Santee, SC
Population 1,179 · South Carolina
About Santee, SC
Santee is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 1,179 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,856 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.6 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 Santee features a median home value of $163,800, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Santee in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $733, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 498 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (277 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (150 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Santee shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 37.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Santee have an average one-way commute time of 25.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
26.2% of Santee 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 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Santee Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Santee, SC
Compared to national averages, Santee has a median household income of $36,856 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $163,800, which is 33% below the national median. Monthly rent at $733 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Santee's income is 37% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 19% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Santee, SC?
Santee offers affordable housing with a median home value of $163,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $733/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,856) that falls below the national average. However, Santee’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Santee has a population of 1,179 with a median age of 51.6 years. Compare Santee with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Santee
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conestee | 1,175 | $60,450 | $211,600 | Compare |
| Due West | 1,185 | $52,059 | $178,500 | Compare |
| City View | 1,172 | $37,625 | $0 | Compare |
| Murphys Estates | 1,187 | $90,357 | $185,100 | Compare |
| Wagener | 1,170 | $45,753 | $0 | Compare |
| Branchville | 1,169 | $40,144 | $98,900 | Compare |
| Prosperity | 1,198 | $58,276 | $138,400 | Compare |
| Cottageville | 1,154 | $68,750 | $144,800 | 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 Santee With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Santee
What is the population of Santee, SC?
The population of Santee, SC is 1,179 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 Santee?
The median household income in Santee, SC is $36,856 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Santee?
The median home value in Santee, SC is $163,800, which is 33% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Santee?
The median monthly rent in Santee, SC is $733, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Santee?
The unemployment rate in Santee, SC is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Santee, SC a good place to live?
Santee offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,179 and a median age of 51.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Santee, SC?
26.2% of residents in Santee 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 Santee?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Santee, SC: median home value is $163,800 (33% below national), median rent is $733/month, and median household income is $36,856. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.4x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Santee?
The poverty rate in Santee, SC is 37.8%, 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 Santee, SC?
Santee's population is 0.0% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 72.0% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.