St. Matthews, SC
Population 1,626 · South Carolina
About St. Matthews, SC
St. Matthews is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 1,626 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,351 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.5 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 St. Matthews features a median home value of $146,600, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. This makes St. Matthews one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $825, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 908 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (498 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (239 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in St. Matthews shows an unemployment rate of 8.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 26.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in St. Matthews have an average one-way commute time of 19.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
29.5% of St. Matthews 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 0.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in St. Matthews, SC
Compared to national averages, St. Matthews has a median household income of $55,351 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $146,600, which is 40% below the national median. Monthly rent at $825 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, St. Matthews's income is 6% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 27% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in St. Matthews, SC?
St. Matthews offers affordable housing with a median home value of $146,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $825/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,351) that falls below the national average. However, St. Matthews’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
St. Matthews has a population of 1,626 with a median age of 50.5 years. Compare St. Matthews with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near St. Matthews
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camp Croft | 1,604 | $38,940 | $124,900 | Compare |
| Ridgeville | 1,591 | $56,134 | $183,500 | Compare |
| Awendaw | 1,574 | $70,781 | $387,500 | Compare |
| Pelzer | 1,570 | $54,886 | $170,400 | Compare |
| Bonneau Beach | 1,543 | $57,561 | $227,000 | Compare |
| Fairforest | 1,711 | $60,199 | $176,000 | Compare |
| Langley | 1,718 | $50,750 | $74,000 | Compare |
| Utica | 1,529 | $0 | $135,300 | 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 St. Matthews With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Matthews
What is the population of St. Matthews, SC?
The population of St. Matthews, SC is 1,626 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 St. Matthews?
The median household income in St. Matthews, SC is $55,351 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in St. Matthews?
The median home value in St. Matthews, SC is $146,600, which is 40% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in St. Matthews?
The median monthly rent in St. Matthews, SC is $825, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in St. Matthews?
The unemployment rate in St. Matthews, SC is 8.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is St. Matthews, SC a good place to live?
St. Matthews offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,626 and a median age of 50.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is St. Matthews, SC?
29.5% of residents in St. Matthews 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 St. Matthews?
Key cost-of-living indicators for St. Matthews, SC: median home value is $146,600 (40% below national), median rent is $825/month, and median household income is $55,351. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in St. Matthews?
The poverty rate in St. Matthews, SC is 26.0%, 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 St. Matthews, SC?
St. Matthews's population is 0.3% White, 1.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 51.0% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.