Spartanburg, SC
Population 38,578 · South Carolina
About Spartanburg, SC
Spartanburg is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 38,578 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $51,193 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 35.6 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 Spartanburg features a median home value of $185,300, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Spartanburg in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,043, 10% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 17,586 total housing units, 53% are owner-occupied (8,504 units) and 47% are renter-occupied (7,434 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Spartanburg shows an unemployment rate of 7.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Spartanburg have an average one-way commute time of 20.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
33.3% of Spartanburg 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 2.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, and 1.8% Asian residents, with 5.2% of the population being foreign-born.
How Spartanburg Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Spartanburg, SC
Compared to national averages, Spartanburg has a median household income of $51,193 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $185,300, which is 24% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,043 is 10% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Spartanburg's income is 13% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 8% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Spartanburg, SC?
Spartanburg offers affordable housing with a median home value of $185,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,043/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($51,193) that falls below the national average. However, Spartanburg’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Spartanburg has a population of 38,578 with a median age of 35.6 years. Compare Spartanburg with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Spartanburg
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greer | 39,191 | $80,030 | $264,300 | Compare |
| Hilton Head Island | 37,805 | $96,715 | $652,100 | Compare |
| Myrtle Beach | 37,214 | $53,679 | $347,700 | Compare |
| Florence | 40,205 | $56,433 | $189,800 | Compare |
| Sumter | 43,065 | $53,071 | $188,400 | Compare |
| Aiken | 32,334 | $69,837 | $261,800 | Compare |
| Bluffton | 31,323 | $105,463 | $444,500 | Compare |
| Goose Creek | 46,964 | $87,437 | $279,500 | 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 Spartanburg With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Spartanburg
What is the population of Spartanburg, SC?
The population of Spartanburg, SC is 38,578 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in South Carolina.
What is the median household income in Spartanburg?
The median household income in Spartanburg, SC is $51,193 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Spartanburg?
The median home value in Spartanburg, SC is $185,300, which is 24% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Spartanburg?
The median monthly rent in Spartanburg, SC is $1,043, which is 10% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Spartanburg?
The unemployment rate in Spartanburg, SC is 7.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Spartanburg, SC a good place to live?
Spartanburg offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 38,578 and a median age of 35.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Spartanburg, SC?
33.3% of residents in Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Spartanburg, SC: median home value is $185,300 (24% below national), median rent is $1,043/month, and median household income is $51,193. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Spartanburg?
The poverty rate in Spartanburg, SC is 24.1%, 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 Spartanburg, SC?
Spartanburg's population is 2.9% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 1.7% Black or African American, 1.8% Asian, and 42.1% two or more races. 5.2% of residents are foreign-born.