Berkeley County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 8th-largest in South Carolina
The population of Berkeley County, South Carolina is 238,723 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 8th-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $82,327, the median home value is $280,300, and the median age is 36.7.
The population of Berkeley County has grown 47.2% since 2010 (179,492 → 264,276), a +2.80% annualized rate.
238,723
Population
+2.80%
Annual growth
216
People / sq mi
$82,327
Median Income
$280,300
Median Home Value
Berkeley County covers 1,104 sq mi of land at 216.3 people per square mile.
About Berkeley County, SC
Berkeley County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 238,723. It ranks #8 among counties in South Carolina by population. The median age is 36.7, younger than the national median. The population is 49.8% male and 50.2% female.
The median household income in Berkeley County is $82,327, above the US median of $74,580. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $280,300, with monthly rent averaging $1,518. The homeownership rate of 74.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Berkeley County reflects 29.9% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.2% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 29.1 minutes each way.
Berkeley County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Berkeley County had a population of 179,492 in 2010 and 264,276 in 2024, a 47.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 264,276 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 2.80%.
264,276
Population (2024)
179,492
Population (2010)
264,276
Peak (2024)
2.80%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 179,492 |
| 2011 | 183,833 |
| 2012 | 189,696 |
| 2013 | 194,171 |
| 2014 | 198,485 |
| 2015 | 203,313 |
| 2016 | 208,798 |
| 2017 | 214,938 |
| 2018 | 221,841 |
| 2019 | 228,952 |
| 2020 | 231,508 |
| 2021 | 236,852 |
| 2022 | 245,249 |
| 2023 | 256,123 |
| 2024 | 264,276 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 63.1% |
| Black or African American | 23.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.7% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
36.7
Median Age
50.2%
Female
49.8%
Male
14.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 19.8% · Seniors (65+): 14.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $82,327+$15,509 vs state |
| Mean household income | $102,485 |
| Per-capita income | $39,727 |
| Poverty rate | 8.0%-2.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 59.9% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Berkeley County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.0% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.9%
Carpool
78.5%
Public transit
10.2%
Work from home
29.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$280,300+$43,600 vs state
Median home value
$1,518
Median rent
74.1%
Homeownership rate
97,512
Total housing units
92.7%
Occupied
7.3%
Vacant
25.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
90.1%
With health insurance
95.2%
With broadband internet
43.1%
Foreign-born
12.5%
Veterans (18+)
13.3%
With a disability
90.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
90.6%
High School+
29.9%
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
Berkeley County, South Carolina has a population of 238,723 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 8th-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 216 people per square mile.
The population of Berkeley County has grown 47.2% since 2010 (179,492 → 264,276), a +2.80% annualized rate.
The median household income in Berkeley County, South Carolina is $82,327, with mean (average) household income of $102,485 and per-capita income of $39,727. 8.0% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Berkeley County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (63.1%), Black or African American (23.2%), Hispanic or Latino (1.7%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Berkeley County, South Carolina is 36.7 years. Residents are 50.2% female and 49.8% male.
The median home value in Berkeley County is $280,300 and median monthly rent is $1,518. 74.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 97,512 total housing units, 7.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Berkeley County, South Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.0% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.3%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Berkeley 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.