Pendleton, SC
Population 3,542 · South Carolina
About Pendleton, SC
Pendleton is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 3,542 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $60,517 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pendleton features a median home value of $236,900, which is 3% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Pendleton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $891, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,050 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (978 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (936 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pendleton shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 23.5%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pendleton have an average one-way commute time of 24.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
51.0% of Pendleton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 4.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pendleton Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Pendleton, SC
Compared to national averages, Pendleton has a median household income of $60,517 (19% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $236,900, which is 3% below the national median. Monthly rent at $891 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Pendleton's income is 3% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 17% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Pendleton, SC?
Pendleton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $236,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $891/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 51.0% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 24.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($60,517) that falls below the national average. However, Pendleton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pendleton has a population of 3,542 with a median age of 41.6 years. Compare Pendleton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Pendleton
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyboo | 3,582 | $57,725 | $198,200 | Compare |
| Roebuck | 3,468 | $51,111 | $192,800 | Compare |
| Wellford | 3,432 | $55,871 | $217,700 | Compare |
| Whitney | 3,659 | $49,181 | $136,700 | Compare |
| Pickens | 3,386 | $58,534 | $196,400 | Compare |
| Dunean | 3,716 | $50,382 | $184,400 | Compare |
| Honea Path | 3,734 | $56,304 | $123,800 | Compare |
| Liberty | 3,337 | $42,077 | $162,800 | 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 Pendleton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pendleton
What is the population of Pendleton, SC?
The population of Pendleton, SC is 3,542 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 Pendleton?
The median household income in Pendleton, SC is $60,517 per year, which is 19% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pendleton?
The median home value in Pendleton, SC is $236,900, which is 3% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pendleton?
The median monthly rent in Pendleton, SC is $891, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pendleton?
The unemployment rate in Pendleton, SC is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pendleton, SC a good place to live?
Pendleton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,542 and a median age of 41.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pendleton, SC?
51.0% of residents in Pendleton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Pendleton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pendleton, SC: median home value is $236,900 (3% below national), median rent is $891/month, and median household income is $60,517. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Pendleton?
The poverty rate in Pendleton, SC is 23.5%, 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 Pendleton, SC?
Pendleton's population is 0.0% White, 1.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 18.2% two or more races. 4.4% of residents are foreign-born.