Greenville, SC
Population 71,755 · South Carolina
About Greenville, SC
Greenville is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 71,755 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $68,460 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.8 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 Greenville features a median home value of $453,300, which is 85% above the national median of $244,900. This places Greenville in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $1,248, 7% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 38,545 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (14,383 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (20,515 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 Greenville shows an unemployment rate of 4.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 14.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Greenville have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
55.0% of Greenville 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 2.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 7.7% of the population being foreign-born.
How Greenville Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Greenville, SC
Compared to national averages, Greenville has a median household income of $68,460 (9% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $453,300, which is 85% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,248 is 7% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Greenville's income is 17% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 124% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Greenville, SC?
Greenville offers a well-educated community where 55.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($68,460) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $453,300. However, as a mid-sized city, Greenville provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Greenville has a population of 71,755 with a median age of 34.8 years. Compare Greenville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Greenville
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rock Hill | 74,769 | $64,770 | $267,400 | Compare |
| Summerville | 51,262 | $78,621 | $295,700 | Compare |
| Mount Pleasant | 92,662 | $121,364 | $667,100 | Compare |
| Goose Creek | 46,964 | $87,437 | $279,500 | Compare |
| Sumter | 43,065 | $53,071 | $188,400 | Compare |
| Florence | 40,205 | $56,433 | $189,800 | Compare |
| Greer | 39,191 | $80,030 | $264,300 | Compare |
| Spartanburg | 38,578 | $51,193 | $185,300 | 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 Greenville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Greenville
What is the population of Greenville, SC?
The population of Greenville, SC is 71,755 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 Greenville?
The median household income in Greenville, SC is $68,460 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Greenville?
The median home value in Greenville, SC is $453,300, which is 85% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Greenville?
The median monthly rent in Greenville, SC is $1,248, which is 7% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Greenville?
The unemployment rate in Greenville, SC is 4.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Greenville, SC a good place to live?
Greenville offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 71,755 and a median age of 34.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Greenville, SC?
55.0% of residents in Greenville 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 Greenville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Greenville, SC: median home value is $453,300 (85% above national), median rent is $1,248/month, and median household income is $68,460. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Greenville?
The poverty rate in Greenville, SC is 14.1%, 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 Greenville, SC?
Greenville's population is 2.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.7% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 20.5% two or more races. 7.7% of residents are foreign-born.