Pickens, SC
Population 3,386 · South Carolina
About Pickens, SC
Pickens is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 3,386 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,534 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Pickens features a median home value of $196,400, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Pickens in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $874, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,452 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (803 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (385 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Pickens shows an unemployment rate of 1.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Pickens have an average one-way commute time of 38.1 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
14.0% of Pickens 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 1.0% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 1.9% of the population being foreign-born.
How Pickens Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Pickens, SC
Compared to national averages, Pickens has a median household income of $58,534 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $196,400, which is 20% below the national median. Monthly rent at $874 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Pickens's income is 0% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 3% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Pickens, SC?
Pickens offers affordable housing with a median home value of $196,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $874/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,534) that falls below the national average. However, Pickens’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Pickens has a population of 3,386 with a median age of 38.4 years. Compare Pickens with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Pickens
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellford | 3,432 | $55,871 | $217,700 | Compare |
| Liberty | 3,337 | $42,077 | $162,800 | Compare |
| Winnsboro | 3,332 | $35,649 | $122,200 | Compare |
| Keowee Key | 3,307 | $118,668 | $512,000 | Compare |
| Roebuck | 3,468 | $51,111 | $192,800 | Compare |
| Pendleton | 3,542 | $60,517 | $236,900 | Compare |
| North Hartsville | 3,217 | $59,990 | $99,700 | Compare |
| Lesslie | 3,202 | $86,500 | $240,300 | 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 Pickens With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Pickens
What is the population of Pickens, SC?
The population of Pickens, SC is 3,386 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 Pickens?
The median household income in Pickens, SC is $58,534 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Pickens?
The median home value in Pickens, SC is $196,400, which is 20% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Pickens?
The median monthly rent in Pickens, SC is $874, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Pickens?
The unemployment rate in Pickens, SC is 1.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Pickens, SC a good place to live?
Pickens offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,386 and a median age of 38.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Pickens, SC?
14.0% of residents in Pickens 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 Pickens?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Pickens, SC: median home value is $196,400 (20% below national), median rent is $874/month, and median household income is $58,534. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Pickens?
The poverty rate in Pickens, SC is 16.7%, 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 Pickens, SC?
Pickens's population is 1.0% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 2.2% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 13.4% two or more races. 1.9% of residents are foreign-born.