Wagener, SC
Population 1,170 · South Carolina
About Wagener, SC
Wagener is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 1,170 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $45,753 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 50.4 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 Wagener features a median home value of $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Wagener one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $367, 68% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 583 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (356 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (175 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Wagener shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.0%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Wagener have an average one-way commute time of 28.7 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.1% of Wagener residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 2.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Wagener Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Wagener, SC
Compared to national averages, Wagener has a median household income of $45,753 (39% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $0, which is 100% below the national median. Monthly rent at $367 is 68% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Wagener's income is 22% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 100% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Wagener, SC?
Wagener offers affordable housing with a median home value of $0, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $367/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($45,753) that falls below the national average. However, Wagener’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Wagener has a population of 1,170 with a median age of 50.4 years. Compare Wagener with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Wagener
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branchville | 1,169 | $40,144 | $98,900 | Compare |
| City View | 1,172 | $37,625 | $0 | Compare |
| Conestee | 1,175 | $60,450 | $211,600 | Compare |
| Santee | 1,179 | $36,856 | $163,800 | Compare |
| Due West | 1,185 | $52,059 | $178,500 | Compare |
| Cottageville | 1,154 | $68,750 | $144,800 | Compare |
| Murphys Estates | 1,187 | $90,357 | $185,100 | Compare |
| Pelion | 1,147 | $61,250 | $148,400 | 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 Wagener With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Wagener
What is the population of Wagener, SC?
The population of Wagener, SC is 1,170 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 Wagener?
The median household income in Wagener, SC is $45,753 per year, which is 39% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Wagener?
The median home value in Wagener, SC is $0, which is 100% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Wagener?
The median monthly rent in Wagener, SC is $367, which is 68% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Wagener?
The unemployment rate in Wagener, SC is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Wagener, SC a good place to live?
Wagener offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,170 and a median age of 50.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Wagener, SC?
19.1% of residents in Wagener 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 Wagener?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Wagener, SC: median home value is $0 (100% below national), median rent is $367/month, and median household income is $45,753. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Wagener?
The poverty rate in Wagener, SC is 22.0%, 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 Wagener, SC?
Wagener's population is 0.4% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 64.0% two or more races. 2.0% of residents are foreign-born.