Orangeburg, SC
Population 13,189 · South Carolina
About Orangeburg, SC
Orangeburg is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 13,189 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $33,066 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Orangeburg features a median home value of $145,000, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Orangeburg one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $765, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 6,219 total housing units, 45% are owner-occupied (2,222 units) and 55% are renter-occupied (2,735 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 Orangeburg shows an unemployment rate of 11.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 31.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Orangeburg have an average one-way commute time of 23.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
27.2% of Orangeburg residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.2% Asian residents, with 1.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Orangeburg Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Orangeburg, SC
Compared to national averages, Orangeburg has a median household income of $33,066 (56% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $145,000, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $765 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Orangeburg's income is 44% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 28% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Orangeburg, SC?
Orangeburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $145,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $765/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($33,066) that falls below the national average. However, Orangeburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Orangeburg has a population of 13,189 with a median age of 37.4 years. Compare Orangeburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Orangeburg
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tega Cay | 13,267 | $141,037 | $494,500 | Compare |
| Beaufort | 13,660 | $59,454 | $310,400 | Compare |
| Cayce | 13,718 | $58,095 | $158,900 | Compare |
| Gaffney | 12,612 | $41,214 | $141,100 | Compare |
| Boiling Springs | 12,609 | $79,798 | $230,000 | Compare |
| Parker | 12,564 | $38,607 | $121,800 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 12,031 | $75,506 | $195,700 | Compare |
| Moncks Corner | 14,362 | $91,516 | $312,800 | 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 Orangeburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Orangeburg
What is the population of Orangeburg, SC?
The population of Orangeburg, SC is 13,189 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 Orangeburg?
The median household income in Orangeburg, SC is $33,066 per year, which is 56% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Orangeburg?
The median home value in Orangeburg, SC is $145,000, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Orangeburg?
The median monthly rent in Orangeburg, SC is $765, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Orangeburg?
The unemployment rate in Orangeburg, SC is 11.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Orangeburg, SC a good place to live?
Orangeburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 13,189 and a median age of 37.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Orangeburg, SC?
27.2% of residents in Orangeburg 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 Orangeburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Orangeburg, SC: median home value is $145,000 (41% below national), median rent is $765/month, and median household income is $33,066. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Orangeburg?
The poverty rate in Orangeburg, SC is 31.5%, 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 Orangeburg, SC?
Orangeburg's population is 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, and 73.9% two or more races. 1.4% of residents are foreign-born.