Saluda, SC
Population 3,095 · South Carolina
About Saluda, SC
Saluda is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 3,095 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,567 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 31.7 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 Saluda features a median home value of $81,500, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Saluda one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $772, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,302 total housing units, 48% are owner-occupied (574 units) and 52% are renter-occupied (622 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 Saluda shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 41.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Saluda have an average one-way commute time of 20.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
15.4% of Saluda 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 16.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, and 35.8% Asian residents, with 20.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Saluda, SC
Compared to national averages, Saluda has a median household income of $40,567 (46% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $81,500, which is 67% below the national median. Monthly rent at $772 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Saluda's income is 31% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 60% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Saluda, SC?
Saluda offers affordable housing with a median home value of $81,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $772/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,567) that falls below the national average. However, Saluda’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Saluda has a population of 3,095 with a median age of 31.7 years. Compare Saluda with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Saluda
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burnettown | 3,090 | $38,371 | $189,200 | Compare |
| Inman | 3,085 | $55,156 | $178,600 | Compare |
| Golden Grove | 3,084 | $71,694 | $161,600 | Compare |
| Clearwater | 3,124 | $50,669 | $156,500 | Compare |
| Arthurtown | 3,063 | $19,820 | $98,800 | Compare |
| Hilltop | 3,058 | $39,432 | $121,400 | Compare |
| Cherryvale | 3,136 | $41,563 | $91,000 | Compare |
| Denmark | 3,141 | $33,100 | $73,000 | 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 Saluda With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Saluda
What is the population of Saluda, SC?
The population of Saluda, SC is 3,095 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 Saluda?
The median household income in Saluda, SC is $40,567 per year, which is 46% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Saluda?
The median home value in Saluda, SC is $81,500, which is 67% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Saluda?
The median monthly rent in Saluda, SC is $772, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Saluda?
The unemployment rate in Saluda, SC is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Saluda, SC a good place to live?
Saluda offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,095 and a median age of 31.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Saluda, SC?
15.4% of residents in Saluda 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 Saluda?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Saluda, SC: median home value is $81,500 (67% below national), median rent is $772/month, and median household income is $40,567. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Saluda?
The poverty rate in Saluda, SC is 41.4%, 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 Saluda, SC?
Saluda's population is 16.5% White, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino, 4.4% Black or African American, 35.8% Asian, and 24.1% two or more races. 20.6% of residents are foreign-born.