Ware Shoals, SC
Population 2,207 · South Carolina
About Ware Shoals, SC
Ware Shoals is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 2,207 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,896 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.2 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 Ware Shoals features a median home value of $63,600, which is 74% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ware Shoals one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $881, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,044 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (485 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (306 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ware Shoals shows an unemployment rate of 2.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 51.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Ware Shoals have an average one-way commute time of 30.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.0% of Ware Shoals 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 8.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ware Shoals Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Ware Shoals, SC
Compared to national averages, Ware Shoals has a median household income of $35,896 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $63,600, which is 74% below the national median. Monthly rent at $881 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Ware Shoals's income is 39% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 69% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Ware Shoals, SC?
Ware Shoals offers affordable housing with a median home value of $63,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $881/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.0%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,896) that falls below the national average. However, Ware Shoals’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ware Shoals has a population of 2,207 with a median age of 32.2 years. Compare Ware Shoals with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Ware Shoals
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judson | 2,201 | $33,600 | $93,700 | Compare |
| Riverview | 2,215 | $131,158 | $484,800 | Compare |
| Kiawah Island | 2,196 | $236,607 | $1,723,200 | Compare |
| Kershaw | 2,220 | $58,077 | $145,800 | Compare |
| Graniteville | 2,176 | $29,495 | $103,900 | Compare |
| Westminster | 2,244 | $38,393 | $175,600 | Compare |
| Pacolet | 2,164 | $46,120 | $94,100 | Compare |
| Watts Mills | 2,250 | $47,192 | $0 | 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 Ware Shoals With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ware Shoals
What is the population of Ware Shoals, SC?
The population of Ware Shoals, SC is 2,207 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 Ware Shoals?
The median household income in Ware Shoals, SC is $35,896 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ware Shoals?
The median home value in Ware Shoals, SC is $63,600, which is 74% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ware Shoals?
The median monthly rent in Ware Shoals, SC is $881, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ware Shoals?
The unemployment rate in Ware Shoals, SC is 2.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ware Shoals, SC a good place to live?
Ware Shoals offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 2,207 and a median age of 32.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Ware Shoals, SC?
9.0% of residents in Ware Shoals 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 Ware Shoals?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ware Shoals, SC: median home value is $63,600 (74% below national), median rent is $881/month, and median household income is $35,896. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ware Shoals?
The poverty rate in Ware Shoals, SC is 51.2%, 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 Ware Shoals, SC?
Ware Shoals's population is 8.7% White, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.8% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 19.8% two or more races. 1.0% of residents are foreign-born.