Fairforest, SC
Population 1,711 · South Carolina
About Fairforest, SC
Fairforest is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 1,711 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,199 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.8 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 Fairforest features a median home value of $176,000, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Fairforest in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $696, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 728 total housing units, 79% are owner-occupied (464 units) and 21% are renter-occupied (125 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Fairforest shows an unemployment rate of 10.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Fairforest have an average one-way commute time of 18.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
3.4% of Fairforest 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 22.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 25.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Fairforest, SC
Compared to national averages, Fairforest has a median household income of $60,199 (20% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $176,000, which is 28% below the national median. Monthly rent at $696 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Fairforest's income is 2% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 13% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Fairforest, SC?
Fairforest offers affordable housing with a median home value of $176,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $696/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,199) that falls below the national average. However, Fairforest’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Fairforest has a population of 1,711 with a median age of 43.8 years. Compare Fairforest with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Fairforest
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Langley | 1,718 | $50,750 | $74,000 | Compare |
| Eureka Mill | 1,732 | $35,980 | $177,100 | Compare |
| Great Falls | 1,741 | $30,475 | $59,400 | Compare |
| Blackville | 1,778 | $26,100 | $73,100 | Compare |
| Jackson | 1,782 | $37,067 | $192,000 | Compare |
| St. Matthews | 1,626 | $55,351 | $146,600 | Compare |
| Irwin | 1,801 | $53,795 | $169,100 | Compare |
| South Sumter | 1,808 | $42,708 | $69,100 | 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 Fairforest With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Fairforest
What is the population of Fairforest, SC?
The population of Fairforest, SC is 1,711 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 Fairforest?
The median household income in Fairforest, SC is $60,199 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Fairforest?
The median home value in Fairforest, SC is $176,000, which is 28% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Fairforest?
The median monthly rent in Fairforest, SC is $696, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Fairforest?
The unemployment rate in Fairforest, SC is 10.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Fairforest, SC a good place to live?
Fairforest offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,711 and a median age of 43.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Fairforest, SC?
3.4% of residents in Fairforest 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 Fairforest?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Fairforest, SC: median home value is $176,000 (28% below national), median rent is $696/month, and median household income is $60,199. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Fairforest?
The poverty rate in Fairforest, SC is 22.0%, 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 Fairforest, SC?
Fairforest's population is 22.9% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 4.0% two or more races. 25.4% of residents are foreign-born.