East Gaffney, SC
Population 3,169 · South Carolina
About East Gaffney, SC
East Gaffney is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 3,169 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $26,314 per year, which is 65% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in East Gaffney features a median home value of $78,900, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. This makes East Gaffney one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $753, 35% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,834 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (1,114 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (338 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in East Gaffney shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 28.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in East Gaffney have an average one-way commute time of 21.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.3% of East Gaffney 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 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How East Gaffney Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in East Gaffney, SC
Compared to national averages, East Gaffney has a median household income of $26,314 (65% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $78,900, which is 68% below the national median. Monthly rent at $753 is 35% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, East Gaffney's income is 55% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 61% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in East Gaffney, SC?
East Gaffney offers affordable housing with a median home value of $78,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $753/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 21.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($26,314) that falls below the national average. However, East Gaffney’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
East Gaffney has a population of 3,169 with a median age of 41.7 years. Compare East Gaffney with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near East Gaffney
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingstree | 3,161 | $28,776 | $127,300 | Compare |
| Lakewood | 3,154 | $49,255 | $260,900 | Compare |
| Denmark | 3,141 | $33,100 | $73,000 | Compare |
| Cherryvale | 3,136 | $41,563 | $91,000 | Compare |
| Lesslie | 3,202 | $86,500 | $240,300 | Compare |
| Clearwater | 3,124 | $50,669 | $156,500 | Compare |
| North Hartsville | 3,217 | $59,990 | $99,700 | Compare |
| Saluda | 3,095 | $40,567 | $81,500 | 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 East Gaffney With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about East Gaffney
What is the population of East Gaffney, SC?
The population of East Gaffney, SC is 3,169 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 East Gaffney?
The median household income in East Gaffney, SC is $26,314 per year, which is 65% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in East Gaffney?
The median home value in East Gaffney, SC is $78,900, which is 68% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in East Gaffney?
The median monthly rent in East Gaffney, SC is $753, which is 35% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in East Gaffney?
The unemployment rate in East Gaffney, SC is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is East Gaffney, SC a good place to live?
East Gaffney offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,169 and a median age of 41.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is East Gaffney, SC?
11.3% of residents in East Gaffney 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 East Gaffney?
Key cost-of-living indicators for East Gaffney, SC: median home value is $78,900 (68% below national), median rent is $753/month, and median household income is $26,314. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in East Gaffney?
The poverty rate in East Gaffney, SC is 28.8%, 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 East Gaffney, SC?
East Gaffney's population is 0.0% White, 0.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 30.7% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.