Cowpens, SC
Population 2,031 · South Carolina
About Cowpens, SC
Cowpens is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 2,031 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $37,168 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 48.8 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 Cowpens features a median home value of $152,700, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Cowpens in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $815, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,002 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (572 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (309 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Cowpens shows an unemployment rate of 1.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 31.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Cowpens have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.9% of Cowpens 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 3.7% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 3.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Cowpens Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Cowpens, SC
Compared to national averages, Cowpens has a median household income of $37,168 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,700, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $815 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Cowpens's income is 37% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 24% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Cowpens, SC?
Cowpens offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $815/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($37,168) that falls below the national average. However, Cowpens’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Cowpens has a population of 2,031 with a median age of 48.8 years. Compare Cowpens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Cowpens
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaston | 2,026 | $59,500 | $117,900 | Compare |
| Fairfax | 2,037 | $41,328 | $54,400 | Compare |
| Arial | 2,024 | $50,132 | $169,200 | Compare |
| Shell Point | 2,005 | $65,840 | $233,600 | Compare |
| Mayo | 1,963 | $47,384 | $159,200 | Compare |
| Hopkins | 1,962 | $49,464 | $77,300 | Compare |
| Reidville | 1,955 | $117,692 | $326,200 | Compare |
| Seabrook Island | 2,107 | $124,519 | $899,600 | 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 Cowpens With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Cowpens
What is the population of Cowpens, SC?
The population of Cowpens, SC is 2,031 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 Cowpens?
The median household income in Cowpens, SC is $37,168 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Cowpens?
The median home value in Cowpens, SC is $152,700, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Cowpens?
The median monthly rent in Cowpens, SC is $815, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Cowpens?
The unemployment rate in Cowpens, SC is 1.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Cowpens, SC a good place to live?
Cowpens offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,031 and a median age of 48.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Cowpens, SC?
18.9% of residents in Cowpens 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 Cowpens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Cowpens, SC: median home value is $152,700 (38% below national), median rent is $815/month, and median household income is $37,168. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.1x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Cowpens?
The poverty rate in Cowpens, SC is 31.0%, 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 Cowpens, SC?
Cowpens's population is 3.7% White, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino, 6.5% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 9.2% two or more races. 3.9% of residents are foreign-born.