Parker, SC
Population 12,564 · South Carolina
About Parker, SC
Parker is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 12,564 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,607 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.8 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 Parker features a median home value of $121,800, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Parker one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $1,066, 8% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,506 total housing units, 41% are owner-occupied (2,055 units) and 59% are renter-occupied (2,957 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 Parker shows an unemployment rate of 5.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 29.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Parker have an average one-way commute time of 23.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.0% of Parker 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, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, and 12.8% Asian residents, with 18.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Parker, SC
Compared to national averages, Parker has a median household income of $38,607 (49% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $121,800, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,066 is 8% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Parker's income is 34% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 40% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Parker, SC?
Parker offers affordable housing with a median home value of $121,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,066/month, and short commute times averaging just 23.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,607) that falls below the national average. However, Parker’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Parker has a population of 12,564 with a median age of 31.8 years. Compare Parker with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Parker
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling Springs | 12,609 | $79,798 | $230,000 | Compare |
| Gaffney | 12,612 | $41,214 | $141,100 | Compare |
| Oak Grove | 12,031 | $75,506 | $195,700 | Compare |
| Orangeburg | 13,189 | $33,066 | $145,000 | 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 Parker With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Parker
What is the population of Parker, SC?
The population of Parker, SC is 12,564 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 Parker?
The median household income in Parker, SC is $38,607 per year, which is 49% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Parker?
The median home value in Parker, SC is $121,800, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Parker?
The median monthly rent in Parker, SC is $1,066, which is 8% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Parker?
The unemployment rate in Parker, SC is 5.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Parker, SC a good place to live?
Parker offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 12,564 and a median age of 31.8, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Parker, SC?
15.0% of residents in Parker 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 Parker?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Parker, SC: median home value is $121,800 (50% below national), median rent is $1,066/month, and median household income is $38,607. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Parker?
The poverty rate in Parker, SC is 29.2%, 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 Parker, SC?
Parker's population is 17.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 1.4% Black or African American, 12.8% Asian, and 21.4% two or more races. 18.2% of residents are foreign-born.