Seneca, SC
Population 8,910 · South Carolina
About Seneca, SC
Seneca is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 8,910 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $52,207 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Seneca features a median home value of $223,100, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Seneca in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $806, 31% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,420 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (2,106 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (1,889 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Seneca shows an unemployment rate of 9.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Seneca have an average one-way commute time of 17.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.2% of Seneca 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 3.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 2.6% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Seneca, SC
Compared to national averages, Seneca has a median household income of $52,207 (31% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $223,100, which is 9% below the national median. Monthly rent at $806 is 31% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Seneca's income is 11% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 10% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Seneca, SC?
Seneca offers affordable housing with a median home value of $223,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $806/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($52,207) that falls below the national average. However, Seneca’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Seneca has a population of 8,910 with a median age of 39.9 years. Compare Seneca with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Seneca
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancaster | 8,738 | $43,234 | $226,300 | Compare |
| York | 8,697 | $47,315 | $161,000 | Compare |
| Hardeeville | 9,293 | $78,233 | $467,500 | Compare |
| Sangaree | 8,517 | $77,939 | $231,900 | Compare |
| Laurens | 9,307 | $55,207 | $139,800 | Compare |
| Georgetown | 8,511 | $57,704 | $158,600 | Compare |
| Lugoff | 9,475 | $61,316 | $201,800 | Compare |
| Litchfield Beach | 9,544 | $74,451 | $409,100 | 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 Seneca With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Seneca
What is the population of Seneca, SC?
The population of Seneca, SC is 8,910 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 Seneca?
The median household income in Seneca, SC is $52,207 per year, which is 31% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Seneca?
The median home value in Seneca, SC is $223,100, which is 9% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Seneca?
The median monthly rent in Seneca, SC is $806, which is 31% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Seneca?
The unemployment rate in Seneca, SC is 9.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Seneca, SC a good place to live?
Seneca offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,910 and a median age of 39.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Seneca, SC?
29.2% of residents in Seneca 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 Seneca?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Seneca, SC: median home value is $223,100 (9% below national), median rent is $806/month, and median household income is $52,207. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.3x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Seneca?
The poverty rate in Seneca, SC is 18.8%, 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 Seneca, SC?
Seneca's population is 3.7% White, 0.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 2.6% Asian, and 18.4% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.