Oconee County, South Carolina Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 18th-largest in South Carolina
The population of Oconee County, South Carolina is 79,566 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 18th-largest county in South Carolina. The median household income is $60,193, the median home value is $217,200, and the median age is 46.7.
The population of Oconee County has grown 10.9% since 2010 (74,349 → 82,475), a +0.74% annualized rate.
79,566
Population
+0.74%
Annual growth
127
People / sq mi
$60,193
Median Income
$217,200
Median Home Value
Oconee County covers 627 sq mi of land at 127.0 people per square mile.
About Oconee County, SC
Age is the most distinctive thing about Oconee County: a median age of 46.7, older than the national median. Oconee County is a county in South Carolina with a population of 79,566. It ranks #18 among counties in South Carolina by population.
The typical household here earns about $60,193, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $217,200, with typical rent around $876.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 28.5% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.6%, and the average commute runs about 25 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Oconee County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Oconee County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Oconee County had a population of 74,349 in 2010 and 82,475 in 2024, a 10.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 82,475 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.75%.
82,475
Population (2024)
74,349
Population (2010)
82,475
Peak (2024)
0.75%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 74,349 |
| 2011 | 74,265 |
| 2012 | 74,574 |
| 2013 | 74,962 |
| 2014 | 75,254 |
| 2015 | 75,908 |
| 2016 | 76,508 |
| 2017 | 77,382 |
| 2018 | 78,215 |
| 2019 | 79,450 |
| 2020 | 78,787 |
| 2021 | 79,331 |
| 2022 | 80,223 |
| 2023 | 81,527 |
| 2024 | 82,475 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 84.7% |
| Black or African American | 6.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
46.7
Median Age
50.8%
Female
49.2%
Male
24.2%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.9% · Seniors (65+): 24.2%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $60,193$-6,625 vs state |
| Mean household income | $87,937 |
| Per-capita income | $37,575 |
| Poverty rate | 10.5%+0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Oconee County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.3%
Drive alone
1.1%
Carpool
77.5%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
24.8 min
Avg commute
Housing
$217,200$-19,500 vs state
Median home value
$876
Median rent
75.4%
Homeownership rate
41,514
Total housing units
81.1%
Occupied
18.9%
Vacant
24.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
89.6%
With health insurance
91.3%
With broadband internet
39.3%
Foreign-born
7.9%
Veterans (18+)
18.2%
With a disability
94.8%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
87.1%
High School+
28.5%
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
Oconee County, South Carolina has a population of 79,566 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 18th-largest county in South Carolina. Population density is 127 people per square mile.
The population of Oconee County has grown 10.9% since 2010 (74,349 → 82,475), a +0.74% annualized rate.
The median household income in Oconee County, South Carolina is $60,193, with mean (average) household income of $87,937 and per-capita income of $37,575. 10.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Oconee County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (84.7%), Black or African American (6.8%), 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 Oconee County, South Carolina is 46.7 years. Residents are 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
The median home value in Oconee County is $217,200 and median monthly rent is $876. 75.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 41,514 total housing units, 18.9% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Oconee County, South Carolina is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Charleston is among the largest cities associated with Oconee County, South Carolina, with a population of 152,014.
Oconee County, SC Climate
Oconee County, SC has an average annual temperature of 15.4°C (60°F) and receives about 1471 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
15.4°C
Avg Temp
1471
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5° / 41° | 143 mm |
| February | 7° / 44° | 127 mm |
| March | 11° / 52° | 153 mm |
| April | 15° / 59° | 107 mm |
| May | 19° / 67° | 128 mm |
| June | 23° / 74° | 108 mm |
| July | 26° / 78° | 118 mm |
| August | 25° / 77° | 126 mm |
| September | 22° / 71° | 111 mm |
| October | 16° / 60° | 110 mm |
| November | 11° / 51° | 117 mm |
| December | 6° / 44° | 123 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 Oconee County, SC
The most comfortable months to visit Oconee County, SC are typically September, June and May, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 32°C high). The coldest is January (near -1°C low). March is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Oconee 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.