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
Barnwell County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 20,565. It ranks #39 among counties in South Carolina by population. The median age is 40.7, older than the national median. The population is 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The median household income in Barnwell County is $41,800, below the US median of $74,580. 22.7% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $97,200, with monthly rent averaging $695. The homeownership rate of 71.0% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Barnwell County reflects 12.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 3.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 27.5 minutes each way.
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
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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.