Gaffney, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Gaffney, South Carolina is 12,612 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 49th-largest city in South Carolina. The median household income is $41,214, the median home value is $141,100, and the median age is 32.8.
The population has grown 1.1% since 2010 (12,411 → 12,546).
12,612
Population
1390
People / sq mi
$41,214
Median Income
$141,100
Median Home Value
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Gaffney covers 9.1 sq mi of land at 1390 people per square mile.
About Gaffney, SC
What sets Gaffney apart is money: median household income runs $41,214, below the US median of $78,538. Gaffney is a city in South Carolina with a population of 12,612. It ranks #49 among cities in South Carolina by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $41,214, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 19.4%, poverty is near the top of the range for US cities, above the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $141,100, with typical rent around $822.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US cities: 21.8% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.9%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 minutes each way.
Gaffney city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Gaffney city had a population of 12,411 in 2010 and 12,546 in 2024, a 1.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 12,738 in 2020. Average annual growth rate: 0.08%.
12,546
Population (2024)
12,411
Population (2010)
12,738
Peak (2020)
0.08%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 12,411 |
| 2011 | 12,465 |
| 2012 | 12,510 |
| 2013 | 12,590 |
| 2014 | 12,624 |
| 2015 | 12,614 |
| 2016 | 12,617 |
| 2017 | 12,505 |
| 2018 | 12,552 |
| 2019 | 12,609 |
| 2020 | 12,738 |
| 2021 | 12,595 |
| 2022 | 12,471 |
| 2023 | 12,547 |
| 2024 | 12,546 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 42.3% |
| Black or African American | 40.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$41,214
Median Household Income
$22,523
Per Capita Income
19.4%
Poverty Rate
6.2%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$141,100
Median Home Value
$822
Median Rent
54.2%
Owner-Occupied
Education
84.8%
High School+
21.8%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.0%
Drive Alone
77.8%
Public Transit
4.9%
Work From Home
17.9 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
22.2%
Foreign Born
91.9%
Non-English at Home
7.8%
Veterans
14.9%
With Disability
88.4%
Health Insurance
91.4%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 26.5% |
| Manufacturing | 21.4% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 10.4% |
| Retail Trade | 10.0% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.1% |
| Information | 5.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 3.4% |
| Construction | 3.4% |
| Public Administration | 1.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.1% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.8% |
Largest cities in South Carolina
Largest counties in South Carolina
Part of South Carolina
Metro areas in South Carolina
City rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Gaffney, South Carolina has a population of 12,612 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 49th-largest city in South Carolina.
The median household income in Gaffney, South Carolina is $41,214, with 19.4% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Gaffney, South Carolina is $141,100, with median monthly rent at $822 and a homeownership rate of 54.2%.
The median age in Gaffney, South Carolina is 32.8 years. The population is 47.7% male and 52.3% female.
The population has grown 1.1% since 2010 (12,411 → 12,546).
Where to stay in Gaffney
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Statewide data for South Carolina
Population, race, income, age, and trends across South Carolina
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.