Sumter, SC
Population 43,065 · South Carolina
About Sumter, SC
Sumter is a mid-sized city located in South Carolina with a population of 43,065 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,071 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.3 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 Sumter features a median home value of $188,400, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Sumter in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,055, 9% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 18,742 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (9,108 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (7,172 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Sumter shows an unemployment rate of 7.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Sumter have an average one-way commute time of 20.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
28.6% of Sumter 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 4.1% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 1.4% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Sumter Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Sumter, SC
Compared to national averages, Sumter has a median household income of $53,071 (29% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $188,400, which is 23% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,055 is 9% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Sumter's income is 10% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 7% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Sumter, SC?
Sumter offers affordable housing with a median home value of $188,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,055/month, and short commute times averaging just 20.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,071) that falls below the national average. However, Sumter’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Sumter has a population of 43,065 with a median age of 33.3 years. Compare Sumter with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Sumter
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florence | 40,205 | $56,433 | $189,800 | Compare |
| Greer | 39,191 | $80,030 | $264,300 | Compare |
| Goose Creek | 46,964 | $87,437 | $279,500 | 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 |
| Summerville | 51,262 | $78,621 | $295,700 | 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 Sumter With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Sumter
What is the population of Sumter, SC?
The population of Sumter, SC is 43,065 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 Sumter?
The median household income in Sumter, SC is $53,071 per year, which is 29% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Sumter?
The median home value in Sumter, SC is $188,400, which is 23% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Sumter?
The median monthly rent in Sumter, SC is $1,055, which is 9% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Sumter?
The unemployment rate in Sumter, SC is 7.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Sumter, SC a good place to live?
Sumter offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 43,065 and a median age of 33.3, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Sumter, SC?
28.6% of residents in Sumter 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 Sumter?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Sumter, SC: median home value is $188,400 (23% below national), median rent is $1,055/month, and median household income is $53,071. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Sumter?
The poverty rate in Sumter, SC is 15.8%, 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 Sumter, SC?
Sumter's population is 4.1% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.4% Asian, and 47.4% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.