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
Marion County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 28,900. It ranks #32 among counties in South Carolina by population. The median age is 43.0, older than the national median. The population is 46.5% male and 53.5% female.
The median household income in Marion County is $34,501, below the US median of $74,580. 18.2% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $86,800, with monthly rent averaging $663. The homeownership rate of 62.2% is lower than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Marion County reflects 13.8% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 4.5% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 28.6 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.
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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.