Fairfield County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 38th-largest in South Carolina
The population of Fairfield County, South Carolina is 20,741 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 38th-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $46,972, the median home value is $129,100, and the median age is 46.7.
The population of Fairfield County has declined 14.6% since 2010 (23,860 → 20,369), a -1.12% annualized rate.
20,741
Population
-1.12%
Annual growth
30
People / sq mi
$46,972
Median Income
$129,100
Median Home Value
Fairfield County covers 686 sq mi of land at 30.2 people per square mile.
About Fairfield County, SC
What sets Fairfield County apart is money: median household income runs $46,972, below the US median of $78,538. Fairfield County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 20,741. It ranks #38 among counties in South Carolina by population.
The typical household earns $46,972, below the US median of $78,538. Roughly 12.4% of residents fall below the poverty line, close to the national 12.4%. Property is affordable here, the median home worth $129,100, with typical rent around $910.
College attainment is 15.3%, below the national 35.0%. Just 4.3% of workers are home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 30 minutes each way.
Fairfield County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Fairfield County had a population of 23,860 in 2010 and 20,369 in 2024, a -14.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 23,860 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.11%.
20,369
Population (2024)
23,860
Population (2010)
23,860
Peak (2010)
-1.11%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 23,860 |
| 2011 | 23,591 |
| 2012 | 23,425 |
| 2013 | 23,216 |
| 2014 | 23,050 |
| 2015 | 22,899 |
| 2016 | 22,651 |
| 2017 | 22,608 |
| 2018 | 22,392 |
| 2019 | 22,322 |
| 2020 | 20,872 |
| 2021 | 20,686 |
| 2022 | 20,430 |
| 2023 | 20,392 |
| 2024 | 20,369 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 38.7% |
| Black or African American | 55.4% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.7
Median Age
51.3%
Female
48.7%
Male
23.0%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.9% · Seniors (65+): 23.0%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $46,972$-19,846 vs state |
| Mean household income | $74,173 |
| Per-capita income | $32,111 |
| Poverty rate | 12.4%+2.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 54.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Fairfield County is manufacturing, accounting for 22.1% of workers.
How residents commute
1.6%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
83.1%
Public transit
4.3%
Work from home
30.2 min
Avg commute
Housing
$129,100$-107,600 vs state
Median home value
$910
Median rent
76.0%
Homeownership rate
10,957
Total housing units
80.1%
Occupied
19.9%
Vacant
24.0%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
92.0%
With health insurance
91.3%
With broadband internet
21.4%
Foreign-born
6.7%
Veterans (18+)
18.1%
With a disability
97.7%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.6%
High School+
15.3%
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
Fairfield County, South Carolina has a population of 20,741 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 38th-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 30 people per square mile.
The population of Fairfield County has declined 14.6% since 2010 (23,860 → 20,369), a -1.12% annualized rate.
The median household income in Fairfield County, South Carolina is $46,972, with mean (average) household income of $74,173 and per-capita income of $32,111. 12.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Fairfield County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (55.4%), White (38.7%), Hispanic or Latino (1.0%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Fairfield County, South Carolina is 46.7 years. Residents are 51.3% female and 48.7% male.
The median home value in Fairfield County is $129,100 and median monthly rent is $910. 76.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 10,957 total housing units, 19.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Fairfield County, South Carolina is manufacturing, employing 22.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Fairfield County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
Fairfield County, SC Climate
Fairfield County, SC has an average annual temperature of 16.2°C (61°F) and receives about 1171 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
16.2°C
Avg Temp
1171
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° / 42° | 117 mm |
| February | 8° / 46° | 95 mm |
| March | 12° / 53° | 120 mm |
| April | 16° / 61° | 75 mm |
| May | 20° / 69° | 85 mm |
| June | 24° / 76° | 106 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 110 mm |
| August | 26° / 78° | 114 mm |
| September | 23° / 73° | 97 mm |
| October | 16° / 61° | 88 mm |
| November | 11° / 53° | 78 mm |
| December | 7° / 45° | 86 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 Fairfield County, SC
The most comfortable months to visit Fairfield County, SC are typically May, September and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 33°C high). The coldest is January (near 0°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Fairfield 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.