Summerville, SC
Population 51,262 · South Carolina
About Summerville, SC
Summerville is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 51,262 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $78,621 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.1 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Summerville features a median home value of $295,700, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. This positions Summerville in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,414, 22% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 22,199 total housing units, 68% are owner-occupied (14,048 units) and 32% are renter-occupied (6,603 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Summerville shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 10.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Summerville have an average one-way commute time of 30.1 minutes.
Education & Demographics
31.7% of Summerville 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 3.1% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 3.2% Asian residents, with 5.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Summerville Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Summerville, SC
Compared to national averages, Summerville has a median household income of $78,621 (5% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $295,700, which is 21% above the national median. Monthly rent at $1,414 is 22% above the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Summerville's income is 34% above the state average of $58,738, and home values are 46% above the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Summerville, SC?
Summerville offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $78,621, well above the national average, and a low poverty rate of 10.3%, better than the national average.
Summerville has a population of 51,262 with a median age of 38.1 years. Compare Summerville with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Summerville
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goose Creek | 46,964 | $87,437 | $279,500 | Compare |
| Sumter | 43,065 | $53,071 | $188,400 | Compare |
| Florence | 40,205 | $56,433 | $189,800 | Compare |
| Greer | 39,191 | $80,030 | $264,300 | Compare |
| Spartanburg | 38,578 | $51,193 | $185,300 | Compare |
| Hilton Head Island | 37,805 | $96,715 | $652,100 | Compare |
| Myrtle Beach | 37,214 | $53,679 | $347,700 | Compare |
| Aiken | 32,334 | $69,837 | $261,800 | 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 Summerville With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Summerville
What is the population of Summerville, SC?
The population of Summerville, SC is 51,262 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 Summerville?
The median household income in Summerville, SC is $78,621 per year, which is 5% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Summerville?
The median home value in Summerville, SC is $295,700, which is 21% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Summerville?
The median monthly rent in Summerville, SC is $1,414, which is 22% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Summerville?
The unemployment rate in Summerville, SC is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Summerville, SC a good place to live?
Summerville offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 51,262 and a median age of 38.1, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Summerville, SC?
31.7% of residents in Summerville 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 Summerville?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Summerville, SC: median home value is $295,700 (21% above national), median rent is $1,414/month, and median household income is $78,621. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.8x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Summerville?
The poverty rate in Summerville, SC is 10.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Summerville, SC?
Summerville's population is 3.1% White, 1.8% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 3.2% Asian, and 20.1% two or more races. 5.8% of residents are foreign-born.