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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 43.1% of the population. Berkeley County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 238,723. That makes it one of the ten largest counties in South Carolina in the country, at #8 by population.
Median household income is $82,327, near the US median of $78,538. Poverty runs at 8.0%, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $280,300, with typical rent around $1,518.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 29.9% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. A solid 10.2% of workers are based at home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Berkeley County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
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.