Clemson, SC
Population 17,759 · South Carolina
About Clemson, SC
Clemson is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 17,759 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $49,713 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 24.6 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 Clemson features a median home value of $359,100, which is 47% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Clemson in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $972, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 8,423 total housing units, 35% are owner-occupied (2,678 units) and 65% are renter-occupied (4,868 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 Clemson shows an unemployment rate of 4.1%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 36.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Clemson have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
59.0% of Clemson 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 0.8% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 2.3% Asian residents, with 7.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Clemson Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Clemson, SC
Compared to national averages, Clemson has a median household income of $49,713 (34% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $359,100, which is 47% above the national median. Monthly rent at $972 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Clemson's income is 15% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 78% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Clemson, SC?
Clemson offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $972/month, and a well-educated community where 59.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($49,713) that falls below the national average. However, Clemson’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Clemson has a population of 17,759 with a median age of 24.6 years. Compare Clemson with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Clemson
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Columbia | 17,723 | $54,152 | $186,200 | Compare |
| Berea | 16,642 | $48,104 | $187,200 | Compare |
| Red Hill | 16,480 | $62,132 | $223,900 | Compare |
| Five Forks | 19,093 | $140,668 | $424,600 | Compare |
| Ladson | 16,261 | $83,031 | $222,100 | Compare |
| North Myrtle Beach | 19,343 | $72,111 | $371,900 | Compare |
| Seven Oaks | 15,990 | $64,003 | $195,900 | Compare |
| Dentsville | 15,396 | $44,029 | $154,600 | 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 Clemson With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Clemson
What is the population of Clemson, SC?
The population of Clemson, SC is 17,759 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Clemson?
The median household income in Clemson, SC is $49,713 per year, which is 34% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Clemson?
The median home value in Clemson, SC is $359,100, which is 47% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Clemson?
The median monthly rent in Clemson, SC is $972, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Clemson?
The unemployment rate in Clemson, SC is 4.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Clemson, SC a good place to live?
Clemson offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 17,759 and a median age of 24.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Clemson, SC?
59.0% of residents in Clemson 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 Clemson?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Clemson, SC: median home value is $359,100 (47% above national), median rent is $972/month, and median household income is $49,713. The home-value-to-income ratio is 7.2x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Clemson?
The poverty rate in Clemson, SC is 36.1%, 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 Clemson, SC?
Clemson's population is 0.8% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 2.3% Asian, and 8.5% two or more races. 7.0% of residents are foreign-born.