Olympia, SC
Population 1,301 · South Carolina
About Olympia, SC
Olympia is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 1,301 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.8 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 Olympia features a median home value of $189,200, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Olympia in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,214, 4% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 554 total housing units, 17% are owner-occupied (76 units) and 83% are renter-occupied (364 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 Olympia shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 86.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Olympia have an average one-way commute time of 26.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
2.2% of Olympia 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 17.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 5.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Olympia, SC
Compared to national averages, Olympia has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $189,200, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,214 is 4% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Olympia's income is 100% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 6% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Olympia, SC?
Olympia offers affordable housing with a median home value of $189,200, below the US average of $244,900.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average. However, Olympia’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Olympia has a population of 1,301 with a median age of 21.8 years. Compare Olympia with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Olympia
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Latta | 1,301 | $45,500 | $106,000 | Compare |
| West Pelzer | 1,276 | $53,125 | $125,700 | Compare |
| Edmund | 1,274 | $35,750 | $100,200 | Compare |
| Meggett | 1,274 | $96,032 | $594,800 | Compare |
| Whitmire | 1,241 | $32,188 | $51,900 | Compare |
| Buffalo | 1,232 | $21,831 | $44,400 | Compare |
| Joanna | 1,375 | $42,169 | $107,800 | Compare |
| Catawba | 1,225 | $55,385 | $198,100 | 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 Olympia With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Olympia
What is the population of Olympia, SC?
The population of Olympia, SC is 1,301 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 Olympia?
The median household income in Olympia, SC is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Olympia?
The median home value in Olympia, SC is $189,200, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Olympia?
The median monthly rent in Olympia, SC is $1,214, which is 4% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Olympia?
The unemployment rate in Olympia, SC is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Olympia, SC a good place to live?
Olympia offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,301 and a median age of 21.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Olympia, SC?
2.2% of residents in Olympia 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 Olympia?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Olympia, SC: median home value is $189,200 (23% below national), median rent is $1,214/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Olympia?
The poverty rate in Olympia, SC is 86.2%, 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 Olympia, SC?
Olympia's population is 17.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.9% two or more races. 5.0% of residents are foreign-born.