Gaffney, SC
Population 12,612 · South Carolina
About Gaffney, SC
Gaffney is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 12,612 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,214 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.8 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 Gaffney features a median home value of $141,100, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Gaffney one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $822, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,422 total housing units, 54% are owner-occupied (2,523 units) and 46% are renter-occupied (2,130 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Gaffney shows an unemployment rate of 11.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Gaffney have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.8% of 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 4.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 6.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Gaffney Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Gaffney, SC
Compared to national averages, Gaffney has a median household income of $41,214 (45% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $141,100, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $822 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Gaffney's income is 30% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 30% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Gaffney, SC?
Gaffney offers affordable housing with a median home value of $141,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $822/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,214) that falls below the national average. However, Gaffney’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Gaffney has a population of 12,612 with a median age of 32.8 years. Compare Gaffney with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Gaffney
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Springs | 12,609 | $79,798 | $230,000 | Compare |
| Parker | 12,564 | $38,607 | $121,800 | Compare |
| Orangeburg | 13,189 | $33,066 | $145,000 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 12,031 | $75,506 | $195,700 | Compare |
| Tega Cay | 13,267 | $141,037 | $494,500 | Compare |
| Irmo | 11,799 | $85,137 | $193,100 | Compare |
| James Island | 11,738 | $100,176 | $454,200 | Compare |
| Beaufort | 13,660 | $59,454 | $310,400 | 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 Gaffney With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Gaffney
What is the population of Gaffney, SC?
The population of Gaffney, SC is 12,612 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 Gaffney?
The median household income in Gaffney, SC is $41,214 per year, which is 45% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Gaffney?
The median home value in Gaffney, SC is $141,100, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Gaffney?
The median monthly rent in Gaffney, SC is $822, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Gaffney?
The unemployment rate in Gaffney, SC is 11.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Gaffney, SC a good place to live?
Gaffney offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,612 and a median age of 32.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Gaffney, SC?
21.8% of residents in 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 Gaffney?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Gaffney, SC: median home value is $141,100 (42% below national), median rent is $822/month, and median household income is $41,214. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Gaffney?
The poverty rate in Gaffney, SC is 24.8%, 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 Gaffney, SC?
Gaffney's population is 4.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 40.9% two or more races. 6.2% of residents are foreign-born.