Barnwell County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 39th-largest in South Carolina
The population of Barnwell County, South Carolina is 20,565 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 39th-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $41,800, the median home value is $97,200, and the median age is 40.7.
The population of Barnwell County has declined 9.5% since 2010 (22,639 → 20,495), a -0.71% annualized rate.
20,565
Population
-0.71%
Annual growth
38
People / sq mi
$41,800
Median Income
$97,200
Median Home Value
Barnwell County covers 548 sq mi of land at 37.5 people per square mile.
About Barnwell County, SC
The poverty rate is what most separates Barnwell County from the typical county: 22.7% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Barnwell County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 20,565. It ranks #39 among counties in South Carolina by population.
Incomes are among the lowest of comparable places, with a median household income of $41,800, below the US median of $78,538. Hardship is pronounced — at 22.7%, poverty is near the top of the range for US counties, above the national 12.4%. Housing costs are among the lowest of comparable places: a median home value of $97,200, with typical rent around $695.
Barnwell County is among the least college-educated US counties, at 12.8% — below the national 35.0%. Remote work is rare here (3.1%, below the national 14.0%), and the average commute runs about 28 minutes each way.
The elevated poverty rate is the context for the rest of the profile in Barnwell County: it pulls on median income, housing tenure, and the share of residents with a college degree.
Barnwell County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Barnwell County had a population of 22,639 in 2010 and 20,495 in 2024, a -9.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,639 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.71%.
20,495
Population (2024)
22,639
Population (2010)
22,639
Peak (2010)
-0.71%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 22,639 |
| 2011 | 22,463 |
| 2012 | 22,362 |
| 2013 | 22,217 |
| 2014 | 22,032 |
| 2015 | 21,791 |
| 2016 | 21,610 |
| 2017 | 21,362 |
| 2018 | 21,150 |
| 2019 | 20,924 |
| 2020 | 20,590 |
| 2021 | 20,604 |
| 2022 | 20,469 |
| 2023 | 20,448 |
| 2024 | 20,495 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 52.2% |
| Black or African American | 43.3% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.7
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
18.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.6% · Seniors (65+): 18.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $41,800$-25,018 vs state |
| Mean household income | $62,036 |
| Per-capita income | $26,141 |
| Poverty rate | 22.7%+12.6% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Barnwell County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.1% of workers.
How residents commute
2.4%
Drive alone
0.5%
Carpool
81.1%
Public transit
3.1%
Work from home
27.5 min
Avg commute
Housing
$97,200$-139,500 vs state
Median home value
$695
Median rent
71.0%
Homeownership rate
9,901
Total housing units
81.9%
Occupied
18.1%
Vacant
29.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
88.2%
With health insurance
84.2%
With broadband internet
28.3%
Foreign-born
6.7%
Veterans (18+)
19.6%
With a disability
96.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
80.8%
High School+
12.8%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in South Carolina
Other counties in South Carolina
Part of South Carolina
Metro areas in South Carolina
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Barnwell County, South Carolina has a population of 20,565 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 39th-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 38 people per square mile.
The population of Barnwell County has declined 9.5% since 2010 (22,639 → 20,495), a -0.71% annualized rate.
The median household income in Barnwell County, South Carolina is $41,800, with mean (average) household income of $62,036 and per-capita income of $26,141. 22.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Barnwell County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (52.2%), Black or African American (43.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Barnwell County, South Carolina is 40.7 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Barnwell County is $97,200 and median monthly rent is $695. 71.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,901 total housing units, 18.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Barnwell County, South Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 4.0%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Barnwell County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
More from South Carolina
Population 537,575
Population 418,725
Population 414,711
Population 368,937
Full rankings of South Carolina counties
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.