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
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 median age is 42.2, older than the national median. The population is 47.6% male and 52.4% female.
The median household income in Colleton County is $48,779, below the US median of $74,580. 15.9% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $145,900, with monthly rent averaging $905. The homeownership rate of 73.1% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Colleton County reflects 16.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 5.4% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 35.6 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.
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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.