Horry County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 4th-largest in South Carolina
The population of Horry County, South Carolina is 368,937 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 4th-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $64,623, the median home value is $260,500, and the median age is 48.2.
The population of Horry County has grown 52.9% since 2010 (270,295 → 413,391), a +3.08% annualized rate.
368,937
Population
+3.08%
Annual growth
326
People / sq mi
$64,623
Median Income
$260,500
Median Home Value
Horry County covers 1,133 sq mi of land at 325.6 people per square mile.
About Horry County, SC
Horry County is distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 58.7% of the population. With 368,937 residents, Horry County is a county in South Carolina. It is the #4-largest of all counties in South Carolina nationally.
The typical household here earns about $64,623, below the US median of $78,538. About 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. A typical home is worth $260,500, with typical rent around $1,181.
Roughly 26.6% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Around 9.9% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 23 minutes each way.
The large foreign-born share is a defining thread in Horry County, shaping language, household composition, and the labor force behind the economic figures above.
Horry County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Horry County had a population of 270,295 in 2010 and 413,391 in 2024, a 52.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 413,391 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 3.09%.
413,391
Population (2024)
270,295
Population (2010)
413,391
Peak (2024)
3.09%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 270,295 |
| 2011 | 275,545 |
| 2012 | 281,441 |
| 2013 | 289,005 |
| 2014 | 298,042 |
| 2015 | 309,350 |
| 2016 | 321,542 |
| 2017 | 333,246 |
| 2018 | 344,680 |
| 2019 | 354,418 |
| 2020 | 353,779 |
| 2021 | 366,164 |
| 2022 | 383,372 |
| 2023 | 398,374 |
| 2024 | 413,391 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 77.8% |
| Black or African American | 11.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.2
Median Age
51.6%
Female
48.4%
Male
25.7%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.2% · Seniors (65+): 25.7%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $64,623$-2,195 vs state |
| Mean household income | $84,884 |
| Per-capita income | $36,572 |
| Poverty rate | 8.6%-1.5% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 51.3% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Horry County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.5%
Drive alone
0.9%
Carpool
78.3%
Public transit
9.9%
Work from home
23.0 min
Avg commute
Housing
$260,500+$23,800 vs state
Median home value
$1,181
Median rent
75.8%
Homeownership rate
211,686
Total housing units
71.0%
Occupied
29.0%
Vacant
24.2%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
87.6%
With health insurance
95.8%
With broadband internet
58.7%
Foreign-born
9.3%
Veterans (18+)
18.1%
With a disability
91.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
91.4%
High School+
26.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in South Carolina
Other counties in South Carolina
Part of South Carolina
Metro areas in South Carolina
County rankings
Common questions about Horry County, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Horry County, South Carolina has a population of 368,937 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 4th-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 326 people per square mile.
The population of Horry County has grown 52.9% since 2010 (270,295 → 413,391), a +3.08% annualized rate.
The median household income in Horry County, South Carolina is $64,623, with mean (average) household income of $84,884 and per-capita income of $36,572. 8.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Horry County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (77.8%), Black or African American (11.9%), Hispanic or Latino (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Horry County, South Carolina is 48.2 years. Residents are 51.6% female and 48.4% male.
The median home value in Horry County is $260,500 and median monthly rent is $1,181. 75.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 211,686 total housing units, 29.0% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Horry County, South Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Horry County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
Horry County, SC Climate
Horry County, SC has an average annual temperature of 17.4°C (63°F) and receives about 1312 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
17.4°C
Avg Temp
1312
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7° / 45° | 108 mm |
| February | 9° / 48° | 89 mm |
| March | 13° / 55° | 107 mm |
| April | 17° / 62° | 74 mm |
| May | 21° / 70° | 108 mm |
| June | 25° / 76° | 127 mm |
| July | 27° / 80° | 161 mm |
| August | 26° / 79° | 165 mm |
| September | 24° / 74° | 134 mm |
| October | 18° / 64° | 80 mm |
| November | 13° / 56° | 70 mm |
| December | 9° / 48° | 89 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 Horry County, SC
The most comfortable months to visit Horry County, SC are typically May, October and April, 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). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Horry 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.