Marion County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 32nd-largest in South Carolina
The population of Marion County, South Carolina is 28,900 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 32nd-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $34,501, the median home value is $86,800, and the median age is 43.0.
The population of Marion County has declined 13.9% since 2010 (32,951 → 28,368), a -1.06% annualized rate.
28,900
Population
-1.06%
Annual growth
59
People / sq mi
$34,501
Median Income
$86,800
Median Home Value
Marion County covers 489 sq mi of land at 59.1 people per square mile.
About Marion County, SC
Among US counties, Marion County stands out first on household income: a median of $34,501, below the US median of $78,538. Marion County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 28,900. It ranks #32 among counties in South Carolina by population.
Money is tight relative to the rest of US counties: the median household earns just $34,501, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US counties: 18.2%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $86,800, with typical rent around $663.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 13.8%, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is on the lower side here, at 4.5%, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 29 minutes each way.
Marion County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Marion County had a population of 32,951 in 2010 and 28,368 in 2024, a -13.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 32,951 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.06%.
28,368
Population (2024)
32,951
Population (2010)
32,951
Peak (2010)
-1.06%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 32,951 |
| 2011 | 32,774 |
| 2012 | 32,398 |
| 2013 | 32,075 |
| 2014 | 31,947 |
| 2015 | 31,769 |
| 2016 | 31,772 |
| 2017 | 31,288 |
| 2018 | 30,989 |
| 2019 | 30,565 |
| 2020 | 29,082 |
| 2021 | 28,853 |
| 2022 | 28,494 |
| 2023 | 28,522 |
| 2024 | 28,368 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 38.5% |
| Black or African American | 55.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.1% |
Age & Sex
43.0
Median Age
53.5%
Female
46.5%
Male
21.1%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 18.4% · Seniors (65+): 21.1%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $34,501$-32,317 vs state |
| Mean household income | $51,626 |
| Per-capita income | $22,676 |
| Poverty rate | 18.2%+8.1% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Employment-to-population | 46.8% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Marion County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
1.0%
Carpool
85.0%
Public transit
4.5%
Work from home
28.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$86,800$-149,900 vs state
Median home value
$663
Median rent
62.2%
Homeownership rate
14,418
Total housing units
81.8%
Occupied
18.2%
Vacant
37.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
86.2%
With health insurance
83.7%
With broadband internet
18.4%
Foreign-born
5.9%
Veterans (18+)
17.1%
With a disability
96.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
84.0%
High School+
13.8%
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
Marion County, South Carolina has a population of 28,900 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 32nd-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 59 people per square mile.
The population of Marion County has declined 13.9% since 2010 (32,951 → 28,368), a -1.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Marion County, South Carolina is $34,501, with mean (average) household income of $51,626 and per-capita income of $22,676. 18.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Marion County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are Black or African American (55.8%), White (38.5%), Hispanic or Latino (1.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Marion County, South Carolina is 43.0 years. Residents are 53.5% female and 46.5% male.
The median home value in Marion County is $86,800 and median monthly rent is $663. 62.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 14,418 total housing units, 18.2% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Marion County, South Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.9%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Marion County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
More from South Carolina
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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.