Cherokee County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 24th-largest in South Carolina
The population of Cherokee County, South Carolina is 56,299 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 24th-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $49,047, the median home value is $135,200, and the median age is 40.3.
The population of Cherokee County has grown 4.0% since 2010 (55,534 → 57,770), a +0.28% annualized rate.
56,299
Population
+0.28%
Annual growth
143
People / sq mi
$49,047
Median Income
$135,200
Median Home Value
Cherokee County covers 393 sq mi of land at 143.3 people per square mile.
About Cherokee County, SC
Among US counties, Cherokee County stands out first on household income: a median of $49,047, below the US median of $78,538. With 56,299 residents, Cherokee County is a county in South Carolina. It ranks #24 among counties in South Carolina by population.
Incomes run on the lower side: a median household income of $49,047, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.5% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $135,200, with typical rent around $813.
18.4% of adults 25 and older hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national average of 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.3% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
Cherokee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Cherokee County had a population of 55,534 in 2010 and 57,770 in 2024, a 4.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 57,770 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.29%.
57,770
Population (2024)
55,534
Population (2010)
57,770
Peak (2024)
0.29%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 55,534 |
| 2011 | 55,706 |
| 2012 | 55,829 |
| 2013 | 56,065 |
| 2014 | 56,361 |
| 2015 | 56,534 |
| 2016 | 56,730 |
| 2017 | 56,974 |
| 2018 | 57,198 |
| 2019 | 57,331 |
| 2020 | 56,226 |
| 2021 | 56,110 |
| 2022 | 56,186 |
| 2023 | 56,943 |
| 2024 | 57,770 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 71.2% |
| Black or African American | 18.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.3% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
40.3
Median Age
51.0%
Female
49.0%
Male
17.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.8% · Seniors (65+): 17.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $49,047$-17,771 vs state |
| Mean household income | $66,482 |
| Per-capita income | $27,175 |
| Poverty rate | 12.5%+2.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 53.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Cherokee County is manufacturing, accounting for 23.6% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.2%
Carpool
83.9%
Public transit
5.3%
Work from home
24.7 min
Avg commute
Housing
$135,200$-101,500 vs state
Median home value
$813
Median rent
73.3%
Homeownership rate
24,945
Total housing units
87.6%
Occupied
12.4%
Vacant
26.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.8%
With health insurance
90.2%
With broadband internet
27.5%
Foreign-born
7.6%
Veterans (18+)
16.6%
With a disability
94.9%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.5%
High School+
18.4%
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
Cherokee County, South Carolina has a population of 56,299 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 24th-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 143 people per square mile.
The population of Cherokee County has grown 4.0% since 2010 (55,534 → 57,770), a +0.28% annualized rate.
The median household income in Cherokee County, South Carolina is $49,047, with mean (average) household income of $66,482 and per-capita income of $27,175. 12.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Cherokee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (71.2%), Black or African American (18.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.3%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Cherokee County, South Carolina is 40.3 years. Residents are 51.0% female and 49.0% male.
The median home value in Cherokee County is $135,200 and median monthly rent is $813. 73.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 24,945 total housing units, 12.4% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Cherokee County, South Carolina is manufacturing, employing 23.6% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.6%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Cherokee County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
Cherokee County, SC Climate
Cherokee County, SC has an average annual temperature of 15.4°C (60°F) and receives about 1268 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.4°C
Avg Temp
1268
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4° / 40° | 109 mm |
| February | 7° / 44° | 107 mm |
| March | 11° / 51° | 130 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 85 mm |
| May | 20° / 67° | 108 mm |
| June | 24° / 75° | 109 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 113 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 114 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 100 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 101 mm |
| November | 10° / 51° | 90 mm |
| December | 6° / 43° | 102 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Cherokee County, SC
The most comfortable months to visit Cherokee County, SC are typically September, May and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -2°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Cherokee County
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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.