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
Cherokee County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 56,299. It ranks #24 among counties in South Carolina by population. The median age is 40.3, older than the national median. The population is 49.0% male and 51.0% female.
The median household income in Cherokee County is $49,047, below the US median of $74,580. 12.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $135,200, with monthly rent averaging $813. The homeownership rate of 73.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Cherokee County reflects 18.4% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.3% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 24.7 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.
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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.