Colleton County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 26th-largest in South Carolina
The population of Colleton County, South Carolina is 38,623 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 26th-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $48,779, the median home value is $145,900, and the median age is 42.2.
The population of Colleton County has grown 1.0% since 2010 (38,886 → 39,259), a +0.07% annualized rate.
38,623
Population
+0.07%
Annual growth
37
People / sq mi
$48,779
Median Income
$145,900
Median Home Value
Colleton County covers 1,056 sq mi of land at 36.6 people per square mile.
About Colleton County, SC
Among US counties, Colleton County stands out first on household income: a median of $48,779, below the US median of $78,538. Colleton County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 38,623. It ranks #26 among counties in South Carolina by population.
The typical household earns $48,779, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 15.9%, above the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $145,900, with typical rent around $905.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 16.7%, below the national 35.0%. Most workers commute: only 5.4% work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 36 minutes each way.
Colleton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Colleton County had a population of 38,886 in 2010 and 39,259 in 2024, a 1.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 39,259 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.07%.
39,259
Population (2024)
38,886
Population (2010)
39,259
Peak (2024)
0.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 38,886 |
| 2011 | 38,447 |
| 2012 | 38,106 |
| 2013 | 37,666 |
| 2014 | 37,529 |
| 2015 | 37,444 |
| 2016 | 37,603 |
| 2017 | 37,599 |
| 2018 | 37,731 |
| 2019 | 37,705 |
| 2020 | 38,538 |
| 2021 | 38,461 |
| 2022 | 38,618 |
| 2023 | 39,040 |
| 2024 | 39,259 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 57.7% |
| Black or African American | 34.7% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 3.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
42.2
Median Age
52.4%
Female
47.6%
Male
20.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.6% · Seniors (65+): 20.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $48,779$-18,039 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,181 |
| Per-capita income | $27,859 |
| Poverty rate | 15.9%+5.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Colleton County is professional & business services, accounting for 20.3% of workers.
How residents commute
0.2%
Drive alone
0.6%
Carpool
79.5%
Public transit
5.4%
Work from home
35.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$145,900$-90,800 vs state
Median home value
$905
Median rent
73.1%
Homeownership rate
19,994
Total housing units
79.9%
Occupied
20.1%
Vacant
26.9%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
84.5%
With health insurance
89.3%
With broadband internet
22.6%
Foreign-born
8.9%
Veterans (18+)
19.3%
With a disability
96.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
85.6%
High School+
16.7%
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
Colleton County, South Carolina has a population of 38,623 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 26th-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 37 people per square mile.
The population of Colleton County has grown 1.0% since 2010 (38,886 → 39,259), a +0.07% annualized rate.
The median household income in Colleton County, South Carolina is $48,779, with mean (average) household income of $69,181 and per-capita income of $27,859. 15.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Colleton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (57.7%), Black or African American (34.7%), Hispanic or Latino (3.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Colleton County, South Carolina is 42.2 years. Residents are 52.4% female and 47.6% male.
The median home value in Colleton County is $145,900 and median monthly rent is $905. 73.1% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 19,994 total housing units, 20.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Colleton County, South Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 20.3% of workers. The unemployment rate is 5.1%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Colleton County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
Colleton County, SC Climate
Colleton County, SC has an average annual temperature of 18.2°C (65°F) and receives about 1290 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
18.2°C
Avg Temp
1290
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9° / 47° | 100 mm |
| February | 10° / 50° | 93 mm |
| March | 14° / 57° | 112 mm |
| April | 18° / 64° | 77 mm |
| May | 22° / 71° | 108 mm |
| June | 25° / 78° | 146 mm |
| July | 27° / 81° | 155 mm |
| August | 27° / 80° | 158 mm |
| September | 24° / 75° | 113 mm |
| October | 19° / 65° | 74 mm |
| November | 14° / 57° | 62 mm |
| December | 10° / 50° | 92 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 Colleton County, SC
The most comfortable months to visit Colleton County, SC are typically October, May and April, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 2°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Colleton County
Visiting or relocating to Colleton County, SC? Compare hotels and short-term rentals across the county — live availability and prices.
Top-rated places to stay near Colleton County
Availability and prices from Stay22 partners (Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia). We may earn a commission from bookings, at no extra cost to you.
Planning a move to Colleton County?
Get relocation and cost-of-living insights for Colleton County, SC by email. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
More from South Carolina
Population 537,575
Population 418,725
Population 414,711
Population 368,937
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.