Williston, SC
Population 2,884 · South Carolina
About Williston, SC
Williston is a small town located in South Carolina with a population of 2,884 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,968 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.6 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 Williston features a median home value of $104,000, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Williston one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $685, 41% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,480 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (707 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (671 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Williston shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 31.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Williston have an average one-way commute time of 21.9 minutes.
Education & Demographics
16.7% of Williston 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 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Williston Ranks in South Carolina
Cost of Living in Williston, SC
Compared to national averages, Williston has a median household income of $35,968 (52% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $104,000, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $685 is 41% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Carolina, Williston's income is 39% below the state average of $58,738, and home values are 49% below the state median of $202,187.
Why Live in Williston, SC?
Williston offers affordable housing with a median home value of $104,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $685/month, and short commute times averaging just 21.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,968) that falls below the national average. However, Williston’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Williston has a population of 2,884 with a median age of 45.6 years. Compare Williston with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Carolina.
Similar Cities Near Williston
Cities in South Carolina with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkwright | 2,910 | $51,458 | $111,400 | Compare |
| Dalzell | 2,949 | $52,723 | $155,000 | Compare |
| Bishopville | 2,958 | $44,015 | $105,400 | Compare |
| Bamberg | 3,036 | $27,614 | $129,500 | Compare |
| Springdale | 2,727 | $70,852 | $195,100 | Compare |
| Arcadia | 2,724 | $37,574 | $103,800 | Compare |
| Hilltop | 3,058 | $39,432 | $121,400 | Compare |
| Pine Ridge | 2,709 | $74,861 | $218,500 | 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 Williston With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Williston
What is the population of Williston, SC?
The population of Williston, SC is 2,884 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 Williston?
The median household income in Williston, SC is $35,968 per year, which is 52% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Williston?
The median home value in Williston, SC is $104,000, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Williston?
The median monthly rent in Williston, SC is $685, which is 41% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Williston?
The unemployment rate in Williston, SC is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Williston, SC a good place to live?
Williston offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,884 and a median age of 45.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Williston, SC?
16.7% of residents in Williston 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 Williston?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Williston, SC: median home value is $104,000 (58% below national), median rent is $685/month, and median household income is $35,968. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Williston?
The poverty rate in Williston, SC is 31.1%, 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 Williston, SC?
Williston's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 54.1% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.