Pelzer, SC
Population 1,570 · South Carolina
About Pelzer, SC
Pelzer is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 1,570 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,886 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pelzer features a median home value of $170,400, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Pelzer in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,036, 11% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 815 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (534 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (199 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pelzer shows an unemployment rate of 8.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pelzer have an average one-way commute time of 30.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
24.8% of Pelzer 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 0.7% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 6.1% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Pelzer, SC
Compared to national averages, Pelzer has a median household income of $54,886 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $170,400, which is 30% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,036 is 11% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Pelzer's income is 7% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 16% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Pelzer, SC?
Pelzer offers affordable housing with a median home value of $170,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,036/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,886) that falls below the national average. However, Pelzer’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pelzer has a population of 1,570 with a median age of 40 years. Compare Pelzer with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Pelzer
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awendaw | 1,574 | $70,781 | $387,500 | Compare |
| Ridgeville | 1,591 | $56,134 | $183,500 | Compare |
| Bonneau Beach | 1,543 | $57,561 | $227,000 | Compare |
| Camp Croft | 1,604 | $38,940 | $124,900 | Compare |
| Utica | 1,529 | $0 | $135,300 | Compare |
| St. Matthews | 1,626 | $55,351 | $146,600 | Compare |
| Cane Savannah | 1,497 | $0 | $162,500 | Compare |
| Chesterfield | 1,497 | $48,167 | $161,000 | 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 Pelzer With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pelzer
What is the population of Pelzer, SC?
The population of Pelzer, SC is 1,570 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 Pelzer?
The median household income in Pelzer, SC is $54,886 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pelzer?
The median home value in Pelzer, SC is $170,400, which is 30% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pelzer?
The median monthly rent in Pelzer, SC is $1,036, which is 11% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pelzer?
The unemployment rate in Pelzer, SC is 8.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Pelzer, SC a good place to live?
Pelzer offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,570 and a median age of 40, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pelzer, SC?
24.8% of residents in Pelzer 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 Pelzer?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pelzer, SC: median home value is $170,400 (30% below national), median rent is $1,036/month, and median household income is $54,886. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pelzer?
The poverty rate in Pelzer, SC is 25.9%, 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 Pelzer, SC?
Pelzer's population is 0.7% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 6.1% Asian, and 0.8% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.