?
9.1% of residents in Clearwater 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 Clearwater?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clearwater, SC: median home value is $156,500 (36% below national), median rent is $835/month, and median household income is $50,669. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Clearwater?
The poverty rate in Clearwater, SC is 14.4%, 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 Clearwater, SC?
Clearwater's population is 8.4% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 2.7% Black or African American, 7.8% Asian, and 8.1% two or more races. 9.3% of residents are foreign-born.