Pelion, SC
Population 1,147 · South Carolina
About Pelion, SC
Pelion is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 1,147 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $61,250 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pelion features a median home value of $148,400, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Pelion in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $850, 27% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 394 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (324 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (49 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pelion shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pelion have an average one-way commute time of 32.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
22.5% of Pelion 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 0.0% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pelion, SC
Compared to national averages, Pelion has a median household income of $61,250 (18% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $148,400, which is 39% below the national median. Monthly rent at $850 is 27% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Pelion's income is 4% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 27% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Pelion, SC?
Pelion offers affordable housing with a median home value of $148,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $850/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($61,250) that falls below the national average. However, Pelion’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pelion has a population of 1,147 with a median age of 50 years. Compare Pelion with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Pelion
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Lawn | 1,144 | $54,141 | $189,000 | Compare |
| Cottageville | 1,154 | $68,750 | $144,800 | Compare |
| Beech Island | 1,139 | $31,996 | $105,400 | Compare |
| Gadsden | 1,131 | $54,464 | $98,300 | Compare |
| Branchville | 1,169 | $40,144 | $98,900 | Compare |
| Wagener | 1,170 | $45,753 | $0 | Compare |
| City View | 1,172 | $37,625 | $0 | Compare |
| Conestee | 1,175 | $60,450 | $211,600 | 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 Pelion With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pelion
What is the population of Pelion, SC?
The population of Pelion, SC is 1,147 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 Pelion?
The median household income in Pelion, SC is $61,250 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pelion?
The median home value in Pelion, SC is $148,400, which is 39% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pelion?
The median monthly rent in Pelion, SC is $850, which is 27% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pelion?
The unemployment rate in Pelion, SC is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pelion, SC a good place to live?
Pelion offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,147 and a median age of 50, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Pelion, SC?
22.5% of residents in Pelion 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 Pelion?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pelion, SC: median home value is $148,400 (39% below national), median rent is $850/month, and median household income is $61,250. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pelion?
The poverty rate in Pelion, SC is 15.0%, 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 Pelion, SC?
Pelion's population is 0.0% White, 2.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 4.4% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.